What practical steps can you take to receive and believe in Jesus? The Promise Drawn from John 1:12 “But to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” This single verse lays out two clear responses—receive and believe—and one breathtaking result: becoming God’s very own child. Recognize the Need for Rescue • Scripture insists that everyone begins life separated from God (Romans 3:23). • Acknowledge personal sin honestly rather than excusing or minimizing it (1 John 1:8). • Admit that you cannot bridge the gap by good works or self-effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). Turn Toward Jesus in Repentance • Repentance means a change of mind that leads to a change of direction (Acts 3:19). • Turn from sin’s empty promises and turn toward Christ’s perfect sufficiency. • This is not an extra work that earns salvation; it is the heart’s surrender to God’s verdict. Believe with the Heart • Believe that Jesus is who He claimed: the eternal Son, crucified and risen (John 3:16). • Trust His finished work on the cross as entirely enough for your forgiveness (1 Peter 2:24). • Lean the full weight of your hope on Him rather than on religion, heritage, or feelings. Receive Him Personally • Receiving is the welcoming of a Person, not merely agreeing with facts (Revelation 3:20). • Invite Him to take rightful ownership of your life—He will not force the door. • This inward reception happens in a moment yet launches a lifetime relationship. Confess Him Openly • “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) • Speak His name without shame; public confession seals private faith. • Baptism soon after believing offers a powerful, biblical first step of obedience (Acts 2:38). Rest in Your New Identity • God’s promise is decisive: you now “have the right to become” His child (John 1:12). • Assurance grows as you trust His unchanging word rather than shifting emotions (1 John 5:13). • Celebrate the truth that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Keep Growing Daily • Feed on Scripture; it renews the mind and strengthens faith (1 Peter 2:2). • Pray continually, enjoying honest conversation with your Father (Philippians 4:6-7). • Gather with other believers for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve in love; saved people are shaped for good works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). |
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