What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior?
Have you ever accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?
Before you answer, allow me to explain the question. To properly understand this
question, you must first properly understand "Jesus Christ," "personal" and
"Savior."
Who is Jesus Christ? Many people will acknowledge Jesus Christ as a good man,
great teacher, or even a prophet of God. These things are most definitely true
of Jesus, but they do not define who He truly is. The Bible tells us that Jesus
is God in the flesh, God become a human being (see John 1:1,14). God came to
earth to teach us, heal us, correct us, forgive us - and die for us! Jesus
Christ is God, the Creator, the sovereign Lord. Have you accepted this Jesus?
What is a Savior and why do we need a Savior? The Bible tells us that we have
all sinned, we have all committed evil acts (Romans 3:10-18). As a result of our
sin, we are worthy of God's anger and judgment. The only just punishment for
sins committed against an infinite and eternal God is an infinite punishment
(Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15). That is why we need a Savior!
Jesus Christ came to earth and died in our place. Jesus' death, as God in the
flesh, was an infinite payment for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died to
pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the price so that we would
not have to. Jesus' resurrection from the dead proved that His death was
sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins. That is why Jesus is the one and
only Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)! Are you trusting in Jesus as your Savior?
Is Jesus your "personal" Savior? Many people view Christianity as attending
church, performing rituals, not committing certain sins. That is not
Christianity. True Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Accepting Jesus as your personal Savior means placing your own personal faith
and trust in Him. No one is saved by the faith of others. No one is forgiven for
doing certain deeds. The only way to be saved is to personally accept Jesus as
your Savior, trusting His death as the payment for your sins, and His
resurrection as your guarantee of eternal life (John 3:16). Is Jesus personally
your Savior?
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, say the following
words to God. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save
you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is
simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for
your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned against you and deserve
punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through
faith in Him I could be forgiven. I turn away from my sin and place my trust in
You for salvation. I accept Jesus as my personal Savior! Thank You for Your
wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"