Some people think a personal relationship with God is something only theologians can comprehend. Actually, God's plan of salvation is simple enough for anyone to understand.
Admit to God that you are a sinner. Each of us has a problem. Each of us has a problem the Bible calls sin. Sin is a refusal to acknowledge God's authority over our lives.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
~Romans 3:23~
The result of sin is spiritual death.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~Romans 6:23~
Spiritual death means eternal separation from God. By God's perfect standard we are guilty of sin and therefore subject to the punishment for sin, which is separation from God. Admitting that you are a sinner and separated from God is the first step of repentance, which is turning from sin and self and turning toward God.
Believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and receive Jesus' gift of forgiveness from sin. God loves each of us. God offers us salvation from our sins. Although we have done nothing to deserve His love and salvation, God wants to save us. In the death of Jesus on the cross, God provided salvation for all who would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
~John 3:16~
Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to others. After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, share your decision with another person. Tell your pastor or a Christian friend about your decision.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
~Romans 10:9-10~
CCM Magazine, April 2002
If you're tired of walking down the same dead-end road and feel like it's time for you to give your heart over to Jesus, just pray either of these simple prayers.
Dear Father,
I'm sorry I haven't been talking with You. I've been too busy trying to run my own life. I'm beginning to realize that You have so much more to offer than anything I could ever do on my own. So, Jesus, will You forgive me for demanding to be in control of my own life? I surrender...right now...to Your authority.
Will You forgive me of my sins? I don't want to live for myself any longer; I want to live for You. I want my every action to bring glory to Your name.
I believe You died on the Cross for me, Father. And I believe You also conquered death and are now preparing an eternal home for me in Heaven. I accept Your free gift of eternal life. I choose to follow You, Jesus. Please be my Lord. And help me to grow stronger in You every day - talking with You and reading the Bible. As I spend time with You, teach me Your ways.
I love you, Jesus. Thanks so much for forgiving my sins and making me a brand new creation in You.
Amen.
Dear Jesus, I don't have it all together, and I don't understand everything that's going on, but I know I need You. So I confess to You that I am a sinner and that I am helpless without You. Because You are God and the only true Savior, I surrender my life and my will to You. Thank You for giving Your life for me on the cross and for rising again. I receive You into my heart.
~FFH~