Step 1 - Awareness of our sinful nature
Can you recognize that you are a sinner and in need of
salvation. Everyone needs God’s gift of salvation, but many refuse to admit
to this. The Bible is very clear on this point. Every one has missed the
mark or fallen short of the standard set by God. As a race we all fall
short. This is not a close call, even the best person misses the mark by a
mile... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
And be careful before you make a claim that this does not mean you… If we
claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1
John 1:8).
Will you now admit that you need help? Do you see that you cannot
meet God’s perfect standard no matter how hard you try? Do you see that you
need forgiveness for your sin?
Step 2 - Repentance
If you cannot meet God’s standard on your own, you must
seek His help. This begins with repentance. True repentance is both a change
of mind and a change of actions. You decide not to do things your way,
remember that was never good enough. Now you begin to do things God’s way.
It is a decision followed by action.
- Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to
salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
-
~2 Corinthians 7:10
The Lord is not slow in keeping
his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ~2
Peter 3:9
Repentance is not being sorry! It is a change of mind followed
by a change in actions. Do you choose now to turn from sin? Will you begin
now to do things God’s way?
Step 3- Believe in Jesus Christ
If you will turn from your old ways of thinking and
acting, there is good news for you. God has made provision for you.
He knew that everyone would fail to meet His standards, so He choose to
fulfill them for us.
To meet His standards, God decided to send His Son, Jesus
to die for us. Jesus lived as a man, but He met all of God's requirements.
He met God's standard perfectly. Jesus lived sinless as a man here on
earth. He was killed by those He came to save, died, rose from the dead,
and was seen by many people. God let the one who lived
perfectly die in your place!
Do you believe that Jesus lived here as a man, died, rose from
the dead, and was seen by many? Do you believe that His sacrifice was for
you? Will you allow the blood of Jesus to cover your sin?
Step 4 - Receive the Gift
If you believe that Jesus did this for you, then God’s
gift is for you. God’s gift of salvation is available to every one who will
believe in Jesus and the work He has done for us. You receive this gift by
believing these things about Jesus.
- But what does it say? "The word is near
you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith
we are proclaiming: That 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.
-
~Romans 10:8-9
- Yet to all who received him, to those who
believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--
children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a
husband's will, but born of God.
-
~John 1:12-13
Do you now believe in your heart that God sent Jesus to rescue
you from sin and certain death? Will you say with your mouth, Jesus is
Lord? Are you ready make Jesus the lord of your life?
Step 5 - Jesus as Savior
If you can answer yes to the questions above, you are
ready to receive the the free gift of God and make Jesus your Lord and
Savior. He will now become the sacrifice for you so you can have a good
relationship with God. To receive the gift all you have to do is ask for
it.
Father,
I recognize that I am a sinner, and in need of help. I am asking
forgiveness for the sins I have committed and making the decision to turn
from my evil ways and follow your ways. I believe that Jesus lived on
earth as a man, died, and rose from the dead to take my place. I believe in
my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. I now receive your
free gift of salvation.
Congratulations you are
now part of the body of Christ!
So Now What?
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