Christianity for People Who Aren't Christians, Part 2预览

Belief is where a relationship with Christ begins. This belief is more than intellectual assent. It’s believing that there is a God, that the Bible is his Word to us, that Jesus was who he said he was—God himself in human form sent to earth to show us the way to be in relationship with God. But belief is not enough—the next step is placing your trust in Christ alone as your only way to God the Father.

The Bible says to think of placing your trust in Jesus like crossing over a bridge: “God is on one side and all the people [are] on the other side, and Christ Jesus. . . is between to bring them together by giving his life for all mankind” (1 Timothy 2:5–6).

Where are you in reference to this bridge? Maybe you are far away or maybe you have more questions? Perhaps you are at the place of wanting to accept God’s gift of love? If so, talk to God. That’s called prayer.

If you admit where you stand before a holy God and acknowledge that you believe Jesus provides the only way for your sins to be forgiven and your life to be saved, then you can reach out and receive the gift of what Christ did for you through his death and resurrection.

If you decide to talk with God, please understand, saying a prayer doesn’t save anybody. You are not saved through praying; you are saved through trusting Christ. You are forever his the moment you trust Christ alone as your personal Savior. But verbalizing this in prayer can be very helpful, because although God knows what you are doing— trusting Christ—expressing it in prayer cements it in your own mind.

If, or when, you decide to pray this prayer, please tell somebody so they can pray for you too, encourage you, help you take next steps in the relationship. But make no mistake: when you trust in Jesus to save and rescue you, you become his child and nothing will ever be the same in your life. 

If you are ready to take a step of faith, consider this prayer: Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I am separated from you. I also know that sin must be punished. I now believe that Jesus Christ took that punishment when he died in my place on a cross and rose again. Right now, I trust Jesus alone as my Savior. Thank you for accepting me and for the forgiveness and eternal life I now have.