The Bible says that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)”

Sin is disobedience of God. Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating of the tree of knowledge. Mankind was then stricken from the garden of Eden and from direct fellowship with God. Sin separates us from the friendship we can have with God and prevents us from experiencing the plan he has for our lives.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Much of the world understands that sin leads to death and so their interpretation of God is some powerful being who is only ready to bring punishment. This couldn’t be further from the truth! This verse shows us that while yes, the wages for sin is eternal death and separation from God, he gives us a gift of eternal life through salvation. Because God is just there must be payment for sin, Christ is the payment for that sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 tells us that God’s will is not for us to experience the punishment for sin but to indulge in fellowship with Him:

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Because God loves us he sent his son. The way for us to have the void caused by sin between us and God filled is through the blood of Jesus. He came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. He then rose from the dead and brought life to all of the world.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love, it has always been there for us. All we have to do is gladly accept his love and salvation through his son. Walking with Christ is not about being perfect or doing everything right, it is about understanding and confessing how we have sinned, understanding that we don’t deserve his love, but accepting the gift of salvation anyway. Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve and that is what salvation is. If we could earn salvation, then Christ died for nothing. (Galatians 2:21)

For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. (1 Timothy 2:5)

God does not wish for us to be separated from him and longs to reveal his plan for our lives to us. He sent his son Jesus Christ to be a payment for mankind’s sin. The only way to get back to God is through faith in Jesus.

To accept the gift of salvation and receive what God has in store for you the Bible says that:

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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

It’s not about religious tradition, or good works, or deserving God. It’s about faith in the story of Jesus, the salvation he offers through grace, and living your life for him. All you have to do is accept the precious gift of salvation to begin the new and fulfilling life Christ has for you. If you would like to receive the gift of salvation simply pray something simple.

“Dear Lord,
I know that I have sinned and am separated from fellowship from you. I know there is nothing I can do to save myself and understand salvation is your gift of love. I believe that you sent your son Jesus to save me. I have faith that your son lived a perfect life, was crucified on the cross to pay my debt, and I believe he rose from the dead to bring me life. Lord, Come into my heart and my life. Show me who you are and what your plan for me is. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Once you have accepted Christ into your life the Bible says that  we have been freed from sin and are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and children of God (John 1:12). We experience a new birth (John 3:1-8) and are granted eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).

Being saved does not mean that you are instantly perfect but it is the beginning of a journey getting to know who Christ is, who you are in Christ, and what his plan for you is. He doesn’t expect perfection but he expects a meaningful relationship with you. He is now your strongest ally and will change all of the sin in your life into good if you are willing. It will not be easy nor will it be instant but it will be the most wonderful journey and love you will ever experience.

God wants to be in every part of your life and has a plan for you. Jesus came to bring you life and to bring you abundant life (John 10:10). He came to wash away your sin and make you a new creature able to receive the gifts of peace, love, joy, and confidence that has been promised to you. It may all seem overwhelming at first and you may find yourself asking ‘what now?’ but rest assured God will show you the way. We offer other resources and articles about who God is, what a relationship with him means, how to live for him, and how to spend time with him as well as other valuable resources throughout the site but the most basic and pertinent ones for new Christians can be found in Beginning Your Walk.