You may have heard it said that everyone is basically good, but there is nothing further from the truth. We are all born sinners. The Bible says:

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
– Romans 3:23

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.
– Romans 5:12

Now, our sin is not just evidenced by the gruesome sights we see on the evening news. Sin separates us from God eternally. In other words, the penalty for sin, the Bible says, is death.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 6:23

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world, and through it, death (physical and spiritual). But, God made a way for mankind to be rescued from their sin – to be saved – from eternal death to eternal life. That WAY is Jesus Christ. The Bible says:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
– John 3:16

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
– Romans 5:8

In other words, God sent Jesus Christ in our place to pay the death penalty for OUR sin. Jesus paid it all. We cannot try to be good or do religious works in order to earn our way into heaven. The Bible is clear,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
-Titus 3:5-7

Having understood that we are sinners in need of salvation (deliverance) from sin and its eternal death penalty, and realizing that Jesus paid the price for that sin, we now simply receive the free gift of salvation offered to us through faith in Jesus Christ.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.
– Acts 16:31

For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.
– Romans 10:13

... as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, to those who believe in His name.
– John 1:14

...these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life through His name.
– John 20:31

Remember, you cannot do it on your own. The grace of God teaches us that Jesus did all the redeeming work for us on the cross, we can only respond by trusting Him (faith).

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
– Ephesians 2:8-9

You can become a Christian right now, wherever you are. You simply confess to God that you know you are a sinner in need of salvation, turn away from your sin (repentance), and that you receive God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Here is an example prayer you can pray, the words don't have to be exact, it only provides a way for you to express to God your faith in Jesus and willingness to commit your life to Him:

Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I confess that I am a sinner and I need your salvation. I turn away from my sin and turn toward You, my Savior. Come into my life right now, and forgive me for my sin. Change my heart and life and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I commit my life to you now, in Jesus name. Amen.

Even if your words are different, God hears your heart. If you have prayed this prayer, confessing your sins to God, repenting and believing in Jesus Christ, you ARE a Christian!

If you have prayed this prayer, or have questions, please send us a note, and we would love to help you on the next steps in your walk with Christ. Meanwhile, to help you grow in your walk with the Lord, you should:

Get a Bible and read it every day – If you don’t have one, by all means contact us and we would be happy to send you one free of charge!

Pray daily -  The Word of God (the Bible) is God speaking to you. Prayer is you speaking back to God. Even if you aren’t sure how to pray, talk to God about your hopes, fears, everything! Your Heavenly Father is listening.

Begin attending a Bible-teaching church – There is nothing more powerful than the work of God’s Word in the lives of His people. You can find some such churches in your area by using the Church Locator.