1. Recognize that God
loves you and has a plan for your life.
His love includes
you.
"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" (John 3:16).
He has new life for you.
"I have come that they may have life, and have
it to the full" (John 10:10).
2. Recognize that sin separates you from God and
others.
"Sin"
is walking our own way in rebellion against God's will. When we walk away from
God, we walk away from life.
Everyone has sinned.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Sin brings death.
"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
Our own efforts cannot save us.
As sinners we futilely try to find life's true
meaning in the wrong ways and places.
"For it is by grace you have
been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God-not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Recognize that Jesus Christ died
and rose again for our sins.
Jesus Christ died in
our place.
"But God
demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ
died for us" (Romans 5:8).
He is the way to new
life.
"Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
He gives inner peace.
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
He gives freedom.
"So if the Son
sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
He gives eternal life.
"But the gift
of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
4. You must repent and ask God for
forgiveness.
Admit and confess your
sins to God.
"He who
conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them
finds mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
Repentance means:
• To acknowledge your
sins.
• To be sorry for your sins.
• To confess your sins.
• To be willing to forsake your sins.
• To have your life changed by Christ.
Forgiveness is
promised.
"If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
5. Place your trust in Christ and
receive Him as your Savior.
Christ is ready.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and
opens the door, I will go in" (Revelation 3:20).
Receive him now.
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave
the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
Pray this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I know that I have sinned. I need Your
forgiveness and pardon. I believe that You died and rose again for my sins. I
now accept You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my sinful life. I know
that Your grace and power will enable me to live for You. Thank You, Jesus, for
saving me and for giving me a new life.
For help in living a meaningful life
in Christ:
• Be assured of
Christ's forgiveness.
• Read your Bible and pray daily.
• Find a concerned pastor and other
Christians.
• Become a vital part of that church.
• Share your faith with others.
A
caring church family is waiting to accept you and help nurture you as a
Christian. You can locate a Church of the Nazarene near you through our visitor’s center.
All Scripture quotations
are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of
Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.