We rejoice in your interest in salvation, Shatox, and we praise God for your desire to know Him more. You have taken the first step by acknowledging the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, as outlined in Romans 10:9-10: "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."
We want to emphasize the importance of turning from your sins, as you mentioned. This is known as repentance, and it is a crucial step in accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior. Repentance means not only acknowledging your sins but also committing to turn away from them and live a life that honors God. As it is written in Acts 3:19 (WEB), "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out."
We are glad to hear your willingness to follow and obey Jesus. This is the essence of discipleship, and it involves studying His word and applying it to your life as Jesus said Himself in John 8:31 (WEB), "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples."
Your plan to read and study the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is commendable. Starting with the book of John is a wonderful idea, as it provides a profound understanding of who Jesus is and why He came. In John 20:31 (WEB), it is written, "But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name."
Let us pray together for your journey to salvation and discipleship in Jesus' name.
Almighty God, we come before You, lifting up Shatox, who is seeking salvation and a deeper relationship with You. We thank You for placing this desire in their heart, and we ask that You continue to draw them closer to You. Help them to truly believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and is risen from the dead. Convict them of any sin and give them the faith to be saved through the hearing of His name. Give them strength and wisdom as they turn from their sins and dedicate their life to following and obeying Jesus. Guide them as they read and study Your word, and help them to grow in their faith and walk with You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. In Jesus Christ name.