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The Decisions That Shape a Life

Every meaningful life is shaped by decisions.

• Some decisions affect your work.
• Some affect your family.
• Some affect your future.

But at their core, decisions are personal. They shape who you are, what you believe, and the direction your life ultimately takes.

Wise people understand that major decisions should not be made carelessly.

In business, a lack of clarity can cost years of time, significant resources, and lasting opportunity.

The same is true in life. But there is an even greater decision many people never seriously consider:

Where will I spend eternity?

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Proverbs 14:12

Two Paths Before You

Jesus said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Matthew 7:13–14

Every person is on a path. One path leads to life. The other leads to separation from God.

This is not simply a matter of opinion. It is a reality that every person will face.

The Truth About Our Condition

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

The Bible teaches that every one of us has sinned. We have all fallen short of God’s perfect standard.

Sin is disobedience to God. It is doing what God has commanded us not to do, and failing to do what God has commanded us to do.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4

Sin Has a Consequence

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”Hebrews 9:27

This is not only physical death. It is eternal separation from God.

No amount of success, morality, religion, or effort can remove sin. You cannot afford to be wrong about eternity.

God’s Answer: Jesus Christ

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

This is the Gospel. Jesus Christ, the Son of God:

• Lived a sinless life
• Died on the cross for your sins
• Was buried
• Rose again the third day

He paid the full price.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12

Salvation Is a Gift

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”Ephesians 2:8–9

You cannot earn Heaven. You cannot undo your past. You cannot work your way to God. Salvation is not something you build. It is something you receive.

Repentance and Faith

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”Luke 13:3

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of heart. It means turning from sin and from trusting yourself and turning to God.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Romans 10:13

Faith means trusting Jesus Christ alone. Not religion. Not good works. Not your own effort. Christ alone.

A Sure Hope

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”Hebrews 6:19

This hope is not uncertain or temporary. It is a sure and steady hope, anchored in Jesus Christ and in what He has already done.

Hope is not found in what we can do. Hope is found in what Christ has done.

A Personal Response

If you understand that you are a sinner, and believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again, you can call upon Him today.

You might pray something like this:

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again. I turn from my sin and place my trust in Him alone. Please forgive me and save me.”

It is not the prayer that saves you. It is a sincere heart of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Christ is the answer.

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