We are sinners by Adam and Eve's actions of disobeying God's Word and direction. Thus, we are by birth sinful. We are separated eternally from God. Jesus understood we are all capable of sin, and we should not judge others for it. Because of this, we must understand our journeys toward salvation require more than prayer alone.

No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. This is because we are all sinners. The Bible says, "No one is good — not even one." We cannot become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.

Many people think living a good life, doing good things, being good to people, etc. brings us closer to God, that God gives us credit, is pleased, or something similar. The case is these things done by us apply by faith only if we are saved; otherwise, they are done for not. In fact, they are for loss unless you are saved. Just to be clear, before we are saved, God's will was and is not considered paramount in us by the actions taken and choices made.

The Bible references this in many places. Let us share some of God's Word related to this aspect:
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. - Romans 5:12-13 NASB1995

because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. - Romans 3:20 NASB1995

nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. - Galatians 2:16 NASB1995

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. - Romans 3:28 NASB1995

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB1995

Anyone can be saved and be free in God regardless their past, by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. For Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. - John 3:16-18 NASB1995

All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. - John 10:8-10 NASB1995

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. - 1 Timothy 2:5-6 NASB1995

For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. - Hebrews 9:15-17 NASB1995

There is replacement of our old self. The law is to bring realization of our saving being needed and to highlight our sinfulness. Everyone can be free of eternal separation from God.

Free of: eternal death, spiritual poverty, religious legalism, our enemies, addictions, worry, fear, suicidal thoughts, ridicule, penalties, lies, greed, immoralities, weaknesses, abuse, anger, hate, anxiety, depression, darkness, disease, infirmary, disappointment, unforgiveness, self-blame, pity, resentment, bitterness, shame, guilt, self-virtuous, and having worldly: ideals, standards, attitudes, expectations, and improvements with temptation all hung in shackled legalism.

The list goes on and on of what shackles us, holds us up, and brings us down. Free of our old selves. Free of those shackles, empowered, and lifted through grace, faith, and mercy. Triumphant! God desires us and expects us to be free, but He loves us enough to give us choice. We have an inheritance we can lay claim to with love surpassing all understanding -- making us expectant of all God has promised us! An entirely selfless agape love. We are created to do so much, to be a beacon of light for so many, and a vessel of God's greatness in His glorious light and power.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. - John 3:17-18 NASB1995

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, - Acts 3:19-20 NASB1995

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. - James 1:21 NASB1995

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. - James 5:16 NASB1995

for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. - Romans 10:10 NASB1995

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. - 1 John 1:9-10 NASB1995

By faith, pray: Dear Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit (Trinity), I know that I am a sinner, and I ask Your forgiveness. I believe You shed blood on the cross and died for my sins (Good Friday) then rose from the dead the third day (Easter). I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart, soul, spirit and life. Lord Jesus, I rebuke anything in my life not of You. Let no spirit but Yours speak to or enter me or anything in my life and show Your will in my life so it may glorify You now and forever. I now trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior in every aspect. I thank you Lord for your saving grace and mercy. Amen.

The road to salvation requires an active, personal relationship with God and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.

God's love is unconditional and gives complete liberation. Righteousness by God is given through our believing Christ has saved us through His blood on the cross. We accept His provision by faith. God's liberty is divine, agape love. His love is manifested in us as liberation, righteousness, virtue, hope, promise, approval, acceptance, justification, guiltlessness, and unshackled freedom.

By faith we cross the bridge from death to eternal life through the cross. These verses highlight Jesus Christ brings us closer to Him upon acceptance of Him dying on the cross for our sins:

"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 10:32-33 NASB1995

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, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. - John 1:12-13 NASB1995

And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' - Acts 2:21 NASB1995

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; - Romans 10:9 NASB1995

for "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:13 NASB1995

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. - 1 John 4:15 NASB1995

Become water submersed baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' - Acts 22:16 NASB1995

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Acts 2:37-38 NASB1995

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. - Acts 2:41 NASB1995

Also, Jesus said we have a helper, the Holy Spirit who resides in us. We are not in this alone. God helps us navigate our life through its trials and victories. God has covered every base on our behalf when we live in obedience to His will in His time for His glorification. See the following verse:

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. - John 14:16-17 NASB1995

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:26 NASB1995

• Read the Bible daily. It is God's letter to us. He will speak to us through His Word. If we have never read the Bible, consider starting with the Gospel of John.

• Pray. Talk with God. He wants to hear from us. He want a relationship with us. He wants us to tell Him our hopes, desires, fears and needs. He wants us to invite Him into every day. Prayer is a good place to start when building this relationship.

Jesus said:
"Pray, then, in this way:
'Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.']
For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. - Matthew 6:9-14 NASB1995

• Join a church who teaches the Bible and believes people are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Begin to meet with other Christians regularly.

• Contact and Connect with us so we can pray with and for you; we are now your brothers and sisters in Christ!

• Serve and tell others about Jesus. The invitation from Christ to be forgiven and adopted as a child of God is open to everyone in the world. God wants no one to die separated from Him because of sin. People who do not receive Christ as Savior will not be saved from the penalty of sin. (Matthew 28:18-20 NASB1995)

• Witness — share with others how Jesus Christ has changed your life from your past and what your relationship with Jesus Christ is today.

• Being free from the penalty of sin does not mean we will never sin again. It does mean, however, we are no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6 NASB1995). Now, by the power of God in us through the Holy Spirit, we are able to say no to sin and yes to God's ways. God will not allow us to be tempted to sin beyond what we can handle, and He will provide a way of escape when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB1995). When we do sin, here are steps to take to get back on God's path:
- Confess our sin to God (1 John 1:9 NASB1995)
- Confess our sin to other Christians (1 John 1:7 NASB1995, James 5:16 NASB1995)
- Repent (turn) from our sin and turn back to Christ (2 Timothy 2:22 NASB1995)
- Walk with God daily, stay near and visible to Him. Remember, God loves us! Because of Christ, we will never lose our salvation (Galatians 5:16 NASB1995, John 10:27-29 NASB1995). Go back to steps 1, 2 and 3 above to reconnect with Him.