The Sinner's Prayer

In Biblical times no one ever did a prayer for their initial salvation. However, they did believe, repent, confess Jesus and was

immersed in water for the forgiveness of their sins.The following biblical passage was written to Christians but became a

popular tool for the conversion of non-Christians:

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone

hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. " (Revelation 3:19-20)

The "Sinner's Prayer" is a prayer of what is suggested a person should confess when he or she has recognized their sin and

their need for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Something like this:

“Father, I know I am guilty before you because I have not lived according to your

laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am deeply sorry!  I want to turn

away from my sinful life with all my heart. Please forgive me, and help me to turn

away from sinning. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected

from the dead, is alive, and receives my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord

of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your

Holy Spirit to fill me with your presence and help me to do Your will for the rest of

my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”

Baptism

Baptism isn't an act that will get us into heaven - it is faith in Jesus Christ as

Saviour and Lord that offers eternal life. Baptism (by full immersion as taught in

the Bible) is an act of obedience that should be an immediate part of our

acceptance of the gift of grace offered by Jesus Christ.

The thief on the cross next to Jesus didn't have time to be baptized before he

died, but he had an opportunity to believe in Jesus and put his trust in Him, and

Jesus responded by saying, "Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with Me in

Paradise " (Luke 23:43).

True faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross for our sins is sufficient for

salvation. Christ has already done everything. By definition, His grace doesn't

require any additional "works" by us. That being said, Jesus Christ commands us

to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20), and therefore, all believers should be

baptized.

What is the symbolism of baptism? Water baptism is an act that demonstrates the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ. It

shows one's belief in the fact that Christ came to die on the cross to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, that we might be

seen as righteous in the sight of God. It is a step a Christian should take.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of

the father; we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4).

It seems obvious that a Christian's baptism must necessarily require a responsible decision to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour

and Lord, and therefore, must be delayed until an age of reason or discretion (knowing right from wrong within God's

perspective).

In short, Jesus Christ commands baptism for His followers. Although the act of baptism does not cause eternal salvation, it

seems that any believer who refuses baptism should truly examine his or her conversion.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make

disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to

obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age'" (Matthew 28:18-20).

Thank you for your decision to

give your life to Christ today!

* Get baptized as commanded

by Christ (Mat 28:18-20).

* Tell someone else about your

new faith in Christ.

* Spend time with God each

day. It does not have to be a

long period of time. Just develop

the daily habit of praying to Him

and reading His Word. Ask God

to increase your faith and your

understanding of the Bible.

* Seek fellowship with other

followers of Jesus. Develop a

group of believing friends to

answer your questions and

support you.

* Find a local church where you