Organized religion corrupts the Gospel of Jesus Christ by adding denominational articles of faith that muddy the Message ... But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)
Paul warned the early church to steer clear of teachings that complicate salvation ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
God's redemptive plan is profound in scope, yet simple enough for a child to understand.
The Bible reveals ...
1. Your hapless spiritual condition before a holy God.
2. That which took place on Calvary's cross.
3. How deliverance from sin's penalty is received.
Now ... Clear your mind of any preconceptions concerning what it means to be a Christian and allow Scripture to speak to you personally.
First, know that you are not alone ... All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Confessing that you are a sinner allows remorse to consume your thoughts. A desperate search for relief ensues, readying the soul to hear divine truth.
It comes in the form of 'Bad News' and 'Good News' ... For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) That which is 'earned' versus that which is 'given'; eternity hinges on it.
You have absolutely nothing with which to negotiate ... For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Jesus Christ paid a debt He did not owe, releasing you from a debt you could not pay.
Oh, how He loves you ... God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Your blackened soul did not prevent Him from creating a way of escape.
Here lies the unadulterated truth; don't reach beyond its simplicity ... For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) This is a 'promise' that has no caveats and cannot be broken.
You may find that reading those passages has stirred something within. Know that it is Jesus knocking at your heart's door. He is lovingly beckoning you ... Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Don't hesitate, dear one ... Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Express your faith by praying to the One who welcomes you with open arms ...
Lord, forgive me. I know that I am lost in sin and that I cannot save myself. I believe that you are the only begotten Son of God, that you bore my iniquity on Calvary's cross, and that the grave could not hold you. By faith, I receive the gift of salvation and surrender my life to your Lordship.
Assurance is yours ... If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Christianity is an 'intimate relationship' with God, not a 'manmade religion' that keeps Him at arm's length.