Step 1:  Salvation begins with a "Godly sorrow" for doing wrong.  This doesn't mean you're sorry because you got caught, or because you're worried about discipline you'll get from God.  The focus here is not on self, but on God.  You feel bad for God, that you upset Him, and that you're sorry to Him.  2nd Corinthians 7:10 says, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..."

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Step 2:  Once a person has Godly sorrow, they need to repent (turn from) their old way of living, and turn to God.  The prophet Zechariah records, "Therefore, tell the people:  This is what the LORD Almighty says:  'Return to me' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty.  ...Do not be like your forefathers..Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices."

Jesus said in Luke 13:3, "Unless you repent, you too will all perish.

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Step 3:    Once a person repents of his/her ways and turns to God, they need to believe in Jesus Christ.. in:

a.        who He was (The annointed Son of God, born of a virgin, set apart to be the Lamb of God),

b.        what He did for mankind (He shed His blood on the cross, died for our sins, was put in a tomb for 3 days and was resurrected to life)

Jesus said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life."

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Step 4:   After you believe and are firmly convinced Jesus was who He said He was and did what the Bible says He did, you need to confess your belief  to Him.  Express to Him in words.

Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

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If you want to become a Christian and begin your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, pray a prayer like this, and mean it from the bottom of your heart:  "Father God, I'm sorry for the sorrow I've caused you, I now turn from my old way of living and turn to you for help.  I admit I'm a sinner and I ask you to forgive me.  I believe in your Son Jesus Christ and that He died to pay for my sins and rose on the 3rd day just as your Scriptures say He did.  I confess Him as the Lord of my life from now on.  Please, I cry out to you.  Save me, change me, and take me to heaven when I die.  Amen."

If you've just prayed that prayer and meant it from the bottom of your heart, CONGRATULATIONS! You are no longer condemned to pay the penalty for your sins...you are eternally saved and have become part of the family of God!

Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

I encourage you to now find a Bible and begin reading the book of John.  Also, find a good, Bible-preaching Baptist church in your area.  If you would like more information about your decision, contact me and I'll be able to help you. 

Lance Kramer