Becoming a Christian
What does it mean to be a christian?
Christianity is not merely something we do. It is not a philosophy of life. To become a Christian is to enter into a living relationship with God.
However many people cannot conceive of having a relationship with God because they have a warped view of God. They imagine that God is against them. They think of God only as one who judges and punishes, like a harsh dictator. But the Bible tells us that "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." (John 3:16) It tells us in Romans 8:31 that God is for us, not against us.
The Bible also tells us that no one can have this living relationship with God because sin has separated us from God. "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God." (Romans 3:10-11) God is holy, mankind is not. However what we are unable to change, God can change. Because of His great love for us, Jesus came to bridge the gap between God and sinful men and women. Jesus' life, death on the cross and resurrection from the grave paid the penalty of our sin, thus opening the way for us to have a relationship with God. "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus said. (John 14:6)
Salvation -- having a right relationship with God -- is now available to us all. It is the free gift of God through His son, Jesus Christ. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by [your] works; so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- To be a Christian is to know God loves you. He give you righteousness, peace and joy.
- To be a Christian is to acknowledge you are sinful.
- To be a Christian is to confess and turn from sin and personally receive Jesus as Savior of your life.
- To be a Christian is to no longer live life for yourself but to live with Jesus at the center of your decisions.
- To be a Christian is to be baptized in water after believing this message of salvation.
- To be a Christian is to have the Holy Spirit, thus yielding your life to Him. "... you yourselves are God's temple and God's spirit lives in you." (ICor. 3:16)
- To be a Christian is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. This involves learning the Bible; developing a personal relationship with God through prayer, and being joined with other Christians by being part of a local church.
I Want to Believe
The way to become a Christian is really quite simple. You must believe in Jesus and follow Him with all your heart. You must leave behind everything that is sinful, or might hinder your Christian life. If you do this, Jesus will give you eternal life. This can happen today. "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become chidlren of God." (John 1:12)
Jesus said to Philip, "Follow me." (John 1:43) He says the same to you. Will you recieve and follow Him? This what conversion is all about. When someone trusts in Christ and begins to follow Him, they become a new person. A transformation takes place. The Bible says that you are a new creation. Jesus spoke about this change in another way. "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3)
The phrase that Jesus used here perfectly describes conversion. It doesn't describe a type of Christian, but all who truly love God. As soon as you believe in Jesus, you begin a totally new life -- you become like a little child and start learning all over again.
"You should not be surprised at my saying 'You must be born again.'" (John 3:7) Being 'born again' is not a preference, it's absolutely essential. Without being born again, you will never know God and never get into heaven. Jesus says that if you want to see the Kingdom, 'You must be born again.'
Would you like to commit your life to Christ, to follow and serve Him? Would you like to become a Christian, to live as a Christian, and to be known as a Christian? If so, then you may find the following prayer a helpful introduction to the Christian life. Read through each phrase. If you agree with each statement, then you can become a Christian right now by simply talking to God. He will hear your prayer.
Prayer for Salvation
Lord God, I know that I need Your help. I realize that I've been wrong and that You've been right. I know that I'm not good enought to get to heaven on my own. I'm a sinner and I want to turn away from my sin and receive Your forgiveness. I declare to You today that I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He's Your Son and that He died on a cross for me. I believe that He rose from the dead. I believe that You are calling me and I know that it's time to respond. Lord, please forgive me for my sin. I give myself completely to You. I will follow and serve You. I believe that I've taken this step of faith and entered the Kingdom of God. Please help me to live for You and teach me more about You. Thank you for answering this prayer. Amen.
The Next Steps
A man called Nathanael took this step of faith in Christ. Immediately after he had done this, Jesus told, "You will see greater things." (John 1:49-50)
If you have just become a Christian, you will find that there are greater things to see. You have only just begun to discover the life-changing truths of the Bible, and the purpose of God for His church.
God wants you to be baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit. He wants you to know that He has a special plan for your life. But best of all, He wants you to get to know Him as your heavenly Father, the One who is always with you, the One for whom you were created.
If you have just become a Christian, please contact us right away. We want to affirm you and assist you in establishing a great and productive relationship with your heavenly Father.
Have more questions?
Committing your life to Jesus is an important decision. We believe it is a decision everyone needs to make. Yet, it is reasonable to have questions. One of the best resources we know of where you can find more information is at www.needhim.org. Becoming a Christian is presented from a number of perspectives - women, children, youth, men, twenty-somethings. It is very likely you will find answers to your questions at this site.
