- Realize that you have sinned.
No matter how good a life we try to live, it does not deal with all the wrong things we do. We all fall miserably short of being a good person because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, “No one is righteous - not even one.” (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we cannot become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.
- Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
The Bible tells us, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God, who created us, loves us so much, that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it. Jesus received the punishment that we deserve. He did not, however, remain dead! He rose from the dead and is alive today…He can be trusted!
- Repent of your sin.
The Bible tells us, “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19 NLT). The word ‘repent’ means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
- Realize that God is Holy
Sin brings death and God’s judgment. He must judge sin. He poured out his wrath upon His sinless Son Jesus in our place. When we trust Jesus for our salvation, our sins are forgiven before God by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Invite Jesus Christ into your life.
Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself live in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in….” (Revelation 3:20 NLT).
Jesus is everywhere all the time. You can become a Christian right now, wherever you are. Time slips away so quickly…don’t miss the opportunity. You simply confess to God that you know you are a sinner in need of forgiveness, and you can pray this way:
Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving me and dying on the cross for me. I’m sorry for all the wrong things I’ve done in my life. I am a sinner Lord. Please come into my life right now, change my heart, and show me how to live for you. I commit my life to you now, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Even if your words are different, God hears your heart. If you have prayed this by faith from your heart, then you are completely forgiven, a new creation, innocent in the eyes of God. You ARE a Christian! Welcome to the family of God.
If you would like, click here to let us know about your decision to follow Jesus Christ so we can pray for you and send you some free materials to help you grow in your walk with Him.
To put your faith into action, and grow in your relationship with God, here are some important first steps: