Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important relationship any person can have. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Here are some key principles from the Bible on how you can begin and grow in your relationship with Jesus:
Repent and Believe
The starting point is repentance and faith. Repentance means turning away from sin and turning to God. You need to acknowledge you are a sinner and confess your sins to God. The Bible says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Faith means trusting in Jesus alone for salvation. Believe that Jesus is God’s Son who died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. “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).
Receive Christ as Your Savior
You must receive Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. Jesus said “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Invite Jesus into your life and put your faith in Him alone for salvation. The Bible says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Follow Jesus as Lord
Having received Christ, you also receive Him as the Lord of your life. This means submitting to His authority and making Jesus the Lord of your thoughts, time, talents, treasure and relationships. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Your love for Jesus is shown by obeying His commands (John 14:15).
Abide in Christ
To grow closer to Jesus requires abiding in Him. Abiding means developing a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus by spending time in prayer, worship, Bible reading and fellowship with other believers. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4).
Develop Christ-like Character
As you walk with Jesus, the Holy Spirit transforms you to be more like Christ. The goal is to increasingly reflect Jesus’ character – His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This lifelong process of becoming more Christlike is called sanctification. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Love and Serve Others
An integral part of following Jesus is loving and serving others. Jesus commanded us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Look for opportunities to love and care for others and share the gospel with them. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).
Join a Church
Make sure to regularly attend and get involved in a Bible-believing church. Being part of a Christian community provides fellowship, equipping and accountability to help you follow Jesus faithfully. “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).
Rely on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers you to live the Christian life. When you received Christ, the Holy Spirit came to indwell you. Yield to Him daily, follow His leading, and rely on His power to enable you to grow spiritually and live for Christ. “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:10).
Study and Meditate on God’s Word
Regularly reading and studying the Bible is crucial for knowing God and growing in your faith. The Bible is God’s Word that equips us for salvation and sanctification. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Meditating on God’s Word helps renew your mind and transform your life.
Pray Continually
Developing your prayer life is key to connecting intimately with God. Set aside time to pray and worship God daily. Pray about everything, casting your cares on Him. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Jesus is our mediator who intercedes for us before the Father.
Depend on God’s Grace
Relying on God’s grace is the pathway to growth. His grace empowers you to obey His commands. When you fail and fall short, His grace offers you forgiveness and the strength to continue following Him. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
Hope in Christ’s Return
Have hope in the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. At His return, all brokenness will be healed and believers will spend eternity with God in heaven. “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). This blessed hope motivates us to live godly lives.
In summary, having a relationship with Jesus Christ completely changes your life now and secures your eternal destiny. It all starts by believing in Him. Then continue to follow Jesus daily by abiding in Him, becoming more like Him, obeying His Word, praying persistently, relying on the Spirit, and hoping in His soon return. God’s amazing grace enables you to walk with Christ all your days.