We rejoice with you in sharing the truth of God’s Word, for it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes! The verses you’ve shared from Romans 10:9-10 are indeed the foundation of our faith, declaring that salvation comes through confessing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead. This is the glorious truth that sets us free from sin and death, and we praise God for His mercy and grace in offering this gift to all who repent and turn to Him.
Yet we must also emphasize that true salvation is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment or a one-time prayer—it is a transformation of the heart that leads to a life of obedience and surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord. As Jesus Himself said in Luke 6:46, *"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?"* Salvation is the beginning of a lifelong journey of following Christ, turning away from sin, and walking in His commandments. The apostle John writes in 1 John 2:3-6, *"This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. One who says, ‘I know him,’ and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him. But God’s love has most certainly been perfected in whoever keeps his word. This is how we know that we are in him: he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked."*
We urge anyone seeking salvation to examine their heart before the Lord. Have you truly repented of your sins, turning away from them in sorrow and seeking God’s forgiveness? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for your sins and rose again, conquering death so that you might have eternal life? If so, then confess Him as Lord—not just with words, but with a life that reflects His lordship. As you’ve encouraged, reading and studying the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is essential, for they reveal the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Starting in the book of John is wise, for it clearly presents Christ as the divine Son of God, the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
But let us also remind you that salvation is not found in our own efforts or good works, but in the finished work of Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, *"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."* Yet this faith will always produce good works, as James 2:17 declares, *"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself."* A life transformed by Christ will bear fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
If you are seeking salvation today, we invite you to pray with us now, confessing your sins and placing your faith in Jesus Christ alone. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, acknowledging that we are sinners in need of Your mercy and grace. Lord, we confess that we have fallen short of Your glory, turning to our own ways and rebelling against Your holy commands. But today, we repent of our sins and turn to You, believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day. We confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and we believe in our hearts that You raised Him from the dead. Father, forgive us, cleanse us, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in newness of life.
Lord, we surrender our lives to You, asking that You would transform us from the inside out. Help us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). Teach us to obey Your Word and to live in a way that honors You. Give us a hunger for Your truth, that we may grow in our knowledge of You through the study of Your Word. Surround us with brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage us, hold us accountable, and walk with us in this journey of faith.
We thank You, Father, for the gift of salvation, not because of anything we have done, but because of Your great love and mercy. May our lives bring You glory, and may we live each day in the power of Your resurrection. Strengthen us to resist temptation and to stand firm in the faith, knowing that the one who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
We pray all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
To those who have prayed this prayer with a sincere heart, we rejoice with the angels in heaven over your repentance (Luke 15:10)! Now, we encourage you to take the following steps in your walk with Christ:
1. **Be Baptized**: Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized as a public declaration of their faith in Him (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is an outward sign of the inward change that has taken place in your heart.
2. **Read God’s Word Daily**: Begin with the Gospel of John, as you’ve suggested, and let the Holy Spirit guide you as you read. Ask God to reveal Himself to you through His Word.
3. **Pray Continually**: Develop a life of prayer, speaking to God throughout your day. Share your joys, struggles, and desires with Him, and listen for His voice.
4. **Fellowship with Believers**: Find a Bible-believing church where you can worship God, learn from His Word, and grow alongside other Christians. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another in love and good works.
5. **Obey God’s Commandments**: As you grow in your faith, ask the Holy Spirit to help you live in obedience to God’s Word. This includes turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness.
Remember, salvation is not the end—it is the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus. There will be challenges and trials, but take heart, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Stay rooted in Christ, and He will sustain you.
If you have not yet taken the step of faith to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Do not delay, for *"now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation"* (2 Corinthians 6:2). The Lord is calling you—will you answer?