At some point in your Christian life, you might begin to feel like you need more of the Lord than you have at the moment. On reflection, you will discover that your participation in church is not of a true commitment to the spirit. It is at this crucial period of lukewarmness that you must seek the Lord’s salvation which he has offered to us.
Salvation is a continuous journey that several persons will encounter at different points in their lives. Salvation comes to people irrespective of creed- whether Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal or any other Christian denomination.
People have experienced a profound connection without the Lord Jesus Christ at some point after a long while of being an active member of a church’s community.
Matthew 15:8 reads, “These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” This is the fate of every Christian who has not come to a new resurrection borne of a true commitment to the spirit. In this article, we’ll be listing 7 crucial steps for every Christian who wishes to leave the dungeon and rut of despondency into God’s saving light.
1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/ACCEPTANCE
The first step on the journey to salvation is a thorough and heartfelt repentance. Retreat into the depths of your heart and commune with your God. Tell him of your shortcomings and expectations.
Reflect on the words of Joel 2:13 and “rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God”. It is only with an honest and contrite heart that you can embark on this journey of redemption.
2. CONFESS YOUR SINS
The act of confession should be done directly to God or through an ordained minister. During this process, open up your heart and let the peace of the Lord claim you. Do not hold back but let the light of the Holy Ghost cleanse you and make you anew.
As you do this, accept our Lord Jesus Christ into your soul and make a firm resolve to sin no more to affirm the Lord’s words that “He that covers his sins shall not prosper: who so confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” (Pro 28:13)
3. CALL UPON JESUS IN EARNEST PRAYER
Surrender yourself to your God. Give yourself up to his enduring mercy with the knowledge that only he can help you. Devote your time to praying and reflecting on the eternal love and mercy of God. It is only with the help of this that you will earn salvation.
4. PERFORM ATONEMENT FOR YOUR SINS
After the confession and cleansing, devote yourself to fasting and intense prayer. Engage in spirit-filled conversations, perform acts of service and denial. Focus on the need to rid yourself of the devil’s machinations and affirm your faith daily. You should become more active in your society and see that you give every activity your all.
5. STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH
To see that the new light that you have received is not extinguished, you must find yourself an anchor to keep you rooted in the faith which you now profess. Engage in uplifting actions like studying the bible alone, joining a bible study group, joining church groups etc. These associations will help keep you grounded and distance you from sin.
With the Lord, you will be like the man in Psalm 37:23-24: “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
More important than ever, you need the support of your family and church community. This will help prevent the possibility of a relapse into old habits.
6. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE OF PRAYER
Discipline yourself to give a good part of your time to God and his word. You should throw out all reminders of the life that you have left behind. This will give you a solid background and ensure a steady growth in the Lord.
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7. REGULAR REFLECTIONS
Always make out time to take stock of your Christian journey from time to time. Identify your weaknesses and strengthen them. Evaluate your progress to see that you are on the right track. Proper and objective examinations will help mould you into the model Christian that the lord wills for all his children despite their iniquities.
God is a faithful who is always there for his children. Be comforted in the Lord’s words in Proverbs 24:16 “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again, but the wicked stumble into calamity.” God knows our struggles and desires. He is aware of our failings and strivings yet; he is ever present to lend a helping hand.
For every wrong that is repented and atoned for, you gain the strength to fight the battles ahead. Knowing this, commit to Him, hold on to His words in your heart and know that with him, you will always overcome thus, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).