You can be free from the guilt of your past and have an assuring hope for the future. The Bible contains some practical steps of faith.

Step One: Acknowledge your past. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Agree with God (“confess” means to agree with) that your life of rebellion, against His will and His Word, is sin. “Repent” means to be sorry enough to quit sinning and turn to a new life.

Step Two: Invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your life. To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Invite Him to be the Master of your life. Just as we have a chronological birthday, we can have a spiritual birthday. We can be “born again” by trusting Christ to come into our lives. Here’s a sample prayer:

Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned against You. I am sorry for my sin and I trust You to forgive me. Come into my life and help me to serve You all the days of my life. Amen.

Step Three: Trust God's promise of forgiveness.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Stand on the promise of the Bible.  God cannot lie.  If He says that your past is forgiven - IT IS!

Step Four:  Openly declare your new relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Whosoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven (Matt. 10:32).  Tell someone else about your decision.  Ask the pastor about openly declaring your faith.

Step Five: Grow by reading God’s Word. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow . . . (1 Pet. 2:2).  Attend a Bible believing/teaching church (such as your local Wesleyan church). Get into a Bible study (read the Gospel of Mark and then read an additional chapter of the Bible each day.) Pray each day (in praise and thanksgiving to God, confessing personal needs and trusting God for the needs of others).

Let God work a miracle in your life!