How to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ

We find lasting hope in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  These steps will help you as you make up your mind to begin that relationship.  They are not some "magic" formula or guarantee, but they are consistent with the Biblical guidance for becoming a follower of Jesus.  What matters most is the attitude of your heart.

Step one

CONFESS (Admit your need). Agree with God that you are a sinner and need His forgiveness. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). 

step two

REPENT (Turn from your sinfulness). Tell God you are not only sorry for your sins, but that with His help you intend to go a different direction with your life. “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19). 

step three

BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. Believing is more than just intellectual knowledge (head stuff), it is banking your whole eternal future on what Christ did for you on the cross. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will to perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). 

step four

ACCEPT Jesus Christ through prayer and in faith ask Him to take control of your life. “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Invite Him into your life, and accept Him as your Lord and savior.  

pray something like this


Dear Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and need to be forgiven. With Your help I intend to turn from my sinful actions as You show them to me. I want to follow You from now on. I believe that You died for me on the cross, so that my sins could be forgiven. I also believe You rose from the dead so that I might live forever in Your presence. Right now I invite You to come in and take control of my life. I gratefully receive Your offer of hope in this world and Your free gift of eternal life. Thank you for my salvation. Amen.