The Way, Step by Step

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This chapter gathers the Bible's teaching into a simple path. Many Christians have used a sequence of verses from Paul's letter to the Romans, sometimes called the "Romans Road" [6]. The steps below are not magic formulas or a ritual that works by itself; they describe what the Bible says it means to turn to Christ.

Step 1: Admit That You Are a Sinner

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Be honest before God about who you are.

Step 2: Understand the Cost of Sin

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Sin leads to separation from God, but the second half of the verse tells of a gift.

Step 3: Believe That Christ Died for You

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Believe that He took your place, and that He rose again.

Step 4: Repent and Turn to Him

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). Turn from your own way and trust Him as Savior and Lord.

Step 5: Call on His Name

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A Model Prayer

The Bible does not prescribe exact words, and the words themselves do not save; the Savior does. But many people find it helpful to put their decision into prayer. Here is one example, which you may use or adapt in your own words:

Lord God, I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I turn away from my sin, and I trust Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Forgive me, make me new, and lead me. Thank You for Your promise to save everyone who calls on Your name. In Jesus's name, amen.

If You Prayed This Prayer

If you meant it from the heart, the Bible's promise is clear: "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). Do not wait for a particular feeling. Feelings vary, but promises do not. Tell someone you trust, such as a Christian friend or a pastor, and begin the practices in Chapter 10.

Salvation at a Glance

An Invitation to the Hesitant

If you are not ready, that is also something to be honest about. God does not despise honest questions. "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6). Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Keep reading, keep asking, and read the Gospel of John.

CHAPTER 8