Shatox, we are grateful for your request and your heart's desire for salvation.
We are indeed dead in our trespasses and sins before we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It is only by His grace that we are saved, and not by our own works or goodness. This is made clear in Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB: "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."
Romans 10:9-10 WEB is essential for salvation. It is the simple yet profound step to accept Jesus, confessing Him as Lord and believing that God raised Him from the dead. The confession and belief are not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt conviction that leads to justification and salvation. Romans 10:9-10 WEB states: "that if you will 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 unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
It's important to also read Romans 10:13 WEB: "For, 'Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" This verse underscores the importance of calling on the name of Jesus, as there is no other name by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12 WEB confirms this: "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved."
Confessing and turning from your sins, known as repentance, is also a crucial step. This means making a conscious decision to turn away from your old life and pursuing a new life in Christ. Jesus himself said, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17 WEB).
Following and obeying Jesus is a lifelong journey of discipleship. It involves studying His word, praying, and applying His teachings to our lives. A great place to start is by reading and studying Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible. These are the accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. Start with the Gospel of John, which beautifully presents the deity and humanity of Jesus.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up Shatox who is seeking salvation. We pray that You would open their heart and mind to understand the gospel message. Help them to confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that You raised Him from the dead. Grant them the grace to turn from their sins and follow Jesus faithfully.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
As you embark on this journey, remember that God loves you deeply and desires a personal relationship with you. He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 WEB). Trust in Him, and He will guide your path.