"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."  1 John 4:7 KJV

The process of sinful man coming to know and live in the presence of a righteous God and this righteous God inturn dwelling in our hearts is only possible by His grace. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Eph 2:8). The grace of God is a continual work in our life through our faith, believing and obedience to Jesus Christ.

Step 1. Awareness

You realize that you have sinned; "For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God;" (Rom 3:23). You have done things that displease God. You have been following your own opinions and desires, not God's commands. But you see that God loves you, that He is reaching out to help you. To know the Lord Jesus Christ all begins in believing both in him and His word.

Step 2: Repentance

You repent, you feel sorry about the way you have lived. You make a commitment to turn away from every sinful way and follow the ways of God. (Acts 3:19)

Step 3: Baptism                                                                                                                                     
You are baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission, or washing away of your sins. Through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ and His word your old life is symbolically "buried" in baptism, and you rise to live a new life. (Acts 2:38, Rom. 6:4)

 
Step 4: Spirit-filled Living                                                                                                                     
You receive the gift of God's Spirit to live in you, enabling you to resist temptation and sin, to understand God's power. (Acts 2:4, 2:38,39)

You continue to live every day in a way that is holy, seeking the leading of God in your words and actions. You enjoy His presence, His joy, His blessings as you reach out to meet the needs of others, and by your example, help them to know God.