Pastor Rick Warren: God’s Free Gift of Salvation Is Offered to Everyone

In the Bible’s most famous promise, John 3:16, Jesus tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (NKJV). God promises we won’t perish if we believe in him.

God’s free gift of salvation is offered to everyone. It doesn’t matter your religion or cultural background. Jesus Christ died for you.

How do we receive this free gift?

The Bible says, “God says he will accept and acquit us — declare us ‘not guilty’ — if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like” (Romans 3:22 TLB).

Though anyone can acknowledge the existence of Jesus, the only way we can get to heaven is by placing our trust in him. You can’t trust Jesus unless you really know him.

It’s the difference between your head and your heart. Here’s an example to help explain that difference. I have the privilege of knowing many people, including some famous people. I know Bill Gates. We’ve spoken on the same platform together. I’ve sat on a couch and explained The PEACE Plan to him. I know Bill Gates, but I don’t really know him. He’s not a close personal friend, and I can’t say I really know what makes him tick.

But I do know my wife. We’ve been married for over 40 years. I know what makes her tick. I know the way she thinks. I know what she cares about.

When we talk about knowing God, it means having a real, living relationship with him. That’s what it means to trust God.