Becoming a Christian is the most important decision you can make. This decision does not only determine where you will spend eternity, but it will determine every aspect of your life.

All People Have Sinned Against God

The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The word sin means to miss a target by falling short of that target. Sin is the failure of a person to live the life which God has planned for him to live. Everyone has sinned, it is universal.

The Price of Sin is High

The Bible says, "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23). The person who lives without God in this life will pay the awful price of an eternity separated from God. The Bible calls this place of separation hell. Hell was never meant to be the eternal home of mankind, but God could not allow rebellious people to enter into heaven. Heaven is the eternal dwelling of God's people, and it is a place where God lives in perfect harmony with His people.

God Loves us in Spite of Our Sin

The Bible says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

Because of the righteousness of God, man cannot pay the penalty for sin. Someone who is acceptable to God must pay the penalty. That someone was Jesus Christ, God's Son. The death of Jesus is the greatest demonstration of the love of God for sinners. It is a great love for someone to die in place of a loved one.

Repent, Turn Toward God, and Have Your Sins Completely Taken Away

The Bible says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19). The word repent means to turn around and go in a different direction. It means a change of mind and life toward God. If you are willing to turn to God, then God will restore you to purity. Jesus described this experience as the "new birth." Your part is to confess your sin, and God's part is to forgive and restore.

By Grace You Receive His Free Gift (Eternal Life) Through Faith Which is Also from God

The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8). The word grace referes to the kindness and love of God in His willingness to forgive and save. Faith means to trust to a point of commitment. You cannot just believe in God. You must be willing to give your life to God's teachings and God's will. Salvation is God's gift if you will receive it with a commitment to turn and follow Jesus.

Confess Jesus and Believe That He Was Raised from the Dead by God

The Bible says, "That if though shalt confess with they mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). The word confess means to acknowledge that Jesus is Savior and Lord, to believe with all your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you and came out of the grave, believe that He is alive and will change your life as you follow and obey His teachings.

Pray (call upon) the Lord and Be Saved:

The Bible says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Whoever means anyone can ask God for forgiveness of sin and turn from sin and follow Jesus.

If you believe all of the above, then pray a simple prayer like this and mean it and you will be saved.

"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I know You died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask You to forgive me. I invite You into my heart and life. I trust You as Savior and will follow You as Lord. Thank You for saving me. Amen."

This prayer of faith begins you on the greatest journey one can ever make. You need to contact Covenant (or another local Bible-believing church) and tell us of your decision. We will instruct you on baptism and church membership. Baptism is an important part of your Christian experience.