1. First, let's make the terminology clear:
a. Some call it salvation.
b. Some call it being born again.
c. Some call it having a personal savior.
At Cornerstone, when we are talking about the transformation of a person into a Christian, we usually say, "begin a relationship with Jesus".
2. We were created for a personal relationship with God.
Jesus said, "I have come in order that you might have life-life in all its fullness. - John 10:10
3. When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives, it produces benefits in our life:
Clear Conscience - Romans 8:1
Life & Peace - Romans 8:6
Help with Weakness - Romans 8:26
Purpose - Romans 8:28
Confidence - Romans 8:31
Security - Romans 8:39
Power & Strength - Phil. 4:13
Fulfillment - Phil. 4:19
Freedom - John 8:32, 36
This is the kind of lifestyle God intends for us to live. Why then aren't most people really happy?
4. What's the problem?
a. Man has a natural desire to be boss and to ignore God's principles for living.
b. The Bible calls this attitude sin. "All of us, like sheep have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way." Isaiah 53:6
c. Sin breaks our close relationship with God. It causes us to fear God and try to live our lives outside of His will. "The trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God." Isaiah 59:2 (LB)
When our relationship to God is not right, it causes problems in every area of our lives - marriage, career, relationships, finances, etc.
5. What's the solution?
Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me!" - John 14:6
"God is on one side and all people are on the other side, and Christ Jesus is between them to bring them together; by giving his life for all mankind." - 1 Tim. 2:5
God has already done his part to restore our relationship to Him. He took the initiative. Now he waits for each of us to individually accept what He has done for us.
6. What does God want me to do?
a. Admit that God has not been first place in your life and ask Him to forgive your sins.
b. Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that He rose again on Easter, and is alive today.
"If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
c. Accept God's free gift of salvation. We cannot earn it.
"For it is by grace you are saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9
Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us.
d. Invite Jesus to come into your life and to be the director (Lord) of your life.
Jesus says, "Listen, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in..." - Rev. 3:20
You can take these steps by praying a simple prayer of commitment to God:
"Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I've ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and I'm sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian."