You cross the bridge into God's family when you turn to God by asking Christ to be part of your life. There's no such thing as a one-way relationship. God has done His part when His Son died for you, now it's your move. Turning to God means you are also turning from something. If you turn to the west, you must turn from the east, since you can't face two directions at the same time. It's the same with Jesus and sin. As you turn to Him, you "repent", which means you realize you cannot give yourself to Jesus while hanging onto the sin He died for. That means turning your back on "my way" choices such as lying, sexual immorality, anger, etc. to begin doing things God's way.

To choose this relationship, do 4 things:
1. Admit your spiritual need. Admit you are a sinner.
2. Repent and be willing to turn from your sin.
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for YOU on the cross.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart and life, by choosing this relationship over your current life of sin and separation from Him.



How Do We Know This?
John 1:12, KJV - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

Revelation 3:20, NASB - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in...

Romans 10:13, NASB - Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

How do I ask Him? Pray - Prayer is simply talking to God, not magic words. You can belong to God from today on if you will tell Him with all your heart. Your prayer should be your own, from your own heart. If you're not in the habit of praying though, you may need an example. Such a prayer may go something like this:

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I was made for You, but I've been living for me. I want to begin a relationship with You now. I believe that You died in my place, to pay the penalty for my sin, and rose again for my salvation. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.