How Do I Begin a Relationship with Jesus?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Tier 1 | New Believers & Seekers
You begin a relationship with Jesus by receiving Him through faith, acknowledging your need for a Savior, believing that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sins, and inviting Him into your life as Lord. It's not about being perfect or having all the answers; it's about coming to Him just as you are and accepting His gift of grace.
Why This Question Matters
At First Assembly Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we believe the most important decision anyone can make is to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. This isn't just religious language, it's the foundation of everything we believe and the reason we exist as a church. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or you've been curious about what it means to be a Christian, this guide will walk you through the beautiful simplicity of how a relationship with Jesus begins.
The Biblical Foundation: Salvation by Grace
Let's start with what the Bible teaches. The Assemblies of God, the fellowship of churches we're part of, holds firmly to the truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Here's what that means:
We all need saving. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." None of us can earn our way to God through good works, religious rituals, or moral effort. We're all separated from God because of sin.
Jesus paid the price we couldn't pay. Romans 6:23 tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Jesus Christ, God's Son, lived a perfect life, died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins, and rose from the dead three days later. His sacrifice covers our sin completely.
Salvation is a free gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear: "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." You can't earn it. You can't deserve it. You simply receive it.
You must receive Jesus personally. John 1:12 promises, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This is an individual decision, a personal invitation you accept.
The Practical Steps: How to Receive Jesus
So how do you actually do this? The Bible gives us a clear picture of what it looks like to begin a relationship with Jesus. There are three key responses:
1. Repentance: Turn Away from Sin
Repentance means you recognize your sin, feel genuine sorrow for it, and make a decision to turn away from it. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out."
This doesn't mean you'll be perfect from now on. It means you're changing direction. You're no longer trying to live life on your own terms, you're surrendering control to Jesus.
What repentance looks like:
Acknowledging that you've sinned and need forgiveness
Feeling genuine sorrow for how your sin has separated you from God
Choosing to turn away from your old way of living
Asking God to help you change
2. Faith: Believe in Jesus
Faith is more than just believing facts about Jesus, it's trusting Him completely for your salvation. Romans 10:9 says, "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."
What faith includes:
Believing that Jesus is the Son of God
Trusting that His death on the cross paid for your sins
Accepting that His resurrection proves He has power over sin and death
Relying on Him alone, not your own goodness, for eternal life
3. Confession: Declare Your Faith
Romans 10:9-10 connects belief in your heart with confession with your mouth. When you confess Jesus as Lord, you're publicly identifying with Him and making your commitment known.
What confession means:
Praying to God and telling Him you're accepting Jesus
Telling others about your decision
Beginning to live openly as a follower of Christ
A Simple Prayer to Begin
There's no magic formula or special words you must say. God looks at your heart, not your vocabulary. But if you're ready to begin a relationship with Jesus right now, you can pray something like this:
"God, I know I'm a sinner, and I can't save myself. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose again. I'm sorry for my sin, and I turn away from it now. I ask Jesus to come into my life, forgive me, and be my Lord and Savior. Thank You for loving me and giving me eternal life. Help me follow You from this day forward. In Jesus' name, Amen."
If you just prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, the Bible says you are now a child of God. Welcome to the family.
What Happens Next?
Beginning a relationship with Jesus is just that, a beginning. Like any relationship, it grows as you spend time together and get to know each other better. Here's how to take your next steps:
Get connected to a church family. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to give up meeting together. You need other believers to encourage you, pray with you, and help you grow. Whether you visit us in person at 8650 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018, or join us online through Boundless Online Church at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org, we'd love to walk with you.
Start reading the Bible. The Bible is God's Word to you. Start with the book of John in the New Testament to learn more about Jesus. As you read, ask God to help you understand and apply what you're learning.
Talk to God every day. Prayer is simply conversation with God. Share your thoughts, your struggles, your questions, and your gratitude. He's always listening.
Be baptized in water. Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized as a public declaration of their faith (Matthew 28:19). Baptism doesn't save you, but it's an important step of obedience that symbolizes your new life in Christ.
Learn about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. As an Assemblies of God church, we believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a separate experience from salvation, an empowering for service and witness. We'd love to help you understand this biblical truth and experience it for yourself.
You're Not Alone
If you made a decision to follow Jesus today, we want to celebrate with you and help you take your next steps. You don't have to figure this out on your own.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
You can also explore more at www.famemphis.org or connect with our global online community at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.
We believe every person is a priceless child of God, and we're here to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus: one step at a time.
FA Memphis Series: Bible 101 | These posts are being shared with Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org). Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.
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