1. You must recognize/admit that you are a sinner.
Because of
Adam's sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, all of humanity was affected by, and infected with, sin (Romans 5:12-14). Mankind took on the nature of sin. Therefore, everyone that was born after Adam was
born into a life of sin and death (Psalm 51:5). So you must admit that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23).
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that
all have sinned:
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's
transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Psalm 51:5 - Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
2. You must repent of your sins.
To repent simply means to "change one's mind; to change one's direction; to have a change of heart." It involves turning away from sin and heading in the right direction toward God.
Repentance does not mean, "I'm sorry." It is a quality decision to
ask forgiveness of your sins, turning away from ungodly living and submitting to God's will for your life (1 John 1:9).
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
.
3. You must confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Confession affirms
Jesus' lordship (place of authority) over your life. Confess that He is your Lord and believe that He lived, died and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins.
Romans 10:9 - Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.
Romans 10:10 - For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation
.
4. You must study and obey the Word of God.
Maintaining your
salvation and enjoying its benefits is done by living according to God's Word (Proverbs 3:1-4, 1 John 5:3). Make His Word the final authority by which you live. Make sure every decision you make in life is biblically based. The Word must be your foundation.
Proverbs 3:1 - My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments;
Proverbs 3:2 - For they shall add length of days, and long life, and peace to you.
Proverbs 3:3 - Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart;
Proverbs 3:4 - And you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
1 John 5:3 - For loving God is keeping his laws: and his laws are not hard.
(Prayer)
- Dear Lord Jesus, I recognize and admit that I am a sinner. I ask that you forgive me for my sins and become Lord of my life forever. I believe that you died for my sins and that God raised you from the dead with all power in your hands. Thank you Lord for saving me. Amen.
