What does it take to begin a relationship with God?
How to Know God Personally
How to know God personally is one of life’s most important questions. The Bible teaches that God loves us and created us to know Him. Through Jesus Christ, He also offers forgiveness and eternal life.
The following four Bible principles explain how you can begin a personal relationship with God. However, these truths are more than religious ideas. Instead, they invite you to respond to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Principle 1
How to Know God Personally Begins with His Love
God loves you and offers a meaningful plan for your life.
God does not want you to remain far from Him. Rather, He created you to know Him, receive His love, and enjoy fellowship with Him.
God’s Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
God’s Plan
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10
Through Christ, God offers a full and meaningful spiritual life. Yet many people do not experience this close relationship with Him.
Why, then, are so many people separated from the life God offers?
Principle 2
Sin Prevents Us from Knowing God Personally
All people have sinned, and sin separates us from God.
We Are Sinful
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
Human beings were created to enjoy fellowship with God. However, people chose to follow their own way instead of trusting and obeying Him.
This self-directed life may appear as open rebellion. In other cases, it may simply appear as a lack of interest in God. The Bible calls both responses sin.
We Are Separated from God
“For the wages of sin is death.” — Romans 6:23
As a result, sin brings spiritual separation from God. He is holy, while every person has failed to meet His perfect standard.
Many people try to cross this separation through good behaviour, charity, religion, personal success, or self-improvement. Although these efforts may help others, they cannot remove sin. Nor can they restore our relationship with God.
Thankfully, the next principle explains the way God provided for us to return to Him.
Principle 3
Jesus Christ Makes It Possible to Know God Personally
Jesus Christ is God’s answer for our sin.
God did not leave us without hope. Because He loves us, He sent Jesus Christ to take the punishment for our sin. Therefore, we can be brought back into a relationship with God.
Jesus Died in Our Place
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Jesus Rose from the Dead
Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. Afterward, He appeared to Peter, the disciples, and more than five hundred witnesses. — 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
Jesus Is the Only Way to God
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6
Through Jesus, God crossed the separation between Himself and humanity. Christ died in our place, paid the price for our sins, and rose from the dead.
Knowing these facts is important. Still, agreeing with them in your mind does not create a personal relationship with God.
Principle 4
We Must Personally Receive Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is received as Savior and Lord through faith.
Receive Christ
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12
Receive Christ Through Faith
“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.” — Ephesians 2:8-9
Receiving Christ Brings New Life
Receiving Jesus means turning away from a self-directed life and turning toward God. The Bible calls this change repentance.
By faith, you can trust Jesus to forgive your sins and enter your life. Then He brings you back to God and begins changing you from within.
Receive Christ by Personal Invitation
Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” — Revelation 3:20
Simply agreeing that Jesus is the Son of God is not enough. Likewise, knowing that He died on the cross does not replace a personal response. A brief emotional experience is not enough by itself either.
Instead, receiving Jesus Christ requires a clear choice of faith, trust, and surrender.
Which life best describes you now?
Is your life mainly directed by you, or have you invited Jesus Christ to lead you?
More importantly, which kind of life would you like to have?
How You Can Receive Jesus Christ Right Now
You can receive Christ by faith through prayer.
Prayer is simply an honest conversation with God. Because He already knows your heart, you do not need special words. Instead, He looks at whether your response is sincere.
For example, the following prayer can help you express your desire to receive Jesus Christ:
“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I turn from directing my own life and place my trust in You. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life and make me the person You want me to be. Amen.”
Repeating these words alone does not save you. Rather, you receive Christ through true faith in Him. In this way, the prayer helps you express your faith, turn toward God, and choose to follow Jesus.
Does This Prayer Express the Desire of Your Heart?
If it does, you can pray now. Afterward, trust Jesus Christ to answer according to His promise.
Next, please use the response form below. You can tell us about your decision or ask any questions you may have.
By Dr. Bill Bright
Used with permission
Download the printable Four Spiritual Laws version
What is holding you back from praying to receive Jesus Christ?
Scripture references:
John 3:16; John 10:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; John 14:6; John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 3:20.
Adapted from Have You Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws? and Would You Like to Know God Personally?, by Dr. Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Copyright 1965 and 1968 by Campus Crusade for Christ and New Life Publications. Used with permission.