God calls everyone. He wants to have an individual relationship with each of us, regardless of our past. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins, for our sins to be forgiven. Christ was the perfect and sole sacrifice for all sin.
A loving one-on-one relationship with God is available to each of us and we can look to scripture to understand how to establish that relationship with the one true Almighty God the Father.
1) Believe in God and His Love for You
John 6:40 "This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day."
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 "For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who dies for us, so that whether we are aware or asleep we may live with him."
2) Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ". . . Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the thrid day in accordance with the scriptures. . ."
Acts 4:2 ". . .they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead."
Acts 16: 31 ". . . 'Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'"
Matthew 28:6 "He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay."
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
3) Repent of Sin
Acts 2: 38-39 " . . .'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.'"
Acts 3:19-20 "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord . . ."
4) Choose to Follow Christ
John 8:12 "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"
John 12:26 "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor."
Matthew 4:19 "And he (Jesus) said to them, 'Follow me, and i will make you fish for people.'"
5) Gratitude
Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful."
Psalm 107:1 "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever."
Prayer of Salvation
Let the scriptures above sink in. Think about how much God loves you and wants to have an individual relationship with you. He desires for you to join Him in Heaven, when this life is through. He sent His owned beloved son, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed for forgiveness of your sins. Jesus would have suffered and died on the cross, even if you were the only person he was coming to save. Yes, he would have sacrificed himself and suffered all that pain just for You!
Salvation and an individual relationship with Christ begins with one simple prayer. God meets each of us where we are and He will meet you where you are too. Below is a sample prayer, based on the scriptures above, you may choose to use to begin following Christ. Allow your heart to open to Christ and pray how you feel led.
Dear God the Father,
I believe you sent your son, Jesus Christ, to earth. He was crucified on the cross and rose three days later, for the forgiveness of my sins. Please forgive my sins, Lord. I know I have not been living the life you desire for me and I pray you will change that today. I give my life to you and pray you will fill me with your Holy Spirit. Let your Holy Spirit live in me and fill me, so I can continue to grow in your love and mercy and live a life pleasing to you.
Thank you for your kindness and for bringing me into your family as a Blessed Child of God. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
Footnote: All scripture quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright 1989, Published by Zondervan
Originally Published: 3/19/21