"The entrance of thy words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)."
How Does Salvation Occur?
If you are a Republican, you can decide instead to become a Democrat. If you are a Democrat, you can decide to become a Republican. However, if you are unsaved, you can't simply decide to become a Christian.
In order to become saved, you must believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and accept the free gift of salvation that He offers. This is something you simply cannot do unless God makes it possible. God must impress upon your heart the truth of the gospel in order for you to become saved.
Consider these Scriptures: Jesus said: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44 NKJV)." “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority (John 7:16 NIV).”
In the Old Testament, God said: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13 NASB).”
The differences between the Old and New Testaments—and their implications—will be discussed in a later topic.
For now, the most important thing is that you truly want to find God! You probably will not find Him if you don't. It is also important that you be willing to do the will of God and that you be willing to believe what God says in His word is true.
Don't worry if you still have some doubts. This is to be expected. Your faith will grow as you gain experience in using God's word.
Also, don't wait to clean up your life before getting saved. That won't work! Get saved now and God will help you deal with sin.
