Steps to following Jesus:
Faith in Jesus Christ
Believing in Jesus as the Son of God and accepting Him as your Savior is a foundational requirement for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. This is often referred to as having faith or believing in Him.
John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Repentance
Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a change of heart and a commitment to live a life in accordance with God’s will.
Mark 1:15 (ESV): “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Following Jesus’ Teachings
Discipleship involves following the teachings and commandments of Jesus, striving to live a life that reflects His values and principles.
Matthew 16:24 (ESV): “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'”
Born Again (Spiritual Rebirth)
Jesus emphasized the need for a spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
John 3:3 (ESV): “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'”
Love and Compassion
Living out love and compassion for others is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings and is seen as a characteristic of His followers.
Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV): “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Forgiveness
Forgiving others is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Christians are encouraged to forgive as they have been forgiven by God.
Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV): “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”