When we talk about the salvation of the Lord, here are two very important points we must bear in mind:
1. The Lord is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). This means that God wants everyone to be saved. Though some Scriptures have been interpreted to suggest that He has ordained some to hell and others to heaven, the Scripture above is crystal clear about God's will for the lost. Perhaps you feel that you were predestined for hell, and that there is nothing you can do to avert your fate, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Sad, but true, most people in the world will end up lost, but it is not the will of God for this to happen.
2. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9). This means that you cannot do enough good deeds to earn salvation. This also means that you have not been so bad that you cannot be saved. Salvation is a gift from God. You don't have to meet some performance level to be saved. The truth is that not one of us can measure up to God's moral standards.
So what must one do to become saved?
1. Repent--This means you must have a godly sorrow for the way you have been living your life up this point. You must have a burden to forsake your current lifestyle and to turn your heart to God.
2. Confess--You must acknowledge that Christ is Lord. Moreover, you must confess the same. To acknowledge Christ as Lord is to acknowledge that you are not in control of your own life but that He is the One before whom you must ultimately give account of your life.
3. Believe--You must believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, that God raised Christ bodily from the dead, and that Christ now lives forevermore.
4. Receive--You must invite Christ in as Lord of your life and to live on the inside of you so that He can help you live a victorious life--a life no one can live without daily trusting in Christ.
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IF you are ready to take the steps above, pray after the following manner:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe that Christ has already died in my stead for my sins, and that He has paid the cost of redemption for my soul. I believe that He is Lord, He bodily rose from the dead, and He lives forevermore. I know I can't live for You without Your help. I give my life to You, and I invite Christ to come live on the inside of me through the Holy Spirit. Change me on the inside. Break all strongholds in my life. Empower me to live victoriously each day. And teach me how to live each day by faith in You. I receive it all in the name of Your Son Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul. Amen.
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Growing As a Christian:
Here are some practical suggestions for new converts to grow as Christians:
1. Unite with a Bible-believing local church (seek the Holy Spirit's direction)
2. Study your Bible at least 15 minutes a day (Pray for understanding)
3. Pray daily (start off with at least 15 minutes a day)
4. Practice the teachings of the Bible in your daily life (Pray for the Lord's help)
