By now you may have discovered that all roads do not lead to God, and life is not as simple as you once thought. For those who are at this crossroad, the Bible offers a new direction, one filled with purpose, fulfillment, and acceptance.

The steps are simple:

1. RECOGNIZE that you're a sinner.

First, you must admit your spiritual need: "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). We can't make excuses or blame others and our circumstances for our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We're all born in sin.

2. REALIZE that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18). Jesus paid the price for your sin. The Apostle Paul said, "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). This is the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.

3. REPENT of your sins.

The word "repent" literally means "to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins, to change your direction." From Christ hating to Christ loving. From Christ rejecting to Christ accepting. The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands us to repent. You must be willing to turn away from the things that displease God.

4. RECEIVE Jesus as your Savior.

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). It is essential that you come to Jesus as you are. Don't try to "clean up your life" before you come to God. Instead, receive Him and allow Him to do the "cleansing." Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37). Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or attending church on Sundays. It is having Jesus Christ taking residence in your heart and life.

If you would like to have a personal relationship with Christ...

Simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart:

Father, I know that I am a sinner. Jesus died on the cross to save sinners. Jesus died to save me. Forgive me. Cleanse me of my sins. Give me a new life. I will follow you from this day forward. In Jesus name, Amen.

If you have prayed this and meant it, Congratulations! Jesus Christ has taken residence in your heart and YOU ARE SAVED! You are now completely forgiven, a new creation, innocent in the eyes of God. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). "If you will 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).

Welcome to the family of God! It is important for you to start to grow in your relationship with Jesus. Just like any relationship, you need to spend time with someone if you want to know them well. The way to know God is through the Bible. Jesus said, "Abide in Me and I will abide in you..." (John 15:4). We'd recommend that you start a Bible study through the Gospel of John. It's also important to find a church you can attend where they teach the whole Bible. This will allow you to talk with a pastor who will help explain any questions you might have, and it will give you a chance to spend time with other Christians who can encourage you. If you need help in finding a good Bible-based church in your area we are glad to help. Please feel free to contact us.