by David A. Huston
If you want to be ready to meet Jesus Christ when He returns to this earth, then please follow these instructions:
STEP 1. BE HONEST: You must be willing to admit that you have done wrong and that God will judge you for your sins. The Bible says that “all have sinned” and certainly that includes you. (Romans 3:23). Some examples of sin are lying, stealing, cheating, taking drugs, having sex outside of marriage, and so on. Those who won’t admit they have sinned will be cast alive into the lake of fire which burns forever and ever (Revelation 20:10-15).
STEP 2. ACCEPT CHRIST: Next you must accept that Jesus Christ loved you and died for your sins so that you wouldn't have to go to the lake of fire. The Bible says that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus is willing to give each of us a second chance to live for Him by forgiving our sins and filling us with His Spirit.
STEP 3. REPENT: Next you must be sorry for your sins and must make a firm decision within your heart to believe in Jesus, to live by his Word, and to do the best you can to keep yourself from further sin. The Bible says that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent”(Acts 17:30). Repentance is not optional. It is impossible to be forgiven and receive eternal life unless you are willing to turn away from your sins. If you are ready to live apart from sin, then Jesus is ready to help you.
STEP 4. BE BAPTIZED: Next you must be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). This is the first act of faith every person must submit to in order to demonstrate their willingness to be obedient to God. Jesus will respond to this act of faith by forgiving every sin you have ever committed. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). If you believe that Jesus died for your sins and have made up your mind that you want to live God's way, then you ought to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (not the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as soon as possible.
STEP 5. RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT: Next you must be filled with the Spirit of God. Peter said that those who repent and are baptized “shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is the power and presence of Jesus Christ coming to live right inside of you to help you to live right and fill you with life everlasting.
STEP 6. JOIN A CHURCH: The final thing you must do is begin attending a local church that teaches the truths of the Bible. Salvation is not a one time occurrence; it is a way of life. It begins when you repent of your sins, believe in Christ, get baptized in water, and receive the Holy Spirit. But if you want to be sure you are ready when Jesus comes, you must also learn to live your life in a manner that pleases Him.
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Note to the reader: If you would like to comment on the contents of this paper, please contact us through our website at www.GloriousChurch.com. We welcome and appreciate all honest comments, questions, and criticisms. Copyright © 2003 David Huston ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or author; EXCEPT THAT PERMISSION IS GRANTED to reprint all or part of this document for personal study and research provided that reprints are not offered for sale. All Scripture references are from the New King James Version of the Bible, copyright 1990 by Thomas Nelson Inc., Nashville, TN, unless otherwise indicated. Published by Rosh Pinnah means ‘Chief Cornerstone’ in Hebrew. |