How to Know God

From the day you were born, you have been on a quest. You have been searching for something more, because deep down inside, you have a sense that life must have some kind of meaning and purpose beyond mere existence. Maybe you've even wondered if you're the only person who feels this way.

You aren't. Deep down inside, we are all searching.

Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, healthy or sick, male or female—you were designed to know God in a deep and personal way. You were made to have a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

How do you start a relationship with God?

1. Realize that you are a sinner.
   No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God's desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, "No one is good—not even one" (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.

2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and rose again.
   The Bible tells us, "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.

3. Repent of your sin.
   The Bible tells us, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19 NLT). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.

4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life.
   Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your life] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. . ." (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

What’s exciting to know is that not only did Jesus die for us, but that He rose again. So Christ is not dead and unable, but rather alive and desires to have a personal relationship with us.

If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you, you have been saved from eternal separation from God and will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

Tell us about your decision to follow Jesus Christ and receive free materials to help you grow.

To put your faith in action, and grow in your relationship with God, here are some important first steps:

Read the Bible
Pray to God
Go to church
Tell others about Christ