It was God’s plan from the beginning to provide us forgiveness from our sins through the death of Jesus. The bible calls God’s act of love, grace. God has provided examples in his inspired word for how we can receive forgiveness of our sins by the precious blood of Jesus which was poured out for many on the cross.
How can we receive forgiveness for our sins?
- Hear the word of God
- How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)
- Believe
- Believe in Jesus the Son of God (John 3:16).
- We have all sinned and are destined to eternal punishment for our sins (Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
- The shedding of blood is required for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrew 9:22).
- Jesus shed his own blood for the forgiveness of our sins (Matthew 26:28, Romans 5:8).
- Repent
- We repent by turning away from sin and turning to living a life following the examples in the New Testament (Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38, Matthew 21:28-32).
- Confess
- We confess the Lord Jesus with our mouth before men (Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10).
- We confess the Lord Jesus with our mouth before men (Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10).
- Be baptized.
Let’s look at the example of the conversion of the Apostle Paul.
- As a result of his Jewish upbringing, Paul was taught the scripture from a very early age. He described himself to be a “Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, and a disciple of Gamaliel a noted Pharisee and teacher of Jewish law. Paul knew his scripture exceptionally well.
- On the road to Damascus to persecute Christians, Paul believed and confessed Jesus as Lord.
- So trembling and astonished, he said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:5-6).
- Paul tells us of his repentance.
- For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it (Galatians 1:13). After Paul’s baptism and the washing away of his sins, he stopped persecuted followers of Christ and became a follower and apostle of Christ.
- After three days without sight and no food or drink, Paul was baptized and had his sins washed away.
- And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16).
Links to videos teaching how to become a Christian.
