1.  I must realize that in my present condition I am a sinner before God.

     "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
     "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10).

2.  I cannot save myself from eternal punishment in hell.

     "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23)
     "As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

3.  Christ has paid for my sins and my punishment with His death on the cross.

     "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
     "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus) should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

4.  I must accept His crucifixion as payment for my sins, personally.

     "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
      "But as many as received Him (Christ), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).