Millions of people around the world throughout history have made the decision to follow Jesus. He truly is the most compelling figure in history. Making the decision to give your life to Christ still applies today. It is simple, yet has life changing impact. The essence of this decision is trusting in God’s Son, Jesus, instead of yourself to make you acceptable to God. Here is a process you may find helpful in making this life-changing decision. It’s as simple as A-B-C!

A – Admit you are living in a way that does not please God. Each of us has thoughts and actions that we know are wrong. The Bible refers to these things as sin. Romans 3:23 declares “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Not only have we sinned, but the consequences for our sin is eternal separation from God in hell. Romans 6:23 explains, “For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Any and all sin separates people from God. In this way, all people without Christ are living lives separated from God and worthy of eternal punishment. Some make the argument that if a person does more good things than wrong, that will make up for all the bad things they committed. Yet this does not hold true even in our own society. If a person commits a crime, pleading to the judge that they have done more good things than bad will have minimal effect. In the same way, you are still accountable for the wrong you have done. The first step of becoming a Christ follower is taking ownership of the sinful things you have done.

B – Believe that Jesus died in your place on the cross two thousand years ago, taking on your punishment for sin, and rose again on the third day, claiming victory over sin and death. God does not want anyone to be separated from Him in hell. Rather, God loves all people and desires them to be reconciled to Him. The most famous verse in all the Bible, John 3:16, beautifully expresses this sentiment, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The second step in becoming a Christ follower is believing that Jesus died and rose again for you.

C – Confess that Jesus is Lord. Romans 10:9-10 explains that becoming a Christ follower is a very easy thing, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” This confession is acknowledging that Jesus truly is God and placing your life under His authority. This involves confessing your sin and asking God to forgive you. 1 John 1:9 explains, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Becoming a Christ follower is not about following a list of rules or obligations. It is asking God to forgive you for your sin and submitting your heart, mind, soul, and life to His authority. This changes your life. Eternal life is a free gift paid for and offered to you through Jesus Christ. You do nothing to earn it, but you receive this gift by confessing Jesus as Lord and giving your life to Him.

If this is what you want to do, consider praying a prayer like this: “Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner and am living my life against you. I believe you sent Jesus to die on the cross and rise again from the dead as the punishment for my sin. I confess that Jesus is my Lord. I want to stop living my way and submit my life to you. Please come into my life, forgive me from my sins, and help me to live a new life in you.”

If this is a decision you are making or want to talk to someone more about it, let us know by filling out the information below. We would love to connect with you. Consider reading the Gospel of John from the Bible. John is a great book all about following Jesus. (The passages referenced below are from the ESV version of the Bible.)