How to Accept Jesus
Today, we will talk about how to accept Jesus. This is an essential step in a Christian’s journey and can transform our lives in beautiful ways. For many people, accepting Jesus might seem like a complicated task filled with religious jargon or uncertain steps, but it is much simpler than that. Accepting Jesus means establishing a relationship with Him, recognizing His role as our Savior, and allowing Him to lead our lives. It’s about embracing His love, grace, and forgiveness. We invite you to join us in this conversational approach as we look at God’s word together, learning what it truly means to accept Jesus into our hearts.
Understanding Accepting Jesus
Accepting Jesus is rooted in faith and belief. The term “accept” comes from the Greek word “dechomai,” which means to receive or take in joyfully. It carries with it the connotation of inviting rather than simply acknowledging. When we think about accepting Jesus, we are talking about not just recognizing His existence, but actively choosing to invite Jesus into our lives. In Hebrew, acceptance can be related to the word “rakham,” which signifies compassion or mercy. This beautifully represents the willingness to embrace God’s love and grace.
Historically, accepting Jesus often represented a turning point for many early Christians. Following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, many were called to turn from their old ways and embrace a new life through faith in Him. Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The message was spreading that accepting Jesus meant leaving behind old lives and stepping into new beginnings with divine purpose.
To accept Jesus is to open our hearts to Him, acknowledging not only His role as the Savior but also His lordship in our lives. The book of Romans, particularly Romans 10:9-10, highlights the simple yet powerful steps to accept and believe: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” It is an invitation to create an intimate relationship where we lean on Him, trust in Him, and follow His teachings.
The Importance of Faith
Faith plays a crucial role in accepting Jesus. It is the foundation upon which we build our relationship with Him. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This means accepting Jesus requires faith in what we sometimes cannot physically witness. We believe in His love, His life, His sacrifice, and His power to transform lives.
To understand faith in practical terms, consider someone who boards an airplane. That person places their trust in the pilot and the aircraft’s engineering, even though they cannot see all of those mechanics working. Similarly, we place our faith in Jesus even without seeing Him physically. Accepting Jesus invites us to trust that He is working in our lives, guiding us and influencing our paths, despite the unseen presence. Without faith, it is hard to live out this relationship fully. For example, in Matthew 17:20, Jesus emphasizes the power of faith when He states, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Faith acts as our anchor in challenging times.
As we read through Scripture, we realize that our faith is not just a one-time decision; it is an ongoing journey. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Accepting Jesus means believing in Him daily, nurturing that relationship through prayer, worship, and studying the Bible. Our faith will naturally grow when we dedicate ourselves to seeking Him wholeheartedly.
Repentance: A Key Component
A significant aspect of accepting Jesus is the call to repentance. This may sound intimidating, but it is a loving invitation to turn away from sin and toward a life aligned with God’s will. The Greek word for repentance, “Metanoia,” means a change of mind or heart. It signifies more than merely feeling sorry for our wrongdoings; it indicates a heartfelt desire to make a change and seek forgiveness. In Luke 13:3, Jesus states, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Accepting Jesus encompasses acknowledging our need for redemption and choosing to turn toward Him for forgiveness and transformation.
Repentance often begins with a heartfelt recognition that we cannot do this on our own. It’s about humbling ourselves, recognizing our imperfections, and understanding that grace is available to all who earnestly seek it. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Acknowledging our shortcomings and turning toward Jesus allows His grace to wash over us.
This process is not a one-and-done activity; it’s a continuous journey. Acts 3:19 encourages us, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Each day, we can recommit ourselves to living in ways that glorify God emerging from repentance into refreshing newness of life through Jesus.
Embrace Grace and Forgiveness
One of the most beautiful aspects of accepting Jesus is understanding His grace and forgiveness. The word “grace” in Greek, “charis,” means unmerited favor. It’s the liberating realization that we do not have to earn God’s love; it’s freely given. Ephesians 2:8-9 succinctly expresses this gift: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This reassurance invites us to approach our acceptance of Jesus with open hearts, knowing we are met with overwhelming love.
Forgiveness is intricately connected to grace. When we accept Jesus, we open ourselves to receive His forgiveness for our sins. 1 John 1:9 emphasizes this, stating, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” It’s a promise that no matter our past, we can start anew in Him. When we understand that we are forgiven, we are free to live unburdened by guilt and shame. This forgiveness also enables us to extend grace to ourselves and others, fostering an atmosphere of love and harmony in our relationships.
Moreover, Romans 5:1 reassures us, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Accepting Jesus means accepting His peace, knowing that our relationship with God is restored and that we can approach Him without fear. This peace allows us to move forward boldly into each day with confidence in His plan.
Confession: A Public Declaration
The act of confession is also vital to the process of accepting Jesus. Making a public declaration of our faith is an exciting moment in our Christian journey. In Matthew 10:32, Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Confession is about celebrating our relationship with Jesus publicly, letting the world know about the love and salvation we have found in Him. It provides us with the courage to demonstrate our faith in practical ways.
Baptism is often associated with confession, acting as a symbol of our public declaration. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Through baptism, we are outwardly expressing our inner commitment to Jesus, marking a significant milestone in our spiritual journey.
This public acknowledgment also helps us cultivate a strong community of believers. Surrounding ourselves with fellow Christians encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith. We learn more about Jesus through their experiences and support, creating an environment where we can grow together. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are reminded to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Accepting Jesus is both a personal and communal endeavor, enhancing our spiritual growth within the body of Christ.
The Importance of Ongoing Relationship
Accepting Jesus is not merely about a single moment in time but forging a lifelong relationship. In John 15:5, Jesus illustrates this beautifully: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” This relationship requires nurturing; spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, and community fellowship are vital practices that strengthen our connection with Him. Each day, we seek to grow closer through these interactions, understanding more of His love and purpose for our lives.
Prayer is an essential component of our ongoing relationship with Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray continually.” This discipline fosters communication with Jesus, allowing us to share our hearts and receive comfort, wisdom, and guidance. As we continue this conversation with Him, we often discover new revelations about His character and the way He desires us to live.
Reading God’s Word is another way we engage with Him. Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” As we study the Scriptures, we receive the direction we need for our journey, learning how to align our lives with His will. The more we read, the more we grasp God’s promises and attributes, which deepens our trust in Him.
Finally, gathering with other believers encourages our spiritual growth and strengthens our resolve. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early believers who devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and fellowship. It shows us how connecting with like-minded individuals can be a vital source of encouragement and challenge. Together, we can support each other and celebrate our faith journeys.
Final Thoughts
Accepting Jesus is a beautiful and transformative act, and we can do it with confidence. It begins with recognizing our need for Him, having faith, repenting of our sins, and embracing the grace and forgiveness He offers. It leads us to a joyful confession and a commitment to a lifelong relationship with Him. Remember, we are not alone in this journey—Jesus is always with us, guiding and supporting us every step of the way.
Let us encourage one another in our faith, share our experiences, and continue to grow together in Him. Miracles can happen when we accept Jesus, and our lives can be forever changed through His love and grace. May we accept Him wholeheartedly and live this life joyfully as we walk with Him.
We can find hope, purpose, and direction in our lives by embracing Jesus Christ. The decision to accept Him is the beginning of an incredible journey filled with blessings beyond what we can imagine. Let’s keep our hearts opened, ready to welcome the amazing plans God has for each of us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4