How to Become a Christian

Becoming a Christian is one of the best decisions you'll make in your life because you will have the opportunity to enter into an eternal and loving relationship with Jesus Christ and other believers. First, it's important to note that God chooses us and then we choose whether or not we want to serve Him. Ephesians 1:4-5a* says, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will..." So, our salvation depends on God alone. We are not saved by anything that we say or do. Neither church membership nor good character makes us Christians. One becomes a Christian by having faith alone in Christ alone. Allow me to outline a few steps to simplify the process:

1) YOU MUST RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE A SINNER - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." - Romans 3:23*

2) YOU MUST CONFESS YOUR FAITH - "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." - Romans 10:9-10*

3) YOU MUST KNOW THAT YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN - "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." - Acts 10:43*

4) YOU MUST REPENT (turn away) FROM YOUR SINS - "Peter said to them, " Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" - Acts 2:38a*

"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." - Luke 15:10*

It's just that simple. For the believer reading this... praise God for your decision to follow Christ! For the reader seeking Him, know that Jesus truly does love you and desires that you not perish, but have everlasting life. As Jesus draws you near to Him through various circumstances and situations, I encourage you to choose Him. His love is unconditional, His mercies are great, His character is flawless, and His Word (the Holy Bible) is His bond. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so why not choose an abundant life in Christ today.

*NASB (New American Standard Bible)