Recognize that you are utterly lost as a result of the fall and the resulting original sin reckoned judicially by God to all the sons of Adam (the entire human race) (Rom. 5:12-15; 3:23; Psalm 51:5); that you are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1) and that you are spiritually blind and deaf and entirely without any ability whatsoever either to move toward God on your own or to respond to His call without His irresistible and life-giving grace, drawing you mercifully to Himself (John 3:3; 9:39; 10:26-27; 12:35-36; 6:44, 65). Acknowledge that, owing to the comprehensive and corrupting taint of sin upon all the faculties of your nature, i.e., your intellect, affections and will (Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19; Col. 1:21), you have absolutely nothing you can claim which commends you favorably to God: no good works, no morality, no righteousness, that, quite the contrary, all your righteousness is as “filthy rags” in His sight (Isa. 64:4). Tremble before the truth that you presently languish on God's “death row”, a condemned criminal, a child of wrath and that “eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord” is your destiny apart from a divine rescue (Rom. 3:19-20; Psalm 107:10-22; 2 Thess. 1:9).

Realize that God has mercifully provided that rescue for His people through the substitutionary sacrifice of His eternal Son, Jesus Christ. (Isa. 53:4-6, 8; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). Realize that on the cross Christ was made sin for sinners (Isa. 53:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:21) that they might receive pardon from sin's guilt (Col. 1:14; 2:13; Rom. 8:1), a new gracious standing in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:1) and reconciliation with His holy Father (Rom. 5:10-11; Eph. 2:13; Col. 1:19-22).

Repent of your sins (Mark 1:15b; Luke 24:47); turn from them specifically and decisively, cultivating a godly sorrow for them and a hatred of them (2 Cor. 7:10; Psalm 32:3-5; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; Psalm 97:10). Be ready to make restitution where necessary as the Holy Spirit would lead (Luke 19:8-10). Repent of your righteousness as well as your sins, those things you thought commended you to God, but which you now see to be but false hopes and filthy rags (Job 15;14-16; Isa. 64:6; 28:15, 17; Jer. 46:5).

Receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and rest in His finished work of redemption accomplished for you at Calvary (Isa. 30:15; Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:10-11). Come to Christ humbly yet confidently, knowing that He is “good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon” Him (Psalm 86:5)! Remember that faith does not save you, Christ saves you through faith (Eph. 2:8-9; Matt. 1:21), that gracious instrument freely bestowed upon all who have been “appointed to eternal life” (Acts 13:48). As such, the “law of faith” excludes all boasting in human ability, effort, privilege or worth so that we simply, by faith, enter into the blessing of an already accomplished redemption (Rom. 3:27-28; John 19:30).

And, finally, rejoice in your new standing of grace and peace before God (Rom. 5:1; 1 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:2). And, because of the remnants of indwelling sin in your soul (Gal. 5:17; 1 John 1:8), flee daily to the cross for its sin-killing and sanctifying power through a continuing and daily practice of confession and repentance in the power of the Holy Spirit (Zech. 13:1; 2 Cor. 10:5; Gal. 6:14; Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9).