God tells us how much he loves us. In the following Bible verse, God also reveals how to become a child of God and have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

It is completely amazing that a miracle like becoming a child of God can yet be this simple.

How does believing that Jesus is God’s son bring eternal life?

Jesus lived a perfect life – no sin whatsoever. The rest of mankind has sinned greatly though, breaking God’s commandments. Because of sin, we can not be with God for eternity. It is not that God is cruel, his character is perfect. It would make God a sinner (which is against his very character) to associate with us.

There must also be punishment for sins against God. A just judge like God can not let sins go unpunished any more than we want judges in our government letting criminals loose. Someone has to take the punishment for our sins against God’s laws – and it would have been us. Fortunately, God had another plan for providing the sacrifice by which our sins may be forgiven.

Jesus stepped in to be the sacrifice that paid the penalty for our sins. He is the Son of God and came to earth as a 100% man. He was unjustly killed as a completely sinless man. God then showed his power by raising Jesus from the dead to be seated in Heaven with him. When Jesus was raised, the endless cycle of sin and death was forever broken for those who will simply believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and died for us.

That is the first step for us to become a Christian:

1) Believe that Jesus is the son of God and died to save us from our sins.

Many people I “speak to” online have trouble with this. They want irrefutable proof. I wanted the same thing, but let’s face it. Everyone from back then is dead, and there are plenty of historical records (non-biblical) that add credibility.

The only other way we would get proof is to have a personal physical experience from God. Some people have this experience like the Apostle Paul. I know others who have had it before they were a Christian, but it isn’t many. Most of us must reach out in faith and believe first. I can tell you from personal experience, that God will then reach out. It seems to make sense. Suppose there really is God. Would he need to prove himself to us – a speck of carbon floating by in the annals of time? No, we prove ourselves to him by believing first.

We then move to the second step:

2) Repent for all of our sins.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

Repenting is more than saying we are sorry. We leave our ugly pile of sins at the altar of Christ. We reject our sinful ways and turn to God for a new life. Do not worry that you will not be able to uphold a perfect life. No one can We admit our weakness and give up our old sinful life to God. In turn God gives us a new life through Christ and comes to live within us.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20).

When we have accepted Jesus, (though we will still sin) God washes away our sins and holds us blameless. Yes, this means that if we sin again, we do not have to “get saved” again. It is a one-shot deal.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

God then slowly changes us as we submit to his will – you will see the evidence of this soon enough if you receive Christ!

3) Finally, We Accept this Free Gift of Salvation. That is it. For reinforcement, try unfolding your hands (if they are folded) and cup them. Believe you are receiving this new life from God.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

That is it! You have now become a Christian – Welcome to the family of God through Jesus Christ! There is no “set” prayer. No sheer volume of words will change God’s attitude towards us. He has loved us from the beginning of time when he decided that we would be created. He was just waiting for us to remember him and love in return. Don’t worry if you don’t feel any different. Feelings are fickle. Faith is something you can stand on when circumstances suggest otherwise.

If you made the decision to accept Jesus as your savior today, It would be a blessing if you would let me know. Just leave a comment – you don’t have to leave a last name or anything. We would just like to pray that you will continue to be strengthened in your new walk with the Lord.

Welcome to the family of God – Have a blessed day!

Categories: Witnessing
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