The ABC’s of a Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ

Receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is as easy as ABC. When all the talking is said and done there are still just three steps to eternal life.

Step One

Admit that you have sinned.

We all tend to describe the reality of sin in our lives in language that makes our imperfection less intimidating and shameful. We say we have problems, weaknesses or even issues. The Bible says that this imperfection is sin and that sin must be admitted in order to be dealt with.

God does not require that we explain our sin; He already understands it. God does not require that we justify ourselves and make excuses for our sin; He alone can truly justify us. God does not require that we free ourselves from sin in order to come to Him; He alone can liberate the soul of man from sin. GOD DOES REQUIRE THAT WE ADMIT OUR SIN and only then can our sin be forgiven. Sin is universal and includes us all.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Step Two

Believe that Jesus Christ died for you

Humanity could not and still cannot solve the problem of sin. Wealth, education, achievement, status and the like will not wash away the stain of sin on the soul of man. Because human devise and ingenuity is unable to remove sin, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for our sins.

The sacrifice of Jesus’ life for the sins of the world only has meaning when it is applied individually and personally. The promise of eternal life is not inevitable, but it is a personal invitation to a life that Jesus has made possible through His death on the cross. Eternal life is not owed to man nor can it be earned by man, but it has been made available. Eternal life was purchased through the blood of Jesus.

“Yet to all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Step Three

Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.

 The power of life and death are in the words we speak. To confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life is to empower and make certain what you have believed in your heart. To confess that Jesus Christ is Lord is recognition that accountability to self is insufficient. Self-reliance is a failed proposition. To be accountable to the Lordship of Jesus Christ over my life is the key to completing the process of my personal salvation.
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)
(Adapted from Stan Toler's "ABC's of Evangelism", published by Zondervan Publishing House.)

If you have responded to the ABC’s of Salvation, please pray this prayer with me:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that you died for my sins and arose from the grave. I now turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I receive You as my personal Savior and follow You as my Lord. Amen.”

I celebrate with you the decision you have just made to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. I know you may have questions or want to receive resources that will inspire greater faith and commitment as you begin your new life.

Please email or call (252) 756-3315 and someone will speak with you about your decision, encourage your faith, and offer assistance.