Here is a question that has perplexed, puzzled, and caused men to wonder for centuries.  What exactly are we here for and what do we need to do to be ready for the next life?  There are so many different answers to these questions, but which answer is right.  If it is one thing that I have learned through my own personal experience with these questions, it's that the answers come directly from God's Word in the Bible. 

1. We have to understand that we are not capable of defeating sin on our own, and that only Christ can save us.  We have to have the ability to believe in this and have the faith to get up and follow Him.
2. We have to repent and start a new way of life that centers on Christ and not our own selfish interests (whether it is getting rich, trying to find a new high, or filling our void with sinful acts). 
3. We have to confess Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Some would have you believe that you need to confess your sins to man, but if Christ is the answer to our salvation, what good is it going to do to confess our acts to another person who cannot even take care of their own acts?  It is Christ that is the answer we need to seek.
4. Immersion is where we meet Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  Often referred to as baptism, the word in Greek means "to plunge completely in water."  We should seek to be obedient to Christ and His teachings and baptism is in with this.
5. Living a life that Christ is a part of.  This isn't about works, but rather about love.  If we love someone, we seek to do whatever we can for them.  Likewise, in our relationship with Christ, we should take His hand and do whatever we can to build Him up.