April 11, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
Yesterday, we learned one of the most important aspects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – His Atoning Sacrifice. As stated, the atonement is for all mankind, but not all will accept it. Let’s learn what that means:
Scripture teaches that Christ’s sacrifice is unlimited in scope and offered to every person. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2). This shows that His atonement was not restricted to a select group, but extended to all humanity.
Likewise, the gospel declares God’s desire for universal salvation: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4). And further, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” (Titus 2:11). The gift is offered broadly—no one is excluded from its reach.
Yet the Bible also makes clear that not all will accept this gift. Jesus Himself said, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). Salvation is offered freely, but it must be received through faith: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11). This shows the tragedy that many reject what is freely given.
Think of it this way…God has given all of us free agency. It is a gift that he has given for us to chose freely of what we desire. This also includes the atonement of Jesus Christ. Just because it is available to all of mankind, it doesn’t mean that it is forced upon everyone. We must each choose to accept this gift or reject it.
Paul also explains the reconciliation made available through Christ: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Yet acceptance of that reconciliation is not automatic—it is received by faith.
So, how does a person choose to accept the gift of the atonement? The scriptures are quite clear in answering this question:
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 3:22–24 (KJV)
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 5:1–2 (KJV)
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand…”
A person accepts the atonement of Jesus Christ by first learning about what it is, and what Christ did for us, so that we could be washed free of our sins. Then after they understand it, we MUST HAVE FAITH in the atonement.
So how do we do that? How do we have faith in this? That’s right… let’s go back to the scriptures.
The Bible teaches that the atonement is accepted through faith, and that faith is shown in a person’s heart, belief, and response to God’s Word.
1. Faith means trusting in Christ’s finished work
The atonement is complete in Jesus Christ. Faith is simply trusting that His death and resurrection are enough to save you.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
This shows that salvation is received, not earned.
2. Faith is believing in the death and resurrection of Christ
True faith rests in the gospel itself:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…”
To believe this is to trust the atonement.
3. Faith is trusting Christ alone—not works or rituals
A person shows faith by depending fully on Jesus, not on personal righteousness or religious acts:
Romans 3:28 (KJV)
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Let me continue to explain this by teaching another interesting concept that Jesus taught while He was on the earth.
Becoming Born Again
This concept is largely misinterpreted by many people. Yes, it can seem simple to do, but it is not just done through a quick prayer. I’d like for you to understand Christ’s teachings behind this concept, so that you can learn the entire process of becoming Born Again.
To be “born again,” Jesus Christ teaches in the KJV that it is a spiritual rebirth—not something earned by works, religion, or rituals, but something that happens when a person believes in Him and receives new life from God.
Jesus Himself explains this clearly to Nicodemus:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, KJV)
He further explains that this new birth is not physical, but spiritual:
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6, KJV)
So being born again means the Holy Spirit brings new spiritual life to a person who turns to God in faith. The foundation of this new birth is believing in Jesus Christ Jesus Christ and trusting His finished work on the cross. The Bible says:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16, KJV)
When a person believes, they are not trying to earn salvation—they are receiving it as a gift. The Bible also says:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8, KJV)
This is where prayer comes into this process. When a person recognizes that they are a sinner and need Jesus Christ in their life… and, they NEED the atonement to be forgiven of their sins, they would PRAY and ask Jesus Christ to come into their life and become a part of them. By doing this, they are accepting Jesus and His atonement, and realizing that they can not do this by themselves. We must “open the door, and invite Christ in” to allow Him to come into our lives.
This prayer is not anything that has to be said word for word, it is the concept of inviting Jesus Christ into their life. The free agency to accept Him, and His atonement.
Being born again also involves repentance—turning from unbelief and turning toward God. Scripture says:
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19, KJV)
How do we repent?
Repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin and turning back to God. It begins with godly sorrow, not just regret for consequences, but a deep conviction before God. As it is written,
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10, KJV).
This sorrow leads a person to confess our sins to God and forsake them:
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13, KJV).
True repentance is therefore not just feeling bad, but a change of mind and direction that moves a person away from sin and toward obedience to God. Repentance also involves actively turning to the Lord and asking for forgiveness. Scripture calls for both leaving sin and seeking God:
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD… for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7, KJV).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.” (Acts 8:22)
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid… and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)
In repenting, where do we start, and do we need to repent for each and every sin that we have committed? As a person accepts Jesus Christ into their life, they are certainly made aware of the sins that they have committed. When something comes to mind, repent of that sin. Ask for God’s help in recognizing the sins that you have committed, then repent of those things which are brought to mind.
God has given us all a conscious for the purpose of recognizing sin. This can actually be seen as a positive trait. Sins that you need to repent of will come to your mind, and simply repent of those that come to mind that you feel sorrow about.
I feel personally, that we do not need to be so obsessed with 1 sin = 1 repentance mindset. Repent for your sinful behavior, and make it specific enough to where you feel that you have expressed it all to God in prayer. Then, listen to your spirit, for you will feel His forgiveness, and will be relieved of the burden that the sin was causing you to feel.
Finally, when someone believes, the Holy Spirit changes them inwardly, giving them a new heart and new desire for God:
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)
Can you see the process here? As you give your life to Christ, you become a NEW person, Born Again. This transformation again begins immediately after accepting Christ into your life. You will become to see a difference “over time” in your countenance. You will have the desire to want to help others, and do good works. You too will realize that you are a better version of yourself as you include Christ that you were just by yourself.
If you have not done this in your life, I invite you to do so right now. If you don’t quite know what to say in your prayer, let me show you an idea.
The King James Version (KJV) doesn’t give a single scripted prayer to be “born again,” but it clearly teaches the heart of salvation: faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and calling on God. Based on those scriptures (like John 3:3, Romans 10:9–10, 13, and Acts 16:31), here is an example of a prayer that follows those truths:
O God,
I come before thee in the name of Jesus Christ. I confess that I am a sinner, and I have sinned against thee. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, and that thou hast raised Him from the dead.
Lord, I will repent of my sins, and I turn to thee with all my heart. Please forgive me, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
I trust in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation, not in my works, but in thy grace. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and save me.
I receive thee now as my Lord and Saviour. Thank thee for thy mercy and for the gift of eternal life.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
What matters most is not perfect words, but a true heart of faith and repentance toward God.
Finally, how do we know that we have been Born Again? Let’s learn what Christs teachings are to explain this.
Here are the key evidences straight from scripture:
1. You Believe on Jesus Christ Alone for Salvation
Being born again begins with faith—not works, not religion, but trusting fully in Christ.
John 1:12–13 (KJV)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born…of God.”
John 3:3 (KJV)
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
If you have truly received Christ and are trusting Him alone, that is the foundation of being born again.
2. You Have a New Inner Nature (A Changed Heart)
A born-again person is not the same inside anymore.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
You may still struggle, but something inside you has changed—your desires, your awareness of sin, your longing for God.
3. You Are Convicted of Sin (Not Comfortable in It)
Before being born again, sin may not trouble you deeply. Afterward, it does.
1 John 3:9 (KJV)
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin… and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
This doesn’t mean sinless perfection—but you can’t live in sin comfortably anymore. There is conviction and a desire to turn from it.
4. You Love Other Believers
One of the clearest signs is a new love for others who follow Christ.
1 John 3:14 (KJV)
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.”
That love is not natural—it comes from God.
5. You Desire to Follow God and His Word
There is a hunger that wasn’t there before.
1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
You begin to want truth, scripture, and righteousness.
6. The Holy Spirit Bears Witness Inside You
This is one of the most powerful assurances.
Romans 8:16 (KJV)
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
There is an inward knowing—not based on feelings alone, but a quiet, real assurance.
7. Your Life Begins to Show Fruit Over Time
Change shows up outwardly as well.
Matthew 7:20 (KJV)
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Not perfection—but direction. Your life begins moving toward God, not away from Him.
Tomorrow, I would like to teach you about a GIFT that comes along with becoming Born Again. You will certainly want to join me then to learn about this exciting gift that has been priceless to me in my life. I’ll see you there at www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog
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