How to receive Jesus Christ as your lord and savior

You feel Jesus knocking on the door of your heart, yet don't know how to let him inside so that he may transform you. Maybe you are in awe of God's power. Perhaps you feel the need to seek redemption and forgiveness from past sins or failures. Maybe you are someone who doesn't know if there is any salvation for you. It doesn't matter who you are, Jesus calls all to repentance (John 3:16 "¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.")

1) Realize that you are a sinner and deserve God's wrath:

Romans 1:18 states "¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."Take a moment and think about the sins that you have committed. Know that no matter how much you strive to be good, your good deeds can never erase the evil that you have done. Just as a criminal cannot go unpunished, you cannot live without answering to God, and just as a criminal can be pardoned of their crimes, so can God pardon you of your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. You may feel unworthy to receive God's grace, but know that Because Jesus lived a perfect life, he is worthy to be the perfect sacrifice for your sins.

2) Realize and believe that Jesus came down to the earth manifested in flesh and died for your sins:

Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness from a just God. Have the freedom to pour out your sadness and anger towards the sin of the world for crucifying a perfect and innocent man, but do not dwell in it forever. Joel 2:13 says "Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

3) Repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be your lord and savior:

Romans 10:9 "⁹ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." There is complete redemption and eternal life given to those who turn away from their sinful lives and receive Jesus in their hearts. Repentance is more than a plea for forgiveness, but a struggle and a decision to stop sinning.

4) Live a life filled with the fruit of the holy spirit:

Realize that the christian life is not only about eternal life, but a life of obedience to God. There will be many trials and tribulations, nevertheless know that one day, you will enter into paradise, victorious and will be resurrected just as Jesus was. Pray for God's spirit to lead you into the truth. Read, meditate, and study God's word.

5) Unite with other Christians - Try becoming involved with other Christians in the faith. Seek out those who love and accept you for who you are. Partake in fellowship and share your experiences on the Gospel.

A few final words:

Enjoy the freedom that the holy spirit gives you from the law (Romans 8:2 "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.") Do not dwell in the past, but use it to give testimony to what God has done for you in the present and look forward to what God has in store for your life in the future.