How do I start a relationship with God?
From the very beginning, God has desired a relationship with humanity. The first two chapters of the Bible, Genesis 1 and 2, describe a world where humankind experiences perfect unity with God and each other. In the next chapter, Genesis 3, sin entered the world and God and humanity were separated.
Because God loves his creation and wants a relationship with us, God provided a solution to the problem of sin. Romans 6:23 teaches that the cost of sin is death, but God provided humanity with the ultimate sacrifice — Jesus.
Because Jesus was perfect and without any sin, his innocent death paid the price for humanity’s sin. Jesus’s death was a demonstration of God’s love for humanity.
To begin a relationship with God, you must first acknowledge that you have fallen short. By trusting in Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, you are believing that he is your Savior. Believers in Jesus have a restored relationship with God and will enter into eternal life after death.
There are no magical formulas or elaborate ceremonies for starting this new relationship with God. Many people mark the occasion with a simple prayer. Prayer is just a reflection of what we believe and feel, the words don’t need to be eloquent. Here’s an example:
“God, I want a relationship with you. I know that I have fallen short and that I am in need of a Savior. I trust you and believe that you sent Jesus as a sacrifice for my sin. I believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose from the grave to forgive my sins and bring me new life and hope. I want to follow you and learn to become more like Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much. Amen.”
Key Verses from the Bible
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
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. (Romans 10:9)
