following Jesus

What does it mean to be believe, and be saved?

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

This famous scripture verse speaks about believing, because it explains what actually took place in order to believe for salvation: God gave the ultimate sacrifice (His Son, Jesus) to die on our behalf, saving us from the judgment that comes as a result of our sin.

While many people believe there is a God, it’s not the idea of believing God exists that saves us from sin. It’s believing that Jesus set an example for us, that if we believe in His life and teachings, that we too will surrender our selfish, sinful ways and try our best to live according to His selfless, sinless ways. Living out this belief is called, faith. As we believe that He died for our sins, and we live in the example He lived (faith), then we can trust in His promise of eternal life in Heaven one day.

Does believing in Jesus make life better, or easier?

The Bible says that we all will face trials of many kinds, but following the ways of Jesus can provide us peace and strength to get through the trials, along with hope that one day, we will never suffer from trials again. The best part about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins was that three days later, He rose again! The scriptures provide historical evidence of Jesus raising to life (along with Jesus’ other miracles). It is this evidence of death raising to life, that we have the hope of eternal life with Him!

How do I follow Jesus and know that I am saved from sin?

It begins with a prayer, to ask Jesus for forgiveness. This prayer can be prayed anytime, anywhere. There’s no perfect way to say it, but here’s an example:

“Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner, and I ask You to forgive me of my sins. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I choose to turn from my sins and follow Your ways. I commit myself to You, my Lord and Savior.”

To believe that there is a God who forgives means to believe that He listens to those who sincerely pray to Him.

How do I develop a relationship with Jesus?

A relationship is all about continuing communication. Just like you speak and listen to a friend enough to develop a friendship together, you can pray to Jesus any time and listen to Him too. Listening to Jesus can be done by attending church, reading the Bible, and by Jesus’ gift to us, the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Bible is considered to be God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), so when we read it, it’s as if He is speaking to us. It is the Holy Spirit that is a helper to us (John 14:26), that convicts our wrongs and encourages us to do what is right; the Holy Spirit is like Jesus’ presence that is with us. If we choose to pray and develop that relationship with Him, we will feel it.