SALVATION

The Paul Anderson Youth Home was founded 50 years ago by Paul and Glenda Anderson, who professed faith in Jesus Christ as the only means of enjoying a restored relationship with God. That faith foundation has proved to be strong and true. In fact, the only way we are able to offer life change and lasting transformation to the young men we serve is through the good news of the gospel. Here’s the truth that has changed our lives and that of over 1200 troubled young men:

A. Admit that you have a sin problem. Whether our problems are exterior (obvious from the way we treat others) or interior (through our attitudes), all of us fall short each day of the way God would have us live. That sin separates us from God, who is holy. He cannot look on us or be close to us when we are covered with sin. On our own, we are condemned and helpless apart from God. But God’s word promises, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9). Confess your sins to God right now.

B. Believe that Jesus has both removed your sin and given you His righteousness. Many people believe that God will help them if they “try harder to be good. The truth is, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith (Romans 3: 23.25). A cosmic exchange happened on the cross: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). Picture your sin – everything that keeps you from getting close to God – being laid on Jesus, who accepts a criminal’s death in your place. Now picture all of His goodness, kindness, love, and righteousness being placed on you. That changes forever how God the Father sees you: you are now His beloved and delightful child. You are now free to enter His presence in prayer, in confession, and in constant fellowship with God – all based on what Jesus has done for you.

C. Commit your life into God’s hands. If Jesus Christ demonstrated His love for you by dying in your place, He deserves to be not only your Savior, but also your Lord. That means that from this day forward, you are in the process of dying to self and learning to living in Christ. Instead of making your own decisions and plans, you will consult God in His word and in prayer to receive His will and direction. The Holy Spirit of God now lives in your heart, guiding you into truth, comforting, and encouraging you to become more like Jesus.

You can pray this prayer right now to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ:

“Lord, I know I have lived in a way that dishonors You. I have done what I shouldn’t have done, and I haven’t done what I should have. I ask you to forgive me for my sins and to remove them from my account. Thank you for placing them instead to the account of Jesus, and thank you for giving me His righteousness. I receive your forgiveness and His righteousness by faith. I now give you my life, and ask you to guide me day by day to live in a way that brings You honor. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.