The good news, in five steps.

Before you did anything, God loved you. He made you on purpose, for connection with him.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." — John 3:16

We all sense that something is off — in the world and in us. The Bible calls this sin: our turning away from God. It leaves us far from the life we were made for.

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23

Jesus, fully God and fully human, lived the life we couldn't and died the death we deserved. Three days later, he rose from the grave — defeating sin and death for us.

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." — Romans 5:8

Turn from what has held you and trust Jesus. He will forgive you, make you new, and welcome you as family.

"If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation." — 2 Corinthians 5:17

This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship: read the Bible, pray honestly, gather with other believers, and let his Spirit shape you.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." — John 10:10