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Have you made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?
Many people identify themselves as “Christian” but they have never entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They may have been in church or have been raised in a Christian home, but they don’t remember a specific point in time when they made a total committment to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Others have had a personal relationship but have turned away from Jesus. There are those who do not see the need to accept Jesus into their lives.
By reading the Bible, we know:
- God is love –
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” – 1 John 4:10
- God is a giver –
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” – Ephesians 2:8-9
- God cannot tolerate sin –
“For the wages of sin is death …” – Romans 6:23
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Now is the time.
While you are alive, it is never too late nor too soon to sincerely make Jesus first in your life. Don’t wait. Accept Jesus just as you are. Salvation is the beginning point to having a victorious life here on earth (“and God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” – 2 Corinthians 9:8) and after death (“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life” – John 6:47).
The first step is to recognize that you are a sinner (“… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23).
The second step is to ask Jesus to forgive your sins (“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” – Hebrews 8:12). Jesus went to the cross to pay our sin debt (“…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day …” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The third step is to make a commitment to Jesus, that He alone is your Lord and Savior (“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” ” – John 14:6).
The fourth step is to turn away from sin and follow Jesus. Jesus said we are to repent (turn from our sins and go in God’s direction). This does not mean you are to be sinless before accepting salvation. It simply means that your heart must be inclined to God and you are willing to cooperate with Him to bring about any needed changes in your life. (“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” – Ephesians 5:1-2).
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Are you ready to invite Jesus into your heart and life?
If you say:
- “I’m not ready,” Answer the question “why?” When you consider your answer, ask yourself if you are going let this stand between you and God.
- “My friends will think I’m crazy if I accept Jesus,” Are you going to let the choices of your friends dictate your eternity? Furthermore, if they are really your friends, won’t they be happy and thrilled the God of the universe lives inside you and all your sins are forgiven?
- “What about my family?” Matthew 10:37-38 says “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” What does this say to you?
- “I’ve done too may bad things.” In Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” and Hebrews 8:12, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” What does this say to you?
- “I’m having too much fun.” Does this mean that you are into the party scene – sex, drugs and rock and roll? If you reject Jesus today and this weekend you are in an accident and do not survive, where does the Bible say you will go?
(Reflect on how your life has been going. How does your future look? John 3:16, “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.” Doesn’t the promise of “everlasting life” sound like a good deal?)
- “Yes,” pray the following:
Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died for my sins on the cross and has paid my sin debt in full. I believe Jesus was raised from the dead. I want Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I will turn from my sinful life and will follow Jesus. Lord, help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. Jesus, I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. I receive the Holy Spirit and all His gifts to empower me to the service of Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer for the first time, congratulations! The Bible says you have now been adopted into God’s family (John 1:12). If this is a re-dedication, welcome back! Send us an email to let us know about this important step you have taken.
Who has been praying for you? You should contact that person as soon as possible and let them know their prayers have been answered. We encourage you to find a church that teaches the Bible in its entirety and to attend it regularly. Also, get a study Bible and begin reading the gospel of John – read the notes along with the scripture. Ask God to help you understand and enjoy reading His Word.
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
| GO DEEPER When you receive salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live in you, but there is more. Go to the Holy Spirit page to learn. Also, check out a 30 day study that will help you go deeper in your new Christian life. |
A Deeper Walk 