Follow Jesus
How to Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior
Foundational truth
We do not make Jesus Lord—He already is Lord. Salvation begins when we recognize who Jesus is, trust what He has done, and surrender our lives to Him.
“Therefore God has highly exalted him… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Philippians 2:9–11, ESV
1. Recognize our need for salvation
God created us for a relationship with Him.
Sin separates us from God.
Everyone has sinned and needs forgiveness.
We cannot save ourselves through good works, religion, or personal improvement.
Key Scriptures: Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Isaiah 59:2
2. Believe who Jesus is
Jesus is the Son of God.
He lived a sinless life.
He died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins.
He rose from the dead and conquered sin and death.
He is the only way to reconciliation with God.
Key Scriptures: John 3:16; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 4:12
3. Repent of sin
Repentance means more than feeling sorry. It is a change of heart and direction—turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Admit that you have sinned.
Agree with God about your sin.
Be willing to leave your old way of life.
Ask God for forgiveness and a changed heart.
“Repent and believe in the gospel.” — Mark 1:15, ESV
Key Scriptures: Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9
4. Place your faith in Jesus
Salvation is not earned. It is God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Trust that Jesus’ death paid the price for your sins.
Trust His resurrection as the assurance of eternal life.
Depend on Jesus rather than your own goodness.
Receive Him personally as Savior.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV
Key Scriptures: John 1:12; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:9–10
5. Confess Jesus as Lord
Receiving Jesus as Savior means trusting Him for forgiveness. Confessing Him as Lord means surrendering the leadership of your life to Him.
Acknowledge that Jesus has authority over your life.
Surrender your plans, desires, relationships, and decisions to Him.
Choose to follow Jesus even when obedience is difficult.
Publicly identify yourself as a follower of Christ.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9, ESV
6. Call upon Jesus for salvation
Prayer does not earn salvation, and there are no magical words. Prayer is simply how we express repentance, faith, and surrender to God.
Sample prayer
“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that God raised You from the dead. I repent of my sins and ask You to forgive me. I place my faith in You alone for salvation. I surrender my life to You and confess You as my Lord and Savior. Give me a new heart, fill me with Your Spirit, and teach me to follow You every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
7. Begin following Jesus
Accepting Jesus is the beginning of a new life, not the end of a religious transaction.
Be baptized as a public declaration of faith.
Read and obey God’s Word.
Develop a daily life of prayer.
Join a Bible-believing local church.
Build relationships with other Christians.
Turn away from sinful habits.
Share with others what Jesus has done for you.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–42; Luke 9:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17
8. Rest in God’s promise
Assurance is based on God’s promise and Christ’s finished work—not on constantly changing emotions.
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” — 1 John 5:12, ESV
Key Scriptures: John 10:27–29; Romans 8:1; 1 John 5:11–13
Central message
You are saved:
By God’s grace
Through faith in Jesus Christ
Because of His death and resurrection
With repentance and surrender
For a new life of following Him
Simple summary: Recognize your sin, repent, believe the gospel, receive God’s grace, confess Jesus as Lord, and begin following Him.