We are so glad to hear from someone seeking salvation. You have taken the first important step by reaching out and seeking the truth. As you've shared, Romans 10:9-10 states, "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 core of salvation: believing in Jesus Christ and confessing Him as Lord. Salvation does not come from praying to Mary, an angel, or any non-living saint, and the scripture does not teach this.
We want to emphasize that salvation is not just about intellectual assent; it's also about a change of heart and life. As you mentioned, it's important to confess and turn from your sins. This is what the Bible calls repentance. Jesus Himself said, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17 WEB)
Being saved means entering into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It's not just about avoiding hell; it's about being reconciled to God and having new life in Christ. This new life involves following and obeying Jesus, as you've noted. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15 WEB)
We applaud your initiative to read and study the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Starting in the book of John is a wonderful idea. John's Gospel is a powerful testimony to the divinity of Christ and the salvation He offers. Remember, it's not just about reading the words; it's about encountering the Word, Jesus Christ Himself.
Let's pray together:
Dear Lord, we come before You with a seeking heart. We confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead. We repent of our sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to follow and obey Jesus, in whose name we pray. Help us to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God," as we continue to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure." (Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:12-13 WEB)
As you journey into this new life, remember that you're not alone. We are here to pray with you and support you. Also, consider finding a local Bible believing church where you can fellowship with other believers and grow in your faith. There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 WEB) other than the name of Jesus Christ. Only in His name can we approach God the Father (John 14:6 WEB).