Who is Jesus? He’s God in human form, the person of God known as the Son. If we want to know God, we first need to know Jesus.
Jesus came from Heaven to Earth to die. When He died, He took the punishment for all the wrong stuff ever done. When we believe Jesus was God’s Son, and that He took our punishment, our wrongs (sins against God) are removed (because Jesus paid the price for them in our place). Because of this, we are made right with God! Not only do we get to live with Him in this life, we get to live with Him in the life to come (after dying on Earth, we’ll experience life in Heaven – a place of eternal Life and Love and Light).
It seems like lots to try to comprehend, but in reality knowing Jesus as Savior isn’t hard; it just takes one prayer. When said earnestly, God hears and does the rest. If you’re ready, here’s the prayer:
God, I believe that Jesus is your Son and that He died for me. Please forgive me for what I’ve done that's wrong. Take my life, and use it for good; come be my Savior and Lord. Thank you for loving me, even when I didn't love you back. Help me know you and love you - and thank you that you will. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.
If you just prayed the above prayer, WOO-HOO!!! I’m so excited for you to experience peace and the love that only comes from God, He who made you and loves you beyond compare. Now that you have accepted Jesus as Lord, you’ve been made new – all the old junk between you and God is gone. Besides that, God has sent His Spirit to live within you, inside your heart. He will help you live your new life as God’s child. This Holy Spirit is part of what we refer to as the Trinity – He is one amazing God known to us in three parts: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. So, three parts of one singular God. The Trinity is hard to fathom, so try not to stress in figuring it all out. For now, rest easy knowing that the Spirit who abides in you will teach you all you need to understand. The Holy Spirit will equip you for the future and guide you as you follow Jesus (God the Son).
Wondering what should you do next? Well, there are a few important steps you need to take now that you’re a Christian (which just means you are a Christ follower):
- Pray! Talk to God about your life – that’s what prayer is. Go ahead and ask Him for anything you may need, and listen for His response to you. (He’s listening every single time you call on His name.)
- Read the Bible – it’s how we learn more about Him and how to love Him well. (Don’t have a Bible? There are many free Bible apps and websites you can use if you do a quick internet search. If you want a physical copy to read – which I highly recommend! – talk to a local church and I’m sure they would love to help you.)
- Attend a church near you that believes in Jesus and the Bible as God’s only Word (no other books are needed to learn about God). The church (what we call the body of Christ) and those who are members will help you, encourage you, and lead you in growing closer to Him.
Here’s the thing about the Bible – God tells us all about how to know Him in it. He guided its writing, and He still uses it to speak to us today. It’s actually the main way we hear God speak to us. Sound incredible? It is! If you’ve prayed the prayer above or if you are just curious about all this, read the Bible for yourself. See why it’s called God’s Word and how it’s different from all the other books you’ve read. Then don’t be surprised when He speaks to you through it. That’s what the Spirit does through the Bible – He speaks to us through it. It’s amazing; it’s God meeting us where we are. (Not sure where to begin reading in the Bible? The Gospel of John in the New Testament is a great place to start – it’s where you meet Jesus and hear His words.)
Plus, you are welcome to keep reading this blog (but only if you want to – this is not nearly as important as any of the other things listed above). The words I share here are prayerfully written and are intended to help you better realize God’s love for you. Sometimes we forget that, and I’m here to remind you of what’s actually true.
Wherever you are in your journey of following our Lord, know that you are loved (you are His beloved!), and that I’m praying for you.
Faithfully yours,
