Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start when you have an opportunity to lead someone to Jesus Christ. Once a person’s heart is pricked and they sense a need for a Savior, you can lead them to Christ using these five steps. This post will outline five “R”‘s of salvation that you can use when leading someone to Jesus Christ.
The 5 R’s of Salvation
- Recognize – we live in a fallen, sinful world because of mankind’s sin.
- Realize – you are a sinner who is under judgment.
- Repent – you need to turn from your sinful ways in repentance.
- Respond – by putting your faith in Jesus for salvation from sin.
- Receive – the gift of salvation and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Recognize
Confession: I believe the world is fallen and corrupted by mankind’s sin.
Realize
The second step is to realize that you have a problem: sin.
Confession: I know that I am a sinner in need of a Savior.
Repent
Confession: God, I am sorry for my sin that has separated me from you. Please forgive me of my sins and make me new.
When one truly realizes there are a sinner before a holy God, a humble sorrow leads us to repent. Repentance involves renouncing sinful practices and turning from your sin. It is a turning away from sin and a moving toward the Savior, Jesus. It shows a desire to embrace God’s ways.
Respond
The fourth step is to confess He is Lord and ask Jesus to save you.
Confession: I believe Jesus is the Son of God and Lord. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I place my faith in Jesus as my Savior and and trust Him to be my Lord. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead to new life, I believe I will be raised to new life in Him.
With a repentant heart you can respond to the offer of grace from God. This involves believing on the Lord Jesus for salvation. The Bible says “if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Jesus came to earth to show us how to live for God. Jesus died on the cross because it was God’s will that he would die for our sins. Jesus was without sin but took on your sin and punishment. The judgment you faced was poured on Jesus.
Receive
The fifth step is to receive the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit by faith.
Confession: I receive your gift of salvation from my sins and I receive the gift of the Holy Spirit that I might please God and walk in holiness.
The Bible says “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” When you receive Jesus as your Savior and trust Him to be Lord of your life, Jesus will save you from your sins and fill you with the Holy Spirit. Tell God that you receive his gift of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He will come into your life and change you from the inside out. Jesus came to give life abundant on Earth and life eternal in heaven. It is the greatest gift you will ever receive!
Recommended reading: The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon.
Take the Next Step of Faith
- The 5 R’s of Sanctification
- The 5 R’s of Seeking the Lost
- The 7 R’s of Strengthening the Church