How can I be born again?

First, you must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, and accept your humble position in God's creation. "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:11).

Next, you must realize that you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That means me, and you. All of us have sinned in our lives. And we certainly fall short of His glory. We can’t say we’re as pure and holy as He is.

But God loved each of us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear our sins and die in our place. “God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Although we cannot understand how, God said our sins were laid upon Jesus and He died in our place. Jesus became our substitute.

It’s very clear in the Bible, belief in Jesus as the one who paid for your sins, died in your place, was buried, and whom God resurrected. It’s Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection that assures us of eternal life when we call on Him as our Lord and Savior. "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). “Whosoever” includes you – and each and every one of us.

Therefore, if you understand that you are a sinner, and you believe that Jesus Christ came as the one and only Redeemer from sin, then you understand how to receive Christ as your personal Savior. The question is – are you ready to receive God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ? If so, believe in Christ, turn away from your sins, and commit the rest of your life to Him as Lord.

Here’s a prayer you can pray to do this:

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”

If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

• Get baptized as commanded by Christ.

• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.

• Develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading the Bible.

• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus.

• Attend a local church where you can worship God and learn more about him?