The Need for a Savior
Many people define sin as a list of things not to do. Some say sin is disobeying God's commands. Others describe sin as wrong-doings that a person commits against others, against themselves, or against God. These are all true, but I'd like to add another key detail to this. At its core, sin separates us from God.
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Isaiah 59:1-2
Romans 3:23 also tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, in order remove this separation we have from God, we need our sins to be removed (forgiven).
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
This makes it seem impossible to come into a relationship with God, but there is one way, which is through Jesus Christ, who was crucified allthought he had committed no crime. Then on the third day Christ rose again from the dead (Matthew 28:6). God sent His Son to earth in order to conquer death, paying the price so that we didn't have to, and now we are able to come into a relationship with God.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
How Do We Enter This Relationship With God?
There are two key ingredients to entering this relationship with God, faith (John 3:16), and repentance. There are two parts to repentance, confessing your sins, and turning away from them.
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
Some people stop here, and mistakenly use this verse as a "free pass" to engage in sin as much as they want. This however, would not be repentance, and would not lead to salvation. In John 8:1-11, we see a woman who is guilty of prostitution. She was about to be stoned to death when Jesus said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one, they left. Then Jesus said to the woman, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
Jesus didn't tell her to return to a life of prostitution. And likewise, repentance involves making an honest attempt to turn away from your sins, and to turn towards God. Jesus will be there to forgive us when we do stumble. If you would like to begin a relationship with God and have everlasting life with Him, speak these words aloud:
"Dear Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner, and in need of your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross, and rose again from the dead to forgive me of my sins and give me a new life. Make me into the person you want me to be. Come into my heart. I receive you right now. In Jesus name, Amen."
The Bible says that if you said that prayer and meant it with your heart, God's angels in heaven are rejoicing (Luke 15:10).
What's Next?
This is just the first step in the Christian walk. This is not a "one and done" deal. Get into a good Bible based church. The Christian walk is about becoming more Christ-like, and having a personal relationship with God. Baptism is another one of the next steps, and is a command from Jesus (Matthew 28:19).
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6
God wants us to get to know Him. He's looking for your love. We can get to know God through several ways, the biggest being to read the Bible. There are various study plans out there that can help guide you. I would recommend starting with one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). You can also find a group of friends and have a Bible study.