Only Christ followers can gain entry to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father except through me”. John 14:6 Let’s take a look at how you can have peace with God today.
1 – God loves you and has a plan for you!
The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10). But here’s the problem:
2 – People are sinful and separated from God.
We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23). The good news?
3 – God sent His Son to die for your sins!
Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives! “Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
4 – Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?
We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. If you are ready to accept Jesus, you can pray something similar to the following. Pray honestly and earnestly in your own words.
“Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son and you raised Him from the dead on the third day. I believe that He died for my sin and I want to turn from sin. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
5 – Read the Bible and Pray
Your next step after surrendering your life to follow Jesus is to pray and read the Bible daily. You now need to mature and grow your relationship with Jesus. If you are new to reading the Bible, I would suggest reading either the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New Living Translation (NLT). They both translate the Bible into modern English and are written so that anyone can understand the meaning of God’s Word, not just biblical scholars. The Holy Spirit which now lives within you will open your eyes to truth as you read the Bible. Praying is also a way you can have a deeper relationship with Jesus. He hears your prayers and trust that He will answer them (either with yes, no, or wait). Start with reading the book of John (it’s in the New Testament).
Get Baptized
Once a person admits his sin and turns to Christ for salvation, baptism is the step that is taken to proclaim to heaven and earth that you are a follower of Christ. Baptism is not the key to get you into heaven, but it is a public statement of your belief that you are following Jesus. Jesus was baptized (fully immersed) and every single convert in the New Testament was baptized, so you as a new believer should follow this example and be baptized also.
7 – Community with Believers
Find a Bible believing church and attend regularly who believes in the inerrant truth of the Bible. Many churches have bible study groups (often called small groups that meet in member’s homes) and I suggest you join a group that will encourage and support you as you walk out your new journey.