Many people think that God is some far-off being that we can't possibly approach. The truth is, He is very close and desires to be a part of our lives. He created us for that very purpose.

In order for us to reach God, we must first admit that we need Him. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard." Sin is basically “missing the standard” that God has set for us. Unless you are perfect and have never done anything wrong you are a sinner. And sin separates us from God because God is without sin. The only way our relationship can be restored with God is for our sins to be forgiven. If we are not forgiven, we must pay the consequences of sins.

Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death..." We don’t like to admit it, but sin has consequences. When we sin, we bring the judgment of sin on ourselves. We all deserve death because everyone has sinned. Someone has to die to pay the penalty of sin. If you die without forgiveness, you will spend eternity without God in hell. God does not send anyone to hell, our sin does.

There is good news. We don’t have to pay the penalty for sin ourselves. Jesus Christ died for this purpose. Romans 5:8, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." God loves us so much that he does not want us to pay for our own sin. He sent his only Son, Jesus to take our place. When Jesus Christ died 2000 years ago, he did it for you! His death made it possible to be forgiven for all of our sins. That is why Jesus is the only way to restore our relationship with God.

So, the obvious question is how do we tap into the forgiveness that Christ bought for us? We must respond to God. Romans 10:9 says, "For 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." To be forgiven you must do one thing - You must make a decision whether or not you will receive the gift of forgiveness God has already provided for you.

These are the steps you must take:

1. Admit you are a sinner and willing to turn to God for help. Acts 3:19 says, "Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins."

2. Believe Jesus Christ died and rose again from the dead. Romans 10:9, "For 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."

3. Confess verbally your belief in God. Romans 10:10, "For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."

A simple prayer would go something like this:

God, I admit that I am a sinner and need you. I believe that you sent Jesus, who died and arose again, to pay the penalty for my sin. I want to turn from my sin and receive the forgiveness you offer me as a gift. I ask that you be the Lord of my life. Thank you for your forgiveness. I ask for this in Jesus’ name.

If you have said this prayer for the first time, please contact us and select the option of Salvation. We want to get you on our prayer list and help you get on the path to your new walk with God.