Even though Ryan was only seven years old, he already had a meaningful relationship with Christ.  He had complete trust, confidence and peace in his faith.  Examples abound of how Ryan demonstrated his faith prior to becoming sick and throughout his illness.  Just one example of this was when just days before Ryan relapsed, a young boy in the hospital passed away.  When Ryan was told of the boy’s death, he commented to his Dad and a nurse; “What a wonderful thing!  He’s in heaven.  I can’t wait to get there, too!”

 To begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you must be willing to:

Realize that God loves you and that you are a sinner

Repent for your sins

Receive Jesus into your life as your Savior and Lord

 The following steps offer the way:

 
A.     Know That God Loves You

God loves everyone and His desire for us is to have eternal life in heaven with Him.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJ)

Then John 10:10 says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.”  (NKJ)

Then John 5:13 says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”  (NKJ)

B.     Know That You Are A Sinner In Need Of Forgiveness

Through His Holy Spirit, God wants you to realize that you are separated from God and will face His judgement.  Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NKJ)

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

Then Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”  (NKJ)

C.     Know That God Wants To Forgive You

God demonstrated His love for you by sending His son, Jesus Christ.  By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus took your judgement and made it possible for you to be forgiven.  Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (NKJ)

Then 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” (NKJ)

D.     Know That You Must Turn Away From Your Sins

You cannot receive Salvation or God’s forgiveness on your own through being a good person or simply by doing lots of works.  Salvation is a free gift from God.  When you know you are sinning against God, you must repent, or turn away, from your sins.  Luke 13:5 says, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."  (NKJ)

Then Ephesians 2:8-9 say,  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (NKJ)

E.     Know That You Must Place Your Faith In God’s Son, Jesus Christ

When you realize you are walking in the wrong direction, you change your course to follow the right path.  Along that new path, place your faith in Jesus to receive forgiveness and eternal life.  Acts 20:21 says, “"testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJ)

Then John 4:16 says, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  (NKJ)

F.      Know That You Receive Jesus Christ Through Prayer

Because Jesus is alive, He is ready to come into your life.  Christ will enter your heart if He is invited.  When He does come in, you will become a child of God.  Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  (NKJ)

Then John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”  (NKJ)

G.   Know That Through Prayer You Can:

  •  Admit to God that you are a sinner and that you are turning away from your sins.

  • Confirm your belief in Jesus by thanking Him for dying on the cross and rising from the dead for your sins.

  • Give your life to Jesus by asking Him to come into your life as your personal Lord and Savior. 

Have You Ever Received Christ As Your Personal Lord and Savior?  If You Would Like To, Pray The Following Prayer:

Dear Father,
I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness.  I believe Christ died on the cross in my place, paying the penalty for my sin.  I believe Christ was raised from the dead on the third day.  I am willing to turn from my sin.  I now invite Jesus Christ into my heart and life as my personal Savior.  I am willing, by your help, to follow and obey Christ as the Lord of my Life.  Amen. 

After you have prayed this prayer, seek out a friend in Christ at a local church where you can learn more about Jesus.  Also, commit to a daily quiet time, reading your bible and praying.  You have become a new person in Christ and Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”  And Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (NKJ)

 

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