How to Begin a Relationship with God Through Jesus Christ

How to Begin a Relationship with God Through Jesus Christ

God has provided the way for us to be forgiven, restored, and made new—through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you’re ready to turn to God, here are the steps you can take to begin a life-changing relationship with Him.

1. Acknowledge God’s Love for You

God loves you and desires a personal relationship with you. He created you with purpose and wants the best for your life.

"God showed how much he loved you by sending his one and only Son into the world so that you might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."—1 John 4:9–10

Pray: "God, I believe You love me and have a plan for my life. Thank You for loving me even when I have not loved or followed You."

2. Confess Sin and Turn to God

We all fall short of God’s perfect standard. Our sin separates us from Him and leads us toward hell—eternal separation from the life, love, and goodness that come from knowing God.

But in His great love, God sent Jesus to rescue us and offer forgiveness, renewal, and eternal life. When we confess our sins, He promises to forgive us and make us new.

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”—Romans 3:23
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”—Psalm 51:10

Pray: "God, I acknowledge my sin and my need for You. I turn to You, trusting in Your grace to forgive me, transform my heart, and lead me into a new life with You."

3. Recognize Jesus as the Only Way to God

Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose from the dead. He is the only way to eternal life.

"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'"—John 14:6
"He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed."—1 Peter 2:24

Pray: "Jesus, I believe You are fully God and fully man. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust You as the only way to God and the giver of eternal life."

4. Accept the Sacrifice of Christ

Jesus paid the price for your sin and offers forgiveness and eternal life as a gift.

"Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said."—1 Corinthians 15:3–4
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."—John 3:16

Pray: "Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins and rising from the dead. I accept Your gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Restore me to a relationship with God forever."

5. Place Your Faith in Christ Alone

Salvation is not earned by good works. It is a gift of grace received by faith.

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."—Romans 10:9–10

Pray: "Jesus, I confess You as my Lord and Savior. I invite You into my heart, to change my life and lead me. I trust in Your grace and mercy alone."

6. Know You Have Eternal Life

You can be confident that God has forgiven your sins and given you eternal life through Christ.

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."—Romans 10:13

7. A Final Prayer

If these words reflect your heart, you can make this your prayer:

"Thank You, God, for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. I trust in Jesus Christ and receive Him as my Savior today. Help me to follow You each day, fill me with Your Spirit, and guide me as I grow in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Next Steps

If you prayed this prayer and accepted Christ, you have begun a new journey with God! Here are some next steps:

  • Begin reading the Bible daily to learn about God’s ways and truth. Start in the Gospel of John.
  • Pray regularly and talk with God about your life.
  • Apply God's truth in the Bible to your life, so you will experience the joy and blessings of walking with Him.
  • Find a local church that teaches the Bible and follow Jesus in community.
  • Share your decision with someone you trust.

You are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and eternally secure in Christ.