- You are a sinner under the condemnation of God's law (Romans 3:10, 23).
- You are GUILTY, and deserve to go to Hellfire as punishment for your sins (Romans 3:19; 6:23; Revelation 21:8.
- Jesus Christ, God in the flesh (God's Son), died upon the cross to pay for your sins (John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8). It is Jesus' blood that takes our sins away (1st John 1:7).
Repentance and faith are inseparable. Repentance is simply a change of mind that involves turning to Jesus Christ to be forgiven of one's sins. It is only when we repent by owning to God that we are as vile a sinner as He has declared us to be in His holy Word, and place our faith in the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ to wash away our sins, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that we are born-again anew.
Acts 10:43 states: "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
You may pray if you'd like, but you don't have to. Salvation is of the heart (Romans 10:10). If you'd like to pray, simply ask Jesus to forgive your sins and tell Him that you're trusting Him as your Savior. It matters not exactly what you pray, just as long as you realize these two main truths:
- You are guilty under the condemnation of God's Law!
- Jesus is the Savior who sheds His blood to take away your sins!
You might pray something like this...
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a Hell-deserving sinner. I believe that you are the Son of God, the Savior, who shed your blood to pay for my sins. I now believe upon You as my personal Savior, and ask you to please forgive me of all my sins. Please save me and take me to Heaven when I die. Amen.
Salvation is NOT a prayer, although you may pray a sinner's prayer to express your heart's faith in Jesus. We are saved by HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, i.e., the righteousness of Jesus Christ which is charged to our account at the time of salvation.
This is the IMPUTED righteousness of Jesus Christ... "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, is faith is counted for righteousness." We are saved by God's grace through faith in Christ Jesus, because of the blood that He sacrificed for our sins. Our part is only to believe.
Salvation is not a matter of praying some special words. The publican merely cried out, "God be merciful to me a sinner." The thief on the cross simply asked Jesus to "remember" him, and Jesus most certainly did. It was their faith in Christ and not their words, that brought salvation.
Both men acknowledged their guilt of sin and turned to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. There is nothing "magic" about the words you pray, it is your faith (trust) upon Jesus Christ that brings salvation. It is your faith that causes you to call upon Jesus to forgive your sins and take you to Heaven. God wants to save you more than you could ever want to be saved (2nd Peter 3:9).
Salvation is very simple - we are sinners and Jesus is the Savior. Anyone who believes on the name of Jesus for salvation becomes a part of God's family (Romans 10:13; Galatians 3:26). Eternal life is a free gift - freely given and freely received. Salvation is receiving; not giving. Our part is to acknowledge our guilt of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven.
You see friend, there is no religion involved here, ONLY Jesus. The big issue is that we are all sinners, and that sin MUST be dealt with. The Word of God indicts all of us as guilty sinners. Jesus wants to be our Attorney and set us free. You must accept God's plea agreement in Christ Jesus, or stand trial at The Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Thankfully, God offers us a full pardon by way of the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Salvation is NOT found in religion, but in a Person - The Lord Jesus Christ.
May God richly bless you,
Children of God
Ye Must Be Born Again, 1
Ye Must Be Born Again, 2
Ye Must Be Born Again, 3
