Recognize Your Condition
The first step in finding the way to eternal life is recognizing that every person is lost in sin. Our pride may resist that truth, but the Bible speaks plainly. Romans 5:12 teaches that sin entered the world through Adam (the first created man on earth), and that sin nature has passed to every person. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything contrary to God’s law, and it separates man from a holy God. But sin does more than separate—it carries a penalty. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The wages or payment of sin is spiritual death in hell and eternal separation from God. Before anyone can receive God’s gift of salvation, he must first recognize his condition and his need of a Saviour.
Religion and Good Works Are Not the Answer
People have always searched for a way to reach God. Some turn to religion, some to good works, and others seek a powerful spiritual or worshipful experience. Such experiences may stir the emotions and even feel deeply meaningful, but an experience cannot wash away sin, and religion cannot make a sinner righteous before God. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Salvation is not found in what feels right, what we accomplish, or even how sincerely we worship. It is found in what Jesus Christ has done for us. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8–9, “For 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.” Salvation is not something we achieve—it is a gift of grace that must be received by faith.
The Good News: Jesus Christ Provides the Way!
The wonderful news of the Gospel is that although sin separated man from God, God still loved us and made a way for us to be saved. John 3:16 says, “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.” Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again the third day. He took the punishment that sinners deserved and paid the price that we could never pay ourselves. Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Salvation is not earned by religion, good works, or human effort—it is provided completely through Jesus Christ and offered freely by the grace of God.
Believe and Receive Christ
Salvation becomes personal when a sinner stops trusting in himself and places his faith completely in Jesus Christ.
The Bible says in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God’s promise is wonderfully simple: come to Christ believing that you are a sinner in need of salvation, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He died, was buried, and rose again to pay the penalty for your sin. Salvation is not found in good works, religion, church membership, or anything we can do for ourselves. It is found in Christ alone.
If you are ready to trust Him, you can call upon Him from your heart with a prayer like this:
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that my sin has separated me from You and condemned me to Hell. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for my sins, was buried, and rose again. Right now, I am trusting Jesus Christ alone to save me and take me to Heaven—not my good works, my religion, or my church. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I receive Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Amen.
The words of a prayer do not save—the Lord Jesus Christ saves. If those words express the faith of your heart, you can rest in the promise of God that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If you have trusted Christ today, we would love to hear from you and help you begin growing in your new relationship with Him.
Congratulations on Your Decision to Trust Christ!
What a wonderful day this is! Trusting Jesus Christ as your Saviour is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a brand-new life with Him. God wants you to know Him, grow in His Word, and discover the joy of walking with Him each day. We would count it a privilege to help you get started by providing some free resources for your new Christian life, including a Bible for those in the United States or Canada. You have taken the greatest step of your life—now begin growing in the wonderful relationship God has given you through Jesus Christ.