HOW TO BECOME A CHRIST-FOLLOWER
The first step in following Jesus requires us to admit we have sinned and fall short of God's expectations. God created us in His image to enjoy relationship with Him. But our sin separates us from God. When we recognize our sin before a Holy God, we recognize our need for Him. We must at this point acknowledge our sin and ask God to forgive us.
- "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
- "… the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
Believe
The next step is to believe that Jesus died for our sins, that He became sin for us, that He suffered God's wrath for our sins, and that He is the only way to God. We must believe that Jesus died on the Cross and rose from from death to life. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between us and God.
- "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy 2:5
- Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14.6
- "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Turn
Following Jesus requires us to repent. This means that we turn completely from our current direction in life and surrender fully to God. We go from doing life our way to doing life God’s way.
- Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7.10
- “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9.23
If you understand what it takes to follow Jesus and want to begin this new life with Him, you can start by saying a prayer like this: "Jesus, I admit my sin and need for forgiveness. Thank you for dying for my sins. I turn from my sins and You into my life. I will follow and commit the rest of my life to you."
Welcome to the family of God! You have now entered a new relationship with God. This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Jesus. Congratulations!!!