First Step: His Grace
We must come to grips with the fact that we are sinners.
Even if we try to justify ourselves with thoughts like, “I’m not nearly as bad as that person,” or “I live a good, moral life,” the Bible tells us in Romans 3:10, “As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one.'” The scripture goes on to say in Romans 3:23, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Everyone has sinned in the eyes of God. All of us stand guilty before Him.
There is a price to pay for sin.
Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death…” In this case, eternal death is the price that we must pay for sin. What is sin? Sin is simply this…disobedience to the will of God (I John 3:4), and since all have sinned, all are subject to the penalty of sin and an eternity in hell separated from God.
Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price for our sin.
God provided a remedy for our situation by allowing His Son to pay the penalty for us. John 3:16 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.” What a promise! But God even elaborates in greater detail when the Bible tells us in Romans 5:8 that, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus did not wait for mankind to “get it together,” but He gave up His life as a sacrifice while we were separated from Him.
The remedy for sin, which is salvation, does not come through good works, but it comes only through Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Scripture also tells us in John 14:6 that, “Jesus said…’I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”
Salvation is God’s solution, but our decision.
No one can choose eternal life for you. You must make the choice yourself. In Mark chapter 1, verse 15, Jesus said, “…repent, and believe the gospel.” Romans 10:9-10 says, that if you “…confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God.”
The two things that God is looking for are:
1) repentance from sin, and 2) acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Only we can make that decision. When we do, God receives us into His family. The Bible tells us in 2 Cor. 5:17 that “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Imagine that, the chance to start all over with a new life…eternal life!
Prayer is the way we make the connection.
Our link with God is established through prayer, and prayer is simply talking with God. It is vital to keep the lines of communication open in any relationship if it is to succeed and flourish. Prayer is the way we initiate our connection with God, and prayer is also the way we maintain our connection with God.
His invitation of eternal life is to all, so we invite you to make that connection with God now by accepting Him into your heart. We encourage you to pray this simple prayer at the bottom of this page.
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I repent of all my sins and ask You to forgive me. I confess Jesus as the Lord of my life. I believe He died on the cross and was raised from the dead that I might receive His life… now and forever.
Jesus, thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. I invite You into my heart, and I ask you to change me on the inside. Help me, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to live life in a way that would honor You. In Jesus’ Name… Amen.
Next Step: Sharing
Now that you have received Jesus for the first time or have rededicated your life to Him, here are some important steps to help you grow in your relationship with Him.
Tell others of your experience with Jesus.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Read your Bible daily.
Psalms 19:7-11 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.”
2 Tim 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Pray daily. Talk to God and listen for His answers.
Luke 18:1 “Then He spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”
Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and pray in the Holy Spirit every day.
Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Jude 20: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Attend church regularly.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Be baptized in water.
Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Repent quickly when you sin.
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Spend time with other Christians that love Jesus.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Look for ways to serve God by helping people inside and outside of the church.
Gal 5:13-14 “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Begin to give financially into the work of the ministry through tithes and offerings.
2 Cor 9:6-7 “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
If you prayed to receive Jesus, please use the “contact us” link so that we can pray for your continued growth in Christ.