Accepting Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior
Accepting Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior
Introduction: The Invitation to Receive Christ
God’s love and grace are extended to every person, and through Jesus Christ, He offers us the free gift of salvation. No matter where you are in life or the struggles you face, you can begin a new life by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This decision is the first step toward experiencing true freedom, joy, and transformation.
How to Accept Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior
Acknowledge Your Need for a Savior
Every person is born into sin and separated from God. The Bible tells us that sin leads to death, but through Jesus Christ, we can have eternal life.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 (ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (ESV)
Believe in Jesus Christ
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and that He rose from the dead. Trust that His sacrifice was enough to pay the penalty for your sin and reconcile you to God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 (ESV)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9 (ESV)
Repent of Your Sins
Repentance means turning away from your sins and turning toward God. It is a decision to change your direction and live for Christ.
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” — Acts 3:19 (ESV)
Receive Jesus by Faith
Accept Jesus into your life by faith, asking Him to be your Lord and Savior. This means surrendering control of your life to Him, seeking Him, and trusting Him to lead you.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
A Simple Prayer to Receive Jesus Christ
If you are ready to accept Jesus Christ into your heart, you can pray this prayer of faith. Remember, it’s not the words themselves that save you, but your faith in Jesus Christ and your sincere heart in coming to Him.
Sample Prayer:
Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness.
I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose from the dead.
I trust Him as my Savior, and I want to follow Him as my Lord from this day forward.
Please come into my life, guide me, and help me live for You.
Thank You for loving me, saving me, and giving me eternal life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What Has Happened in Your Life as a New Believer
If you repented of your sins, prayed that prayer and truly believed in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, you are now a child of God! This is the most important decision you will ever make, and the Bible gives us clear promises of what has happened to you:
You Are Forgiven and Cleansed of All Sin
All your past, present and future sins, failures, and guilt have been washed away. Jesus' sacrifice has paid the full price for your sins, and you stand forgiven before God.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
You Are a New Creation in Christ
You have been born again! Your old self, with its sinful desires, is gone, and you are now a new person in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
You Are Adopted Into God’s Family
You are now a child of God, adopted into His family. You belong to Him, and He will never leave you or forsake you.
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12 (ESV)
You Are Indwelt by the Holy Spirit
The moment you accepted Jesus, the Holy Spirit came to live inside you. He is your helper, your guide, and your source of strength. He will empower you to live the Christian life and help you grow in your faith.
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.” — Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)
What Happens Next: Walking in the Spirit and Growing in Your Faith
Now that you have accepted Christ, the journey of faith has just begun. Here's what you can expect as a new believer:
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
As a believer, the Holy Spirit now lives in you. He will guide you into all truth, convict you of sin, and empower you to overcome temptation and live a life that pleases God.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” — John 14:26 (ESV)
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” — Romans 8:11 (ESV)
Growing in Your Relationship with Christ
Just like any relationship, your relationship with Jesus will grow as you spend time with Him in prayer, read His Word, and follow His ways. This is how you learn more about who He is and what His will is for your life.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” — Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)
Living in Freedom and Purpose
You are now free from the power of sin, and you can live the abundant life that Jesus promises. Your life has purpose, and God has a plan for you. As you continue to surrender to Him, you will experience His guidance, protection, and provision in every area of your life.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Becoming Part of the Body of Christ
God calls believers to fellowship with other Christians. It’s important to find a church where you can worship, grow, and serve with other believers. You are part of a global family of faith, and God wants you to be connected with His people.
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)
Sharing Your Faith
As a follower of Christ, you now have the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with others. Just as someone shared Christ with you, God calls you to be a witness of His love, grace, and transforming power.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Final Encouragement
Receiving Christ is the beginning of a wonderful journey of faith. As you continue to walk with Him, rely on the Holy Spirit, grow in God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers, you will experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises.
Welcome to the family of God, where your true identity, freedom, and purpose are found!