Not only did Jesus die for us, He rose again, proving beyond doubt that he can rightfully promise eternal life, that He is the Son of God and the only means by which we can know God, 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (NIV). That is why Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except THROUGH me.”- John 14:6 (NIV)
It was Jesus’ love for us and faith in God that caused him to endure the cross and now He invites us to come to Him, that we might be in a personal relationship with God. However, simply just knowing Jesus did this is not enough, we need to welcome Him into our lives. We must individually accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It cannot be something done for us through someone else. If you bought yourself a ticket to a concert it should be pretty easy to get in. However, just because you bought yourself a ticket, doesn’t mean your friend, who doesn’t have one, gets to go. It’s not a VIP lounge where you can invite your friends or a BOGO 50% promotion. This gift is exclusively for you if you choose to respond to the invitation. Jesus said, “….I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”- John 10:10 (AMP)
Accepting Jesus means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, who He claimed to be, then inviting him to guide and direct your life. The precise words you use to commit yourself to God are not important just as long as you ask Him into your life and believe in your heart. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved [born-again]. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
If you are unsure of what to pray, here’s some assistance putting it into words:
“God, I want to know You. I want You to come into my life. Thank You for sending Your only Son to die on the cross for my sins, so that I could be fully accepted by You. Only You can give me the power to change and become the person you created me to be. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life with you. I give my life to You, please do with it as you wish. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
If you sincerely asked God into your life just now, then He has come into your life as He promised. What follows is a lifelong journey of change and growth as you get to know God better through reading His Word and interactions such as prayer and worship. The promises to His children have unleashed on you for choosing to make Him your Heavenly Father. Welcome to the Kingdom!
The more you invest time in your relationship with God, the more you will understand Him and be able to distinguish when He is spending time on you. God will never leave you in your times of need. He will never forsake you because of your sin. You are now covered by the blood of Jesus and His mercy endures forever!
“I’m standing at the door and I’m knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.”- Revelation 3:20