Before Christ I thought I was going to Heaven because I was a “good person.” I went to church with my friends and stayed out of trouble. I never really rebelled and felt sure God was pleased with my life.

It wasn’t until I went on a church retreat in 9th grade that I understood what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A friend sat me down and explained to me that no matter how “good” I was, I was still a sinner. I could not enter Heaven on my own merit no matter how hard I tried. She explained to me how Jesus died on the cross to forgive me for my sins. It was through this forgiveness that I could receive eternal life in Heaven. At that moment I prayed a simple prayer and asked Jesus to come into my heart and forgive me for my sins.

My life was changed at that moment. The Bible says, “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation,” (2 Cor.5:17). I became a new person. I had purpose in life. I had something and Someone to live for! Life certainly hasn’t been perfect since then, but I have a peace in my heart now that I had never had before. I know that the Lord is there to guide me every step of the way. And I also have the assurance that when I die I WILL spend eternity in Heaven with God. Not because of anything I have done or been, but because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me!