How to get right with God

Have you ever felt a sense of longing, a desire to repair something broken within, or a yearning to reconnect with God? If so, you’re not alone. The path to getting right with God is a deeply personal journey, yet its foundation is universal: understanding our need for His grace.

Recognizing the Problem: Sin

To embark on the journey of getting right with God, we must first confront the issue that separates us from Him: sin. As Psalm 14:3 reminds us, “There is no one who does good, not even one.” This isn’t about comparing ourselves to others—it’s about realizing that, as humans, we all fall short of God’s perfect standards. Isaiah 53:6 paints a vivid picture: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray.”

Sin isn’t just a list of wrongdoings; it’s a state of rebellion against God’s commands. It’s the root cause of the brokenness we experience in our lives and our relationship with Him.

The Consequences of Sin

The reality of sin carries a sobering weight. Ezekiel 18:4 states, “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” This isn’t merely about physical death—it speaks to spiritual separation from God. However, amidst this bad news lies a glimmer of hope, a promise of redemption.

God’s Pursuit of Us

The good news is that God, in His infinite love and mercy, didn’t leave us in this state of separation. Instead, He pursued us with a plan of salvation. Jesus Christ declared His mission in Luke 19:10: “To seek and to save what was lost.” His sacrificial death on the cross, signified by His triumphant declaration, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), fulfilled this mission.

Through Jesus, God bridged the gap that sin created. He provided the ultimate sacrifice to take away our sin, offering us the opportunity to be reconciled with Him.

Taking the First Step: Acknowledging Our Sin

Getting right with God begins with an honest acknowledgment of our sin. This isn’t about self-condemnation; it’s about humility. Isaiah 57:15 speaks of God’s closeness to the contrite: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” Admitting our shortcomings is the first step toward embracing His grace.

Confession and Repentance

Confession is more than just saying “sorry”—it’s about turning away from sin and turning toward God. Romans 10:10 explains, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

True repentance is accompanied by faith—faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death and His resurrection. It means recognizing that He alone is qualified to save us. Romans 10:9 assures us: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Trusting in God’s Promises

Being right with God isn’t about what we do—it’s about our response to what He has already done for us. He sent His Son to take away our sin, offering the promise of salvation to “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21).

The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32 beautifully illustrates God’s forgiveness. The son, after wasting his inheritance in reckless living, returns home expecting rejection. Instead, he is met with open arms and a celebration. This story reminds us that God’s love for us remains steadfast, no matter how far we’ve strayed. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

A Sample Prayer

If you’re ready to take that step of faith, here’s a prayer you can use to express your trust in God:

“God, I know that I have sinned against You and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him and His resurrection I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness—the gift of eternal life! Amen.”

This prayer isn’t a formula for salvation—only faith in Christ can save. It’s simply a way to voice your heart’s desire to trust Him.

The Joy of Reconciliation

When we get right with God, we experience the joy of reconciliation. The burden of guilt is lifted, replaced by peace and hope. Our relationship with Him is restored, and we begin to walk in newness of life.

Moving Forward in Faith

Getting right with God is the beginning of a lifelong journey. It involves growing in faith, studying His Word, and staying connected to a community of believers. It’s about living out the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

As you take steps to draw closer to God, remember this: His love for you is unchanging. He is always ready to welcome you with open arms, just as the father welcomed the prodigal son.