1. Realize that you are a sinner.
No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one” (Romans 3:10). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.
2. 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 were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.
3. Repent of your sin.
The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
4. Receive 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 take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . . .” (Revelation 3:20).
For more information and resources, you can visit Blue Letter Bible.
Start now.
If you would like to begin your relationship with Christ, pray something like this:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you are the Son of God who died in my place for my sins. I turn from my fleshly desires and sinful nature and open the door of my heart and life to you. I ask you to forgive me. I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you, that Christ has made you right before God and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).
Now...stay close to Him.
To grow and put your new faith in action, be sure to:
- learn from God by reading your Bible
- spend time with God by praying: listening, praising, petitioning
- spend time with other believers by going to church
- be a witness for Him by telling others about Christ