Getting saved...How to do it?

[thecuriousone]

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

 

[InnocentOdion]

Excellent; you've got them both.

You can say the sinners prayer on your own.
You can get baptised with either your family or the church watching; I don't know if it can be done alone, but I should imagine so.

My baptism was with my family and all the churchgoers there, during a service. My friend didn't have his family at his, because they didn't respect his decision and he thought they would poke fun at him during it and spoil it for him.

Try ringing your local church and telling them, I'm sure someone there would be more than willing to help you get out; can I ask what stops you?

God bless,
IO

 

[Confess]

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

Faith, the Bible says, comes by hearing the word. Once you've found a church, then get baptized. No one needs to be there when God blesses you with faith.

 

[Calminian]

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

Baptism is a symbolic picture of having your sins washed away and being immersed in God. IOW, it's symbolic of the true spiritual baptism one undergoes when you accept God's gift by faith. It's the spiritual baptism that saves you, but water baptism is your first act of obedience to testify of your new relationship.

So first receive God's gift and trust Him to save you. That will seal your future. Then be baptized out of obedience and continue to trust your God.

 

[johnthreesixteen]

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

For some, a sinner's prayer is enough.
For others, baptism is required.
Others have a whole series of things to do.
'Some' and 'others' means different churches or denominations.
I think the prayer is a great start. Perhaps you could email a pastor for further advice?

 

[Stinker]

Getting saved...How to do it?

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

If you have allowed God to come into your life enough to even pray the Sinner's Prayer, you have been saved already. Next, you will experience the drive to want to serve the Lord by being water baptized and participate in everything else that Christians do in worship.

 

[seebs]

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

None of the above. Baptism's cool. If you can't find an organized thing, go out and pray in the rain. Sinner's prayer is pure superstition.

Look, just try loving some neighbors. The mysticism and superstitions are missing the point. Get yourself a Bible, read the Gospels, think about what Jesus says, and go love some neighbors. You're fine. God loves you.

 

[johnthreesixteen]

None of the above. Baptism's cool. If you can't find an organized thing, go out and pray in the rain. Sinner's prayer is pure superstition.

Look, just try loving some neighbors. The mysticism and superstitions are missing the point. Get yourself a Bible, read the Gospels, think about what Jesus says, and go love some neighbors. You're fine. God loves you.

That's what's so great about disorganised religion.
Everyone is their own authority.

 

[seebs]

That's what's so great about disorganised religion.
Everyone is their own authority.

Well, we have a central authority, but He doesn't have an office per se.

 

[tapero]

1) Sinners prayer?
2) Get baptized?
Both of the above?
I'm pretty much on my own and can't get out easily.
Do I have to be with a group of people?

Hi, good advice below.

Say whatever you would like to God.

How I came making a long story short, was I was asked two questions. Did I commit my life to Jesus and would I die for him. Everyone has different experiences in how they came to Christ.

It was after I was saved that I started reading the bible, and the Holy Spirit who indwells you once you believe convicted me of some things. No man needed to tell me, God told me, and I repented, or turned away from many things that were stumbling blocks to me and which were sin for me or were sins.

We have a lifetime to deal with, we will always be dealing with our sin, and God says to bring it to him, and find a trusted friend, that you can share your sin with also. It helps to talk to someone.

You are forgiven for all your sins, past, present and future when you believe.

I wasn't moved to get baptised till a year later.

Once you are saved, there is nothing else, Jesus has done it all for us by dieing for us and being resurrected.

Be good to go to a bible study or church or somewhere, where you can meet a like minded Christian who will help you grow in your walk with Christ. This helped me greatly as a new Christian, several women reaching out to me and teaching me truths and showing me love.

I don't get out much either, so I understand what you mean.

Once you are saved be good to read the truths in the bible. I had an insatiable appetite for two years for the word. It does happen different with others though, I'm just telling you what happened to me.

I myself, couldn't go without God's word to carry me through, so it's very important.

Can read the bible online if you like at www.biblegateway.com

God bless you,
tapero

 

[MerCYsMIraCLe]

No need to say a 'sinners prayer' - it's something good to go by, but is not necessary (you wont find it in the bible)
Baptism does not save - it is an obedience issue, not a salvation one.
A good church body is important for fellowship, prayer etc...
How to get saved?? There is no magic potion or lyric..., it is God who will speak to you. You only need to listen, repent, and follow.

 

[thecuriousone]

No need to say a 'sinners prayer' - it's something good to go by, but is not necessary (you wont find it in the bible)
Baptism does not save - it is an obedience issue, not a salvation one.
A good church body is important for fellowship, prayer etc...
How to get saved?? There is no magic potion or lyric..., it is God who will speak to you. You only need to listen, repent, and follow.

OK. So my Billy Graham booklet is wrong.
This is what turns me away from Jesus.
No-one agrees about anything, or so it seems.
Do this. Do that. No both of them are wrong, it has to be this way.
With so much confusion, I fail to see how _anyone_ can ever get saved.
Why didn't God make the message clearer?
Why did he cause so much confusion?
There is no truth, or so it seems to me.

 

[Calminian]

OK. So my Billy Graham booklet is wrong.
This is what turns me away from Jesus.
No-one agrees about anything, or so it seems.
Do this. Do that. No both of them are wrong, it has to be this way.
With so much confusion, I fail to see how _anyone_ can ever get saved.
Why didn't God make the message clearer?
Why did he cause so much confusion?
There is no truth, or so it seems to me.

Well if it makes you feel better I agree with MerCYsMIraCLe, 100%. The sinners prayer is one way to do it but the bottom line is, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. All true christians agree with this. And yes even Billy Graham agrees. I doubt anyone on this thread will disagree (well there's always exceptions).

The bottom line is, you need to stop trusting people and start reading scripture for yourself. Test everything you hear by the Bible. If something sounds fishy, ask for biblical references and examine the context.

Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

 

[InnocentOdion]

People don't agree, in general. People are the authors of confusion, not God.

Baptism is to welcome you into a church, and to show that you've made a commitment to Christ and have been born of water, and that your sins have been drowned. This isn't some fad you're going through but it's something serious, this is you showing God that you're making a commitment to Him.

The point of the sinners' prayer is that you know that you've sinned and you're sorry, and asking to be forgiven. Then you ask Jesus to come into your life. It's by no means needed, but it's a good thing to do because you're telling God you're going to give up sinning. It's you accepting Christ and being born of the spirit. You can either do a sinners' prayer that someone has made for you, or you can do it on your own, from deep within your heart.

It's best to do both in my opinion, but all you really need is faith and to have repented.

I understand why you feel like it is so confusing. It can be, people think different things and are taught different things. If you're not sure, read the Bible, or do them all Believe me, there is truth in Christ.

I hope this helps.
God bless,
IO

 

[heron]

Yes, people can make it confusing. But we're not the ones who make the decision. Read what Jesus had to say, and trust that you did the right thing.

The baptism can make you feel like you really did it; I understand how vague this can be, when even Jesus said a few different things.

But choosing to include God in your life is not based on Twelve Steps to Heaven. Billy Graham wrote the prayer to simplify and organize, but God knows where your heart is.

It can feel as though the process is too simple, and that's where baptism gives it a concrete, determined feeling. God/Jesus made a promise, that you would be saved by believing, and this is an act of faith to trust that it's true. Rest on it. Choose to allow His promise to be what it is.

The basic things you want to make sure to do --

Yield yourself to God, and tell Him that you're willing to accept His guidance.

Accept the forgiveness and redemption He provided through Jesus' sacrifice of Himself, for the forgiveness of any of your sins and offenses...all of them.

Choose to remove yourself from things that hold you back, ways you have wronged others, resentments you might be holding on to. Declare that you will set these behind you and move forward with better intentions through God's grace.

(There might be people you feel convicted about apologizing to, or restitutions you feel you need to make... everyone feels differently after.)

Then rest content, in the assurance that He promised you would be saved if you believed Jesus was the Son of God, and your destiny is sealed in Him.
Then be grateful, be content, and realize that the angels are rejoicing over you! And we are too. (-:

Lu 15:10
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. We can be your public witnesses, if you feel like you need someone around.​

 

[heron]

Oh! -- We're all being so logical about this! Welcome to the family!!





(The crazy, mixed-up, sometimes dysfinctional family, heh heh.)​

 

[johnthreesixteen]

OK. So my Billy Graham booklet is wrong.
This is what turns me away from Jesus.
No-one agrees about anything, or so it seems.
Do this. Do that. No both of them are wrong, it has to be this way.
With so much confusion, I fail to see how _anyone_ can ever get saved.
Why didn't God make the message clearer?
Why did he cause so much confusion?
There is no truth, or so it seems to me.

Yes it does seem confusing.
And with all due respect to everyone else here, this is probably the worst place to come for advice as you will just get many replies, often contradictory.
Do you believe in Satan?
Do you think Satan is at work in places like these?
Satan wants to confuse you and keep you from God. What better way than to give you many options.
If I were you I would not stay here!
Go away and read your Bible. You need to learn some Scripture. Then you should be in a better position to debate with people.
If you stay here you are only likely to get hurt (spiritually).
We will (hopefully) still be here when you (hopefully) return.
Also, please be careful when looking at other religions. They can take you away from God and lead you straight into the arms of the Devil. Tread carefully.
You will be in my prayers.

 

[heron]

If you stay here you are only likely to get hurt (spiritually).

Ha ha, 25 posts and you already noticed.

Sadly, I agree that there are hurtful comments made here, and a few strange doctrines tossed around, and legalisms in all directions. We are people, and not very good at representing God.

I have found that there are certain areas of the forum that are much more supportive than others. Hobbies, prayer requests, daily life types of areas are great. Recovery forums are generally pleasant. It's the areas where people talk about TRUTH that get hairy.... grow fangs and claws.

Just be tough, recognize the insults aren't about you... the people claiming to be the rightest are just the best intimidators.

Forums can be great places, but people are much more likely to let their pent-up feelings blast out than in their daily "real" lives. Less to lose.

 

[salida]

thecuriousone--

Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Repent of your sins. Next, ask the Holy Spirit into your life. This is the power of God to live a christian life. Then pray, read the Bible daily. This is like daily spiritual food - and is necessary to live a victorious life. Then surround yourself with christian friends that are inspirational and uplifting. Find a church like this.

If they DON'T practice what they preach then GET OUT! There are is too much hyprocrisy going on - don't waste your life and time; and Gods time. There are serious christians and churches.

 

[Bondman]

OK. So my Billy Graham booklet is wrong.
This is what turns me away from Jesus.
No-one agrees about anything, or so it seems.
Do this. Do that. No both of them are wrong, it has to be this way.
With so much confusion, I fail to see how _anyone_ can ever get saved.
Why didn't God make the message clearer?
Why did he cause so much confusion?
There is no truth, or so it seems to me.

Hi curiousone!

FIRSTLY

I've been a Christian Believer 50 years plus 1 month and a few weeks. I guess I've just about seen it all in that time!

I really feel for you! But you CAN become a true Christian if you really want to - despite the confusion.

Why didn't God make it easier? Because He expects us to truly SEEK for Him. Only the serious ones are going to make it. And that's just how He intended it. For example, Jesus talked about a broad way that leads to destruction, and that MANY are going that way. BUT, He also said there's a narrow way that leads to life, but that FEW find it. Matthew 7:7-8.


If I managed to find the narrow way and became one of the few - then so can you. I did want it really bad though!

SECONDLY

I'm quite concerned about the advice given to you to 'read the Bible'. It's a pretty big book! So where are you going to read? Go to the wrong place and you can get bogged down like I did when I turned 18 and really really started searching for God. Bought a Bible, tried to read it, couldn't understand it, and gave up!

So try slowly reading through Luke in the New Testament. Then maybe John. Both are good guys who wrote differently but well, and it IS understandable. Ask the Lord to HELP you understand.

FINALLY

Here's a promise direct from God. No human can mess this up - as we all tend to do at times! *sadness*

Jer 29:13 And you shall seek me,
and find [me], when you shall
search for me with ALL your
heart.

God promises that. Worked for me! (A few months later I found about 10 guys who were Christians, and I was in the Kingdom in no time!)

In the New Testament there's a similar promise in Matthew 7:7,8 where He says that if you SEEK and KEEP ON SEEKING, then you WILL find. So seek for the Lord, and don't give up and don't stop till you find Him. Ask for help if you need it. That's what we're here for, okay!

Bless you heaps!

- Bondman (ministering the Good News of the Gospel)