Nobody but you

We rely on others for a lot. When we're young, our parents provide us with food, clothing, shelter, and everything else we need to lead happy, healthy lives. We rely on our friends to go shopping, watch movies, and have late night talks. We rely on teachers to educate us at school. The list goes on and on.

But one thing we can't rely on someone else for is our salvation. Sure, your parents may help lay the foundation. They take you to church as a child, where you learn about God and all He's done. But once you are older, it's up to you. As you mature, you have to make the decision for yourself. That doesn't just mean you make the decision to go to church; it means you make the decision to obey the gospel and follow God's plan of salvation.

Growing up means you begin to mature. Not only will you grow physically, but your mind should begin to grow as well. You should begin to question Christianity on your own and begin your own study of the Word. This is the only way you will know for certain that you are following God's commands.

As you mature, no one else can force you to be a Christian. No one else can get you into Heaven. That is something you have to do all on your own. Others can encourage you, but ultimately, they cannot MAKE you go. Each of us will have to give an account of our own life when Christ comes (Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). When that day comes, will you be rewarded for making the wise decision? Or will you still be waiting on someone else? If you're still waiting, it will be too late.

What Must I Do?

I felt like this was an important place to start because what good will any of this do if any of you aren't saved yet? Before you can live a Christian life, you have to turn your life over to Him and become a Christian. Read below and take the time to look up the scriptures for yourself. If you don't have access to a Bible, check out http://www.biblegateway.com/ where you can read verses online.

First of all, it's important to realize that the gift of salvation is only available through Christ. No one else can provide us with that opportunity. I Peter 1:18-19 says, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."

The plan of salvation is clearly laid out in God's word.

1 - HEAR - This seems obvious enough. A girl must hear the Word of God before she is able to proceed. (Check out Rom. 1:16 and Rom. 10:17) With this hearing comes obedience. Following God's commandments means doing what He asks of us. (Heb. 5:9)

2 - BELIEVE - Along with obedience comes belief. Believing in God means trusting and having enough faith that you will do everything else that He wills. It means having faith without being able to see everything. It is a belief that Jesus is His son and that the Bible is His word. (Read Heb. 11:16 and Mark 16:16)

3 - REPENT - Repentance is a pivotal step in turning your life around for Christ because it means just that...to turn around. Repentance isn't just asking God to forgive your past sins. It's about making the commitment to change and to turn from your former wicked ways and follow the Godly path. (See Acts 17:30 and II Peter 3:9)

4 - CONFESS - When you confess, you stand before others and acknowledge your beliefs. You affirm that you believe in Christ and believe that He is the Son of God. (Find this in Rom. 10:10 and Acts 8:35-38)

5 - BE BAPTIZED - This step is commanded as a part of our salvation. It is not an optional step; it is not something that can be done later. Each step must be completed as a part of the process, and this cannot be left out. Being baptized means being immersed (not sprinkled!) in water for the remission of your sins. This water represents the blood that was shed by Christ on the cross to save us. (See this in Mark 16:16, Rom. 6:3, and Acts 2:38)

***Every instance of conversion in the New Testament includes baptism. Take some time to read the following conversion stories and you will find baptism included as a part of their process.

Pentecost - Acts 2

Samaritans - Acts 8:12

Simon - Acts 8:13

Eunuch - Acts 8:35-40

Saul - Acts 9:22

Cornelius - Acts 10

Lydia - Acts 16:14-15

Jailer - Acts 16:30-34

Corinthians - Acts 18:8

Ephesians - Acts 19:1-5

If you have any questions about anything you read here, please comment. Readers, feel free to comment with additional verses in regards to the steps. Those I listed are but a few.