Church Growth - Reaching The Lost (2)

SALVATION: Part 2

The Steps Required in Becoming “Born Again”

Salvation is necessary because sin against a holy God separates us from Him, bringing judgment and spiritual death.  Romans 6:23 states “The wages of sin is death”.

STEP ONE:  Admit you are a sinner

Every human being suffers from the same sickness, SIN.  This is why there is constant trouble in the world, why we have wars, disputes, divorces, arguments, greed, selfishness and other problems. Even clever scientists cannot solve the sin problem. As soon as a war ends in a country, another one begins in another part of the world.  Wars have been going on for thousands of years. 

We were born into sin, but there is a remedy – the provision is The Lord Jesus. 
In becoming a Christian, it is essential that the individual ACCEPTS HE IS A SINNER.  Examines their heart, and agrees that they, like others, have done things that were wrong.  They must be WILLING TO REPENT (say sorry) for this and ask God to forgive them. 

The Bible states “For all have Sinned, and Fallen short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23. 

At the point of SALVATION God forgives every past sin.

STEP TWO:  Believe that Jesus died on the Cross to save the whole world

Jesus’ death upon the cross was an act of Divine love.  Whilst on the cross, he conquered the power of sin, and paid the price or penalty for all sins committed. 

Because of Jesus’ death, providing we ask, all our sins have been forgiven and forgotten.  We will never be held accountable for these sins again. Never! 

There is no other God or way that sin can be forgiven.  There is only one way to God, that is, through Jesus.  If a person is willing to believe that, then they will be saved.  It may well become clearer to them later on, but in the early stages, a person must be willing to accept the fact as stated. 

STEP THREE: Confess your Christian belief to others

After we have received Salvation, we must be willing to tell other people what has happened to us.  Salvation brings the sure hope of eternal life - 1 Peter 1:5, and we must let all know about it. Salvation is available to all, but a time will come when it will be too late to receive it.  (Revelation 20:12).

If our applicant is able to agree to the three steps above, then a prayer may be said which will make a commitment as below:

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I am sorry that I am a sinner.  I agree that I have done things which are wrong and have fallen short of your required standards.

I believe that your death upon the Cross cancels out my sin, and that I am forgiven.  Only You and no other ‘God’ can provide this opportunity.

I invite you into my life now, to be my Personal Saviour. 

Amen.

THE WAY AHEAD

At the point of Salvation, the Holy Spirit will be given to the believer. The Holy Spirit will help the new believer to commune with God, and will bring Joy, Peace, and eventually other Gifts of the Spirit.

It is important to gather together with Christians at a church where the Living Christ is worshipped. God blesses us and refreshes us with His Holy Spirit when we worship Him in this way.  “Where two or more are gathered together, in my name, there am I, in the midst of them” - Matthew 18:20.

The New Christian should Pray each day, and do a bible reading, for example with the assistance of a daily reading booklet such as “Daily Bread” or a Bible Reading Plan.

Coming into the Christian Fellowship, many new friends can be anticipated, who will be of help and encouragement to Christian growth.

Any problems which arise can be discussed and advice received.  Old habits e.g. smoking, drinking of alcohol would fall away, as the new convert becomes increasingly strong in God.

God has promised also to guide us at all times.  “In all your ways, acknowledge me, and I will direct your paths” - Proverbs 3:6.

God knows us personally and we can expect to be helped and guided by Him.  He loves us unconditionally, He has no favourites, we are all God’s favourites.

To look forward to, we have Everlasting Life.  One day we will live in a place where there is no sin.  We shall have new bodies, and will enjoy the peace and trouble-free presence of the Lord.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 
Keith Dixon (Mr.)