“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9, NKJV
So far in our review of Steps to Peace with God, we’ve examined the first three steps:
STEP 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
STEP 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
STEP 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
At this point, using Scripture, we’ve seen that God has a plan and purpose for us, but sin has separated us from Him. God is holy and perfect, and cannot abide the darkness of sin in His presence. We’ve also seen God’s mighty plan for redemption, the bridge that makes a way for sinful humans like us to find peace with a holy and righteous God—Jesus Christ, and the finished work of the cross.
Is that the end of the story? No! While Jesus’ sacrifice was for all of mankind, He doesn’t force us to accept the free gift He offers through His death and resurrection. Which takes us to Step 4 of the Steps to Peace with God:
STEP 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
We must trust and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Bible says:
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” -John 1:12
“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.” -Romans 10:9
Which side are you on? The side with Christ or without Him?
Dear friends, over the last several weeks we’ve examined Scripture and have clearly seen the Gospel message—the offer of eternal hope in Christ Jesus for those who surrender to Him in repentance. Maybe you’ve called yourself a Christian for years, but have never truly repented of your sin, sought His forgiveness, and placed your faith in Jesus. Or maybe you just stumbled upon this little blog and are hearing it for the first time.
Wherever you find yourself today, that question remains: What will you do with Jesus Christ?
If you’re ready to make the decision to follow Him? Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:
“Dear God,
I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son.
I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life.
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.”
If you’ve prayed that prayer, we’d love to walk alongside you as you grow in your faith. Please visit stepstopeace.org now, and click the button at the bottom that says “Yes, I prayed.” You can also click the button that says “No, but I have questions.” We have volunteers who would like nothing more than to hear from you, pray with (and for) you, and answer any questions you have.
Thank you for journeying through the Steps to Peace with God with us. May God bless each of you!
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To learn more about Personal Spiritual Retreats and other opportunities to get away and spend time with the Lord at The Cove, visit thecove.org/events/.