What does it mean to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

What Is Salvation?
Salvation is the act of being saved from sin and its consequences, which is eternal separation from God. It is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to restore our relationship with God. Salvation offers forgiveness, eternal life, and a personal relationship with God, empowered by His Spirit to live a transformed life.

Step 1: Understand God's Love and Plan for Your Life
God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

  • God's Love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

  • God's Plan: Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

Step 2: Recognize the Problem – Our Sin and Separation
We all have a problem: sin. Sin separates us from God.

  • We Are Sinful: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

  • We Are Separated: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), which means spiritual separation from God.
    No amount of good works, religion, or personal effort can bridge the gap between us and God.

Step 3: Discover God's Solution – Jesus Christ
God provided the only way to bridge the gap between us and Him—Jesus Christ.

  • He Is the Perfect Lamb of God: Jesus is unique—both fully God and fully man. As the sinless Son of God, He lived a flawless life and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).
    In the Old Testament, God required a spotless lamb as a temporary covering for sin. Jesus fulfilled this perfectly, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His sacrifice was final and complete, making a way for us to be reconciled to God.

  • He Died in Our Place: “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

  • He Rose From the Dead: Jesus defeated death and sin through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).

  • He Is the Only Way to God: Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Step 4: Receive the Holy Spirit to Live Through You
When you accept Jesus, God gives you the Holy Spirit to dwell in you, empowering you to live a transformed life.

  • The Holy Spirit in You: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in your life, guiding, teaching, and transforming you to reflect Christ.

  • Producing Spiritual Fruit: As you abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in your life—“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are gifts of God’s Spirit, evidence of His work in and through you.

  • The Vine and the Branches: Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Holy Spirit enables you to stay connected to Jesus, allowing His life to flow through you and bear fruit that glorifies God.

Step 5: Respond Personally to Jesus
It’s not enough to just know these truths—you must respond by fully committing your life to Jesus and showing it through obedience.

  1. Admit Your Need: Acknowledge your sin and separation from God.

  2. Believe in Jesus: Trust that He died for your sins and rose again.

  3. Commit to Jesus: Turn from your self-directed life (repent) and invite Him to lead your life.

  4. Receive the Holy Spirit: Allow God’s Spirit to work in you and through you, empowering you to live a life that reflects Christ.

  5. Be Baptized: Baptism is an outward representation of your inward decision to follow Jesus. It symbolizes being united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

A Suggested Prayer

You can receive Christ, the Holy Spirit, and commit to baptism right now by praying a simple prayer of faith. The exact words aren’t as important as the sincerity of your heart.

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for being the perfect, spotless Lamb who took my place on the cross. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. I invite Your Holy Spirit to live in me, to guide me, and to produce fruit in my life that glorifies You. I commit to follow You and to publicly declare my faith through baptism. Take control of my life and make me the person You want me to be. Amen.

What Happens Next?
If you prayed this prayer and meant it, you have begun a new relationship with God! You are forgiven, filled with the Holy Spirit, and can now experience His love, power, and plan for your life.

Self-Directed vs. Christ-Directed Life

  • Self-Directed Life: You are in control, and Jesus has no influence.

  • Christ-Directed Life: Jesus leads your life, offering forgiveness, purpose, and peace, while the Holy Spirit works in and through you.

Have Questions or Made a Decision?
If you have questions, want to be baptized, or if you prayed to accept Jesus, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us, and we’ll help you take the next steps in your faith journey.