The first thing someone must do in order to become a Christian is to understand that they are a sinner and need the forgiveness of God. If you've ever told a lie, stolen something (even if it was small), dishonored or disobeyed your parents, wanted something that wasn't yours, or taken the Lord's name in vain, then you have broken God's Law. The penalty for that is death. Not only must we die physically because of sin, we will also stand before God's judgment seat and be found guilty of breaking His Laws. The punishment is to be cut off from God for all eternity and be banished in a place called hell, where there is darkness, burning, and terrible sadness (weeping and gnashing of teeth).
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The Good News, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is that Jesus, who is actually God in the flesh, came to live a perfect life in your place and then suffer the punishment and wrath of God for your sin, in your place, so that if you believe in Him and place your faith in Him as the perfect Savior, you can be saved. When you stand before God at the judgment, He will only see the perfection of Jesus, which is imputed to you, and not the sin, which has been dealt with and cast "as far as the east is from the west." You will be welcomed into Heaven to live with God in perfect happiness and peace for eternity. It's so simple it's almost too good to be true. God made His plan simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough that no matter how much we study and ponder on it, it's unfathomable.
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Not only does becoming a Christian ensure a home for you in Heaven, but you will receive the Holy Spirit who will live inside of you to help you live the Christian life. He helps us to understand Scripture and live as God wants us to, so that our life is more abundant and meaningful.
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If you feel that the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart and you have the desire to turn to God and become a follower of Christ (which is what a Christian is), then this a simple example of a prayer that you can pray:
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Dear Jesus, I know that I have sinned against you. I know that I haven't fully obeyed the Laws of God and that in my own strength, I can't do so. I know that I deserve to be judged for my sins.
Lord Jesus, I ask you to forgive me of my sins and save me. Please cleanse me of my sins and make me righteous before you. I trust and believe in what you did on the cross. I receive you as Lord of my life and as my Savior. Thank You for what You did for me so that I could be saved. Help me to live for You and learn how to serve You.
In Your Name I pray and ask these things, Amen.
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If you prayed this prayer and became a Christian, pleas let me know so that I can pray for you and help you find materials that will help you to grow in your new faith. I pray for God's blessings upon your new life in Him.
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