-John 3:16

Before I became a Christian, I often thought about the meaning of life. My purpose for existence. I thought about fame, I thought about power, I dreamed of having all the money in the world. Then I realized that when I die, everything I've accomplished in this life will just fade away, in people's memories if I am lucky. I then began searching for something more meaningful to this life than the pursuit of materialism. And that is where I found Christ. He gave me a better reason to live. I am living this life knowing that I have eternal life. I look at life courageously, with confidence that in all things, God has already prepared for me a place in His kingdom, and so shall I prepare a place in my heart for Him. I know that in all my times of difficulties, when all my friends desert me and my family is no where to be found, God will be there for me. That is the confidence I have to look forward to each morning. That is also the peace I receive when I am tucked into bed.

This is the meaning of life, not the life on earth, but the eternal life where all the Christians from past to the future will gather in heaven worshipping our God and fellowshipping with one another. Imagine an eternity where there is only happiness and joy. There are no longer hardships, no longer tears, no more sorrows. Students will not have to study. People do not have to work for food. Whatever we ask, shall be given to us.

There is but one truth and one absolute, and that is eternal life through Jesus Christ. But how does one receive this eternal life? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the father but by me." To become a Christian, to receive eternal life, one has to do the following: (in michael's langauge)

1. Truly believe that one has done bad things in this life which requires forgiveness. For me, as an example, I've argued with my sisters, lied to my parents, cheated on my exams. Before I became a Christian, the things I've done, did not seem so bad. I've always had a way of justifying my actions. But looking back, I realize that no matter how insignificant these things may seem, but they are not pleasing in God's sight.
2. Understand that some of the things can never be forgiven, not by your friends, nor your family, not even God. However, because He loves us so much, He sends Jesus Christ, who is sinless and pure, so that He can die on the cross for our sins, each one of us, Christians or not. We have to earnestly believe that Jesus Christ came down from heaven about 2000 years ago to die for our sins, so that we can be forgiven by God. Even though God still sees our faults, but in His sight, we are blameless because of Christ that died for our sins.
3. Knowing that we've sinned, and knowing that Christ died for our sins, we must repent and ask for forgiveness. Repent does not mean it is a one-time experience. We must constantly ask for forgiveness for the sins we commit daily.

So, in summary, because one believes that he has sinned in this life, and also believes that God has sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins, we become Christians repenting for our sins and by asking Jesus Christ to come into our lives.

After becoming a Christian, I am urged to get to know my God on a more personal level. I am curious to find out who would be so willing to sacrifice Himself for sinners like me. I've thought to myself, "If I was placed in Jesus' position, would I be willing to die for people of the world, even if I know that many of them would not believe me, even if I know that many of them would deny me and mock me?" I shook my head. Then I thought, "If I could die for the sins of my loved ones, then I can, I would be willing." Then I said to God, "Lord, I am willing to die in place of my loved ones. Put me on the cross instead of them." God answers me, "How can you die for their sins, when your own sins would have already sent you to the cross?" Then I realized that the only person that can die for other's sins is one who is sinless and blameless before God. That person would be Jesus Christ. I thank God for His guidance.