Blessed Truths
Blessed Truths Scripture Ring
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My Testimony
by Ruth Bumgardner I remember, before I was married, I thought “If I just had someone to love, I would be fulfilled.” But when I got married, I realized that even though I loved my husband and he loved me, he did not fulfill my yearnings. I became dissatisfied with my marriage, where I lived, what I had. I had gone to church all my life, but I didn’t really know God. In my mid-20s this yearning caused me to search the Scriptures and through that search I found that God was perfect and holy, and could not look upon sin. I read that I would be accountable for my sins when I died. I found that the payment for my sin was eternal separation from Him. I also read in the Bible these words, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23, KJV) At first I tried really hard to do right, but I failed. God says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10, KJV) I never had any trouble realizing I was a sinner, but I didn’t think I was that bad. I always figured that I could do enough good things to cancel out my sin - balance the scales and then God would overlook my sin. As I continued to search the Scriptures, I came to the conclusion that I was wrong. My thinking seemed right but I was wrong. I could not balance the scales with my good works. God says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:25, KJV). I got to the point where I thought, “What’s the use? I can never be good enough to get to Heaven.” The funny thing is that is exactly what God wanted me to see… I could never be good enough. I would have to be perfect and only God is perfect. Jesus Christ was perfect for He is God. But I found that was the key. I read a very familiar verse which all at once made sense, “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, KJV) That was it! Jesus took my place on that cross; not because I deserved it, but because He loved me. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, least anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV) Trusting Christ as my Savior brought more than satisfaction to my life — I have a whole “new life” in Christ that I did not have before. Looking back on my earlier years, I wish someone had shared these truths with me, and that is what has motivated me to share them with you. |