Emmanuel Church of Lakewood - Lakewood, California

Step 1 - Awareness of our sinful nature

You recognize that you are a sinner and in need of salvation. Everyone needs God’s gift of salvation, but many refuse to admit to this. The Bible is very clear on this point. Every one has missed the mark or fallen short of the standard set by God. As a race we all fall short. This is not a close call, even the best person misses the mark by a mile... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And be careful before you make a claim that this does not mean you… If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8).

Step 2 - Repentance

Since you cannot meet God’s standard on your own, you must seek His help. This begins with repentance. True repentance is both a change of mind, heart, and a change of actions. You decide not to do things your way. You remember that was never good enough. Now you begin to do things God’s way. It is a mindful decision to have your heart changed by GOD and followed by godly action.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

~2 Corinthians 7:10

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

~2 Peter 3:9

Repentance is not being sorry! It is a change of mind and heart followed by a change in actions. Will you begin now to do things God’s way today?

Step 3- Believe in Jesus Christ

If you will turn from your old ways of thinking, have your heart changed, and you want to begin to act anew in God there is good news for you. God has made provision for you to enter into fellowship with Him. He knew that everyone would fail to meet His standards, so He chose to fulfill them for us.

To meet His standards, God decided to send His Son, Jesus to die for us. Jesus lived as a man, but He met all of God's requirements. He met God's standard perfectly. Jesus lived sinless as a man here on earth. He was killed by those He came to save, died, rose from the dead, and was seen by many people. God let the one who lived perfectly die in your place as the only acceptable sacrifice for your sin.

Believing in Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, as GOD incarnate in man, who died as the perfect sacrifice, was raised in GOD's power from the dead, was seen by hundreds, and is alive today is the beginning of salvational faith. The Bible says that only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins and make us white as snow. Thus becoming acceptable to the one true Holy GOD of all creation.

Do you believe that Jesus lived here as a man, died, rose from the dead, and was seen by many? Do you believe that His sacrifice was for you? Will you allow the blood of Jesus to cover your sin?

Step 4 - Receive the Gift

If you believe that Jesus did this for you, then God’s gift is for you. God’s gift of salvation is available to every one who will believe in Jesus and the work He has done for us. You receive this gift by believing these things about Jesus.

But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

~Romans 10:8-9

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

~John 1:12-13

Do you now believe in your heart that God sent Jesus to rescue you from sin and certain death? Will you say with your mouth, Jesus is Lord? Are you ready make Jesus the lord of your life?

Step 5 - Jesus as Savior

If you can answer yes to the questions above, you are ready to receive the free gift of God and make Jesus your Lord and Savior. He will now become the sacrifice for you so you can have an eternal relationship with God. To receive the gift all you have to do is ask for it.

Here is an example prayer that you may use…

Heavenly Father GOD,

I recognize that I am a sinner, and in need of help. I am asking forgiveness for the sins I have committed and I am making the decision to turn from my evil ways and follow your ways this very day. I believe that Jesus lived on earth as a man, died, and rose from the dead to take my place. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. I now receive your free gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray… AMEN

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