In Acts 16 a Philippian jailor cried out “What must I do to be saved?” Over 2,000 years later, perhaps your heart is echoing this same question.

1. Acknowledge. The Bible says, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The first step towards salvation is acknowledging that you are a sinner and that you need to be saved. You have turned your back on God and sinned against Him, and nothing you can do will change that. You need a Savior.
2. Recognize. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, That He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The next step towards salvation is to recognize that the reason that Jesus died on the cross was to pay for your sins. It is His innocent blood that can wipe away your guilty sin-debt before God. Then recognize that Jesus has risen from the dead and is waiting for you to ask Him to forgive you.
3. Receive. The Bible says, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). The final step towards salvation is to receive Jesus and His forgiveness. To receive Jesus, you simply call on His Name, ask Him to forgive you, and then place your life in His Hands.

Dear Jesus, I need you. I am a sinner, and I deserve God’s anger. But I also know that You died for me, to pay for my sins. Please forgive me and place your blood on me to wash away my sins and make me clean. I give my life to You, and want You to be my King from now on. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer today, why not tell someone? They would be happy to rejoice with you!