Here
are five simple steps you can take to begin a relationship with God:
1.
Recognize your need. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23, NASB). All of us are sinners,
and we must admit our need for a Savior.
2.
Repent of your sins. Because God is completely holy, our sins
create a wall that separates us from Him. By confessing your sins you will find
forgiveness. “Repent” means to make a 180-degree turnaround. The Bible
promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).
3.
Believe in Jesus. God worked a miracle when He sent His
only Son to die for us. We don’t have to pay for our sins … Jesus paid it all!
We can’t work for our salvation. It is a gift from God, and all He requires is
that we believe. Put your faith in Him. The Bible says: “For God so loved the
world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
4.
Receive His salvation. God has given us this free gift, but we
must accept it. Thank Him for sending Jesus to die on the cross for you. Thank
Him for His amazing love, mercy and forgiveness. Then ask Him to live in your
heart. His promise to us is sure: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave
the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
5. Confess your faith. The Bible
assures us: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your
heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). You
have been born again and are now part of God’s family. Tell
someone else what Jesus has done in your life!
This
amazing experience can be yours. Embrace God’s love and receive the salvation
that only Jesus Christ gives.
If you have walked
through these five steps, you can say this prayer:
“Lord
Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me. I recognize
that You are the true Son of God, sent to earth to pay the full price for all of
our sins. I believe You were raised from the dead and that You live forever in
heaven. You are God Almighty, and I surrender to Your lordship. I am sorry that
I have lived my life apart from You. Please forgive me for thinking that my
life could have true meaning without You, My Creator and Lord.
I turn from my sins and
choose to follow You. Please wash me clean and come into my heart. I give You
all my hurts, my fears, my unforgiveness, my pride, my greed and all the
garbage of my past. Thank You that I can start my life over again with You.
Amen.”
Joakim Lundqvist