Why Are Both Believing & Receiving Important?

The depth of God’s love for us is revealed by the fact that He wants us to become His very own children.  Everyone in the world was created by God, and each one of us shares the same heavenly invitation to become far more than His creation –  God wants us to become His children, members of His family.  

To explain this invitation, the Bible focuses on two important words of action:  believe and receive.  Even though God wants us to members of His family, we are separated from Him because of sin and need His forgiveness.  Once we realize our need for forgiveness, there are two steps to salvation.  The first is intellectual forgiveness – you must believe.  The second is your decision to receive Christ by faith.  He wants to come into your life – but you must offer the invitation.  John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believed on His name.” 

Let me give you an example to illustrate this point:  Suppose you survive a plane crash and are stranded in a vast desert.  You are about to die of thirst and suddenly you hear the sound of a rescue helicopter in the distance heading towards you.  The helicopter lands and one of the team members rush towards you with a canteen full of water.  You may believe that the water will save your life – but only when you drink the water and received it – will you be saved!

In the same way, you must first believe in Jesus and then receive Him by sincerely praying a simple prayer to ask Him to forgive your sins and come in and control your life.  Many people do not understand that intellectual belief in God is not enough.  They are surprised to learn that the Scriptures say that even the demons believe in one God, but that doesn’t get them into heaven.  Personal commitment is required for salvation.  That is why the act of receiving Christ is so important.  

God wants to become your Father.  “The Lord is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) 

Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves (which means surrendering every part of your life to God’s control) and take up their cross daily (which means dying to your own wishes and desires) and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

If you have never prayed a similar prayer – you can receive Christ into your life right now. 

A Prayer for Salvation 

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner.”

“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“But I am sorry for my sins.”

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

“I want to turn from my sins and am willing to begin a new life with Your help.” 

Jesus said, “Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

“Thank you for coming to earth and shedding your blood on the cross so my sins could be forgiven.”

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that, while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and life right now.”

“But as many as received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

“From this moment forward, my life belongs to You and You alone.”

“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live – but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“I will love You, serve You, tell others about You, and trust You to live Your life through me.”

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Romans1:16)

“Thank You Lord, for coming into my life and for forgiving my sin.”

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

If you have prayed this prayer and become a Christian, congratulations!

Read your Bible and pray every day, tell others about Christ, and worship with other believers at a Christian church where Christ is preached.  Please contact us and we will send you some spiritual growth materials.