Recognizing Our Need for Forgiveness: We are all created in the image of God, but everyone is born into and marked by sin—an attitude of disobedience toward God that separates us from Him (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Psalm 139:13-17; Isaiah 53:6a; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23). No amount of good works, self-improvement, or effort can bridge this gap or make up for sin.

Understanding Who Jesus Is: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, co-equal with God the Father (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:14-15), died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and rose from the dead three days later to prove His power over sin and death (Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11).

Repenting of Sin: Following Jesus involves true biblical repentance—an intentional change of heart and mind that leads to walking away from a life of sin and turning toward God (Acts 3:19, 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10). Repentance means recognizing our sin, agreeing with God about its weight, and actively turning from selfish, sinful living to surrender to His leadership.

Accepting Salvation as a Gift: Salvation and eternal life are gifts from God, not something we earn (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-9). You are forgiven and made right with God by His grace alone, through faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross (John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7). It isn't about being a "good" person, but a forgiven one.

Placing Your Faith in Him: Giving your life to Jesus is far more than an intellectual assent or head knowledge about God; it is a genuine relational commitment of your whole heart, mind, and life (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10). Real saving faith is not earned by good works, moral effort, or religious rituals, but is a complete, active trust in Jesus alone as your Savior for the forgiveness of sins, relying on Him entirely as the Lord of your life (1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13).

Walking in a New Life: When you trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you to guide you, help you understand truth, and give you strength for daily living (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:1). You are eternally secure in His grace (John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5), and your life will naturally begin to reflect Him through worship, love, and good works (James 2).

Get Baptized: Baptism by immersion is a public declaration that you have decided to follow Jesus, showing the world what He has already done inside your heart (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38, 41; Colossians 2:12). Going completely under the water pictures Jesus’ death and burial, while coming back up symbolizes His resurrection and your new life raised with Him (Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12). This clear physical picture also serves as a vivid reminder that Jesus has completely forgiven and washed away your sins (Acts 22:16).

While baptism itself does not save you—salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone—when properly carried out, it brings rich spiritual benefit to believers (Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Peter 3:21). The Lord gave us baptism to strengthen and encourage our faith, bringing the blessing of God’s favor through obedience, the joy of a public profession, and the reassurance of our new life in Christ. Ultimately, taking this step is a direct, meaningful command from Jesus that demonstrates your love for Him, building up both the person being baptized and every believer who witnesses it (Matthew 28:19; John 14:15). CLICK HERE to sign up for our next baptism weekend!

Read God's Word: The Bible is God’s inspired word and the supreme source of truth for living (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105). Spending regular time reading Scripture helps you know Jesus better, understand His promises, and grow in your faith (Psalm 1:1-3; Colossians 3:16). An easy place to start studying the Bible is the “Bible Study” tab on The City’s app. There, we have daily devotionals that walk through that past weekend’s message. It’s a great place to start studying God’s word! We also recommend purchasing a Bible or downloading the YouVersion Bible App. The translation we teach from on Sunday and recommend is The New Living Translation.

Pray Daily: Prayer is simply honest conversation with God (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It allows you to build a deeper relationship with Him, bring your needs before Him in trust, and experience His peace and guidance in your everyday life (Hebrews 4:16; Jeremiah 29:12-13).

Attend Church: Gathering regularly with other believers for worship, teaching, and encouragement is vital (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42). The church is the family of God, and meeting together builds up your faith while providing a place to serve and grow (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-16).

Join a Small Group: Faith is not meant to be lived alone (Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 27:17). Joining a small group or community lets you connect on a deeper level, share life with others, study God's word together, and receive support when challenges arise (Acts 2:46-47; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). To find a small group (City Group) at The City, follow this link: FIND ME A GROUP