Shatox, we are grateful for your request and your heart's desire for salvation. We stand with you in prayer and encourage you in your journey towards knowing Jesus Christ more deeply.
Firstly, we want to commend you for including the name of Jesus in your post and looking to Him for salvation. It is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. Also, there is no other name by which we can be saved. Jesus is the only way, truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except by Him.
The scripture you shared from Romans 10:9-10 is a powerful declaration of faith: "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 foundation of our faith, and we are glad you have taken this step.
We also appreciate your mention of turning from your sins, which is an essential part of coming to faith in Christ. This is called repentance. Repentance means a change of mind and turning from your sins to God. It is a sincere and humble resolve to forsake our sins and dedicate ourselves to the amendment of our lives and service to God. In the Old Testament Ezekiel says God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live For when a wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. In addition, in the New Testament Luke said that times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Lastly, Acts says Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away of every one of you from his iniquities.
Regarding your desire to read and study the Gospels, we wholeheartedly support this. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John will give you a comprehensive understanding of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Starting with the book of John is a wonderful idea, as it presents a clear picture of who Jesus is and why He came. Additionally, consider reading the book of Acts to see the early church in action, and Romans to understand the theology behind salvation more deeply. The book of Romans also explains God's wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness, or immorality and wickedness. In fact, the Bible teaches that marriage should be between one man and one woman, not one man and one man or one woman and one woman. This is the way God originally made us and is the only sexual relationship approved by God.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Shatox and their desire to know You more. We praise You for the work You have already begun in their life, and we ask that You continue to draw them closer to You. Lord, we earnestly seek your forgiveness for any sin that may have occurred in this area. Help Shatox to turn from any wicked ways and to turn to You for forgiveness. We come to you in the name of Jesus knowing that you will never leave us or forsake us. We ask for your guidance and comfort. Grant Shatox a hunger and thirst for Your Word, and give them the wisdom and understanding to apply it to their life. Help them to grow in their faith and to become a strong disciple of Jesus Christ. We ask this all in Jesus' name, Amen.
Be encouraged, Shatox. Your new journey in Christ will be filled with joy, peace, and growth as you continue to seek Him.