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What I Believe and How Exactly to Accept Christ and be Saved
I believe in the Bible and what the Bible says. I believe all must be born again or saved to access God and heaven. I believe there is only one path to salvation and that is through the acceptance of the gift Jesus Christ gave to all of us long ago. I believe this gift is permanent and is open to all who want it--all you have to do is ask for it. What is this gift? Why is there a need for this gift in the first place? What does the Bible say?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.
So we cannot access God by ourselves?
"For the wages of sin is death (separation from God); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.
So because of my sin, I am sentenced to an eternity apart from God, an existence of darkness and loss. If I cannot come to God by myself what can I do to bridge the gap? Who can help me?
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus is the mediator God sent for us to be able to bridge the gap, the gap between man (sin) and God. How can Jesus be the mediator? What did he have to do to be able to fulfill this role for me?
"But God commendeth (showed) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
He had to die? He had to die for me? His death is what gave him the ability to be the bridge over the gap between me and God? Why would he do that for me?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18.
He did this because he loved me. Isn't there a better way to bridge the gap? Why must someone die for me? Can't I do this on my own?
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6.
I can only get to God through Jesus. Can't I just be a good person and live a good life? When it comes time for me to die, won't that be enough?
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.
So I can't just rely on being a good person. Does Jesus really care about me though? All these years after his death, does he even remember who I am?
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock (Christ is speaking): if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." Revelation 3:20.
So he is still waiting for me to make a decision, to open the door so to speak. What happens if I open the door?
"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12.
He will make me a son of God? A member of God's own family if I just believe in him? Is that the gift?
Yes it is!
The Good News of Jesus Christ, the promise of eternal life.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9.
What must I do to get this gift? What are the steps?
1. Admit your need (I am a sinner).
2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come into and guide your life (receive him as savior and Lord).
A prayer in and of itself does not save you, nor do the words. A prayer is only a way to organize your thoughts so you can consciously focus your mind on your feelings and what you feel lead in your heart to do. I would suggest the following prayer, prayed from you to Jesus in a meaningful way:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. Please forgive me of my sins. Please save me. I now invite you to come into my heart and life. I accept you as Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you. Amen.
Did you just pray this prayer? Did you mean it with all of your heart, mind and soul? What does the Bible say just happened to you?
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13.
"He that hath the Son hath life (right this very minute); and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (what you were before). These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:12-13.
If you just prayed this prayer and accepted Christ as your own personal savior then congratulations! Welcome to your new life! Rejoice in the Lord that you are now a new person, born again into the Kingdom of God and bound for heaven! I invite you to click on any of the links at the top of this page. There you will find resources to help you begin your walk with Christ and grow in the new life you have chosen.