How can we be forgiven and live for God?
All people are sinful and need forgiveness. Those who want a relationship with God must first learn how their sins can be forgiven so they can become acceptable to God and live transformed lives full of love and compassion.
Here are six actions we must take and what each means.
Confess Sin. (Ephesians 2:3-4; 1 John 1:9)
Confession is necessary for receiving forgiveness of sins. When we admit we are sinful, we acknowledge our need of a Savior and can be cleansed from sin.
Say no to sin and ask for forgiveness. (Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 10:10)
No one deserves God's forgiveness, but He freely gives it by His love and His grace when we ask for it. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment that we deserve for our sins. Accepting and believing this truth allows us to be forgiven.
Receive sanctification when we experience rebirth. (John 3:3, 7; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:3, 23)
People who place their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior are reborn-saved-into new, eternal life. Just as Christ was restored from death into life by His resurrection, Christians are restored to life in Christ through rebirth. Those who are reborn receive power from the Holy Spirit to live changed lives.
Accept God's love. (Romans 8:31-39; 1 John 4:15-18)
God's love provided salvation. Those who trust in Him have no need to fear evil or judgment. There is nothing, not even death, that can separate us from God's love.
Love God. (Mark 12:30; John 4:21-24)
God wants us to love Him by obeying Him and placing Him first in our lives. Loving God and seeking to honor Him frees us from our sinful desires.
Love others. (Matthew 25:40; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; James 2:8)
Love for God is reflected in love for others. We are unified in our love for one another. We love others by looking for opportunities to help and serve them.
THE INVITATION
You can't depend on your own goodness to get to Heaven. We've all sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus paid the penalty for your sins with His death on the cross and His resurrection (John 3:16).
To be forgiven and be guaranteed a place in Heaven, you need to repent of sin, confess that you are a sinner, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart (Acts 2:21).
You can use the following prayer or your own words, but you must actually believe in your heart that your prayer is real:
Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed.
Please forgive all my wrongdoing and let me live in relationship with You from now on.
I receive You as my Savior and recognize that the work You accomplished once and for all on the cross was done on my behalf.
Thank You for saving me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You.
In Your name I pray, Amen.
