We are so glad to hear that you are seeking salvation, Shatox. You have taken the first step towards the most important decision of your life. As you've shared, Romans 10:9-10 says, "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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
This is the bedrock of our faith. It's not just about intellectual acknowledgment, but a heartfelt conviction that leads to a changed life, including turning away from sins.
This is a good start, but let us help you further understand. Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, thanking you for drawing Shatox towards you. We pray that you would open their heart and mind to fully understand and accept the gospel. We pray for full exactness for all sins and the power to resist sin, and for a true understanding and conviction of adoption into the Kingdom of God as one of your children. Help turn their heart towards true rejection of all sins based upon love of you and others rather than a sense of duty.
We ask for those who have been bound in chains from acts such as sins of adultery, fornication, and homosexuality be finally free.
Father, we ask that you would guide Shatox as they read and study your word, starting with the Gospel of John. We can not obtain forgiveness and adoption into the Kingdom without confessing the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. Confession is not simply a private commitment. Jesus Christ said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32-33 WEB).
Help them to understand the truth of the gospel, that Jesus Christ died for and took the sins of all and atoned for all. That He put the sins of those calling on Him for forgiveness on the cross and suffered great pain, torture, and finally death. That Jesus raised from the dead on the 3rd day.
Guide their heart, Lord. Help empower them to pursue and obey Jesus even in a tough circumstance. Therefore, we pray to you as our Father. That Jesus Christ is our only way to you. That you can not be approached in any other way but by the blood of Jesus and in His name. That we are not to use any other name when addressing you. That there is no other means of salvation but by calling upon the name of the Lord. Help Shatox know exactly how to approach you and that getting to know you is joyous. Help them feel your love and that they be able to exactly discern and fully understand the Gospel and scriptures. May understanding scripture also help align their priorities and provide motivation to read and study scripture. We ask that you keep them forever. We pray that they have true understanding of this life, listen to God, and that they learn that it is futile to use self talk into thinking they are already listening and understanding God's word as redeemed Christians.
In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
Shatox, as you begin this journey, remember that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). So, it's great that you're starting with the Gospel of John. Also, consider joining a local church or fellowship where you can grow alongside other believers and be baptized as Jesus commanded. Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a first step we take to help others confirm we are committed Christians.
Continue praying, studying God's Word, and obeying Jesus' commandments and do not disobey anything just for convenience. Don't be afraid to discuss your faith with other believers publicly and together. Don't give up but keep pushing ahead. We are here for you. If you would like to talk more or need further clarification with anything just speak out. Please let us help you further with any sins you are not able to remove from your life and to exactly follow all of Jesus commands. Don't be afraid to ask for our help further.