Giving your life to God is the most important decision you can make. It begins with understanding who God is, acknowledging your need for Him, and placing your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Here is a 9,000 word guide to help explain what the Bible says about giving your life to God.
Understanding Who God Is
The first step in giving your life to God is gaining a proper understanding of who He is. God reveals Himself in the Bible as the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe. He is holy, righteous, and just. God is also loving, gracious, and merciful. He desires a personal relationship with human beings. God exists as the Trinity – God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is unchanging and His promises are trustworthy. God is sovereign over all things and actively involved in the world (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 John 4:8; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 13:8; Numbers 23:19).
The Bible makes clear that there is only one true God. He alone is worthy of worship. God says “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5). Anything we put in place of God – money, pleasure, power, other people – becomes an idol. God wants us to worship Him alone (Exodus 20:3).
Understanding Our Need for God
The second step is recognizing that we need God. Why do we need Him? First, because we are sinful. The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from a holy God. Some of the sins the Bible identifies include lying, stealing, lust, pride, greed, and hatred. Sin can be outward actions, but also inward attitudes and thoughts. Even “good” people fall far short of God’s righteousness (Isaiah 64:6).
Second, we need God because we cannot save ourselves. Our sin deserves death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). No amount of good works or religious deeds can earn our salvation. We have no way to atone for our own sins. Only God can rescue us from sin’s punishment (Titus 3:5).
Third, only God can give our lives meaning and purpose. We are designed to know, love, and worship Him. Until we are in right relationship with our Creator, we cannot experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment He intends for us (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Coming to grips with our hopeless condition without God is a necessary step toward salvation. We must admit our sinfulness and utter inability to make ourselves right with God. We can only be saved by His merciful action on our behalf.
Understanding What Jesus Did for Us
The third step in giving your life to God is understanding what Jesus did for us. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the divine Son of God who took on human flesh to be our Savior (Philippians 2:6-8). He lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again victorious over death (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 3:18).
Jesus is the only way to the Father. He said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Salvation is found in no one else. There is no other name given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
On the cross, Jesus took on the punishment that we deserve because of our sins. He died so that we could be completely forgiven. Because Jesus paid it all, the Bible says we are “justified by his grace as a gift” (Romans 3:24). His resurrection proves that Jesus has power over sin and death. All who trust in Him can share in His victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Placing Your Faith in Jesus Christ
The fourth step in giving your life to God is placing your personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What does this mean? First, faith means relying completely on who Jesus is and what He did for your salvation. It is trusting only in His finished work, not your own goodness or religious deeds (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith in Jesus is the only way to be made right with God.
Second, trusting Jesus as Savior means believing He died to pay for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. Are you convinced you are a sinner, unable to save yourself? Do you believe Christ’s death on the cross is sufficient to atone for your sins? Have you placed your complete confidence in Him and Him alone to rescue you from sin and death? This is saving faith.
Third, following Jesus as Lord means submitting your entire life to His authority. It means denying yourself, taking up your cross, and obeying Him (Luke 9:23). Jesus said “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Jesus must become first place in your life. He must be the highest authority over your thoughts, words, and actions. Faith in Christ as Savior and submission to Him as Lord go hand-in-hand.
How to Place Your Faith in Christ
If you are ready to place your trust in Jesus Christ, simply talk to God in prayer. Admit you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and rising again. Ask Him to save you and be the Lord of your life. Tell Him you are placing your complete trust in Him alone for salvation. The Bible says “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
This simple prayer of faith opens the door to a personal relationship with God. He promises to forgive your sins, give you eternal life, and begin transforming you into the person He created you to be. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Marks of New Life in Christ
When a person is genuinely saved, he or she begins to show new attitudes and actions. Although we will continue to struggle with sin, the Holy Spirit starts a transformation process in every believer’s life (Philippians 1:6). Here are some marks of new spiritual life:
- Desire to read and obey the Bible (1 Peter 2:2)
- Conviction of sin leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)
- Distaste for activities displeasing to God (1 John 2:15)
- Love and concern for others (1 John 3:14)
- Desire to share your faith in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Attitude of thankfulness to God (Colossians 3:15-17)
These attitudes and actions do not earn salvation. Rather, they provide evidence that God has begun a new work in your life. The Holy Spirit produces His fruit in every believer (Galatians 5:22-23).
Growth Through Spiritual Disciplines
Once you have trusted Christ for salvation, God desires you to grow spiritually and become more like Jesus. The Bible describes this process as spiritual transformation (Romans 12:2). Following are some habits and practices – known as spiritual disciplines – that will help you develop in your faith:
Reading the Bible
The Bible is God’s written message to believers. Regular intake of Scripture trains you to live God’s way (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Make reading the Bible a daily priority, taking in small portions you can understand and apply. Studying the Bible with other believers can also aid your growth.
Prayer
Through prayer, you can intimately communicate with the God of the universe. Spend time expressing adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and making requests according to His will (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray constantly and connect with God throughout your day.
Fellowship
Every believer needs regular encouragement from other Christians to develop spiritual maturity. The Bible commands meeting together as the body of Christ for worship, preaching, community, service, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). Join a local church and get involved.
Witnessing
Telling others about Christ reflects your love for God and people. All believers have a continual role in evangelism – verbally sharing the gospel when opportunity arises (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Rely on the Spirit’s power to be Christ’s witness.
Self-Examination
Wise believers periodically evaluate the state of their soul. Examine yourself to see if your attitudes, emotions, and actions align with Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5). Confess and repent of any sins the Holy Spirit reveals.
In addition to these basics, God may lead you to other disciplines like fasting, silence, solitude, journaling, or service. The aim is cooperating with the Holy Spirit as He molds you into Christ’s image.
Relying on God’s Grace and Strength
The Christian life is a journey of learning to walk by faith, obey God from the heart, and depend on His grace for help. You will still struggle with sin, but the Holy Spirit lives within to convict you, give wisdom, and produce His fruit (John 16:8; Galatians 5:22-23). Your role is yielding yourself fully to Him and striving to obey His Word.
Your salvation results entirely from God’s grace – not your performance. The Bible says “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Give thanks that your eternal destiny depends on Christ’s finished work, not your own effort.
Because of grace, God does not relate to you based on your performance but on Christ’s perfect work. His love for you is unconditional and everlasting. When you stumble, He gently picks you up (Psalm 37:23-24). God disciplines His children, but only because He loves them deeply (Hebrews 12:7-11).
Walk in humble dependence, admitting your need for God’s moment-by-moment help. The Bible says “without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Yield yourself to the Spirit’s control with patient endurance. He is progressively shaping you into the very image of Christ (Romans 8:29; Philippians 1:6).
Obeying Christ’s Commands
An essential part of following Jesus as Lord means obeying His commands. Here are some of the major things Scripture teaches every believer to do:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
- Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).
- Love one another as Christ loved you (John 13:34).
- Be merciful just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
- Always speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25).
- Care for the poor, orphaned, and widowed (James 1:27).
- Make disciples and teach them to obey Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Devote yourself to prayer (Colossians 4:2).
- Set your heart and mind on things above (Colossians 3:2).
Additionally, Scripture gives many commands regarding our conduct – how we treat other people and live in the world. As the Holy Spirit transforms you, study the Bible to learn Christ’s instructions for righteous living.
Remaining Faithful to the End
The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a lifelong marathon. Followers of Christ are called to run the race with perseverance and endurance until reaching heaven (Hebrews 12:1-2). We must maintain faith and obedience until the end.
This does not mean perfection or sinless living. Even mature believers still fight temptation and endure trials. But over their lifetime, authentic Christians show increasing fruit of the Spirit and devotion to God. A true child of God cannot fall away totally or permanently (1 John 3:6-9). The Holy Spirit remains in that person’s heart.
Scripture gives strong warnings about maintaining allegiance to Christ (2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-6). Do not presume upon the grace of God. Only those who persevere in faith – holding fast to the end – will be saved. By God’s power and grace, remain faithful to Him until you draw your final breath.
Additional Principles
Here are some additional biblical principles related to giving your life fully to God. May they provide further guidance on your spiritual journey.
Obedience brings blessing
“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).
Obey God rather than man when conflicts arise
“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
You will help others grow by loving and serving them
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
Read good Christian books for encouragement and growth
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
Victory over sin comes by walking in the Spirit
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Meeting with other believers is vital for growth
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
You will stumble at times, but get back up and keep following Christ
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).
God completes His work of salvation in believers
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).