How to Become a Christian
I’m assuming that since you’re viewing this page you have a desire to learn what it takes to become a Christian. Perhaps you’ve just wandered into this page to examine what I think it takes to become a Christian. Either way I hope you take the time to examine what I’m about to share.
People generally do not change much in their lifestyles. Change usually occurs whenever there is a crisis event. What I mean is that it is generally when your situation becomes intolerable or unbearable that you make a major change in your life.
It is the same with Christianity. Most folks become a Christian whenever they have one of two major revelations (or realizations) in their life. Either they obtain an understanding of the nature and character of God OR they obtain an understanding of their own sinful nature and see themselves as God sees them.
Whatever your situation may be I hope you will examine what you’re about to read with an open mind and an open heart. I pray that you will allow God the privilege of changing your life.
There are basically 5 simple steps that must be taken to obtain salvation. Many may see more steps being necessary. Some may feel that fewer are necessary. They may both be right. Becoming a Christian is simply forming a relationship with God according to his standards.
Acknowledge or admit that you need a Savior.
Accept Christ’s work on the cross as being sufficient.
Repent of the sins that you’ve committed and reject the sin in your life.
Pray to God. This is simply talking to God or calling upon Him. A conversation.
Share your Good News with others.
Acknowledge or admit that you need a savior
(Romans 3:10 KJV) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:22-24 KJV) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: {23} For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
As we see in this section of scripture, none of us are good enough to go to heaven. Each of us has missed the mark to one degree or another. Human beings are imperfect and therefore unqualified to enter heaven. It is only in wearing a badge of righteousness given us by Jesus at the point of our salvation that we shall enter heaven.
Accept Christ’s work on the cross as being sufficient
(Romans 8:3-4 KJV) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: {4} That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 5:20-21 KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. {21} For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
It was and is the function of Jesus to both meet the requirements of the Law in providing death as a punishment for sin AND to give life to those that ask. He accomplished this by going to the cross at Calvary and dying.
(Philippians 2:8 KJV) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Repent of the sins that you’ve committed and reject the sin in your life
(Mark 1:15 KJV) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
(Acts 2:38 KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 17:30 KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
(Acts 26:20 KJV) But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
As you can see, repentance is a very important factor in the process of becoming a Christian. What exactly does it mean to repent? I’m glad you asked. (smile) Here is the Greek word with it’s definition :
3340. metanoeo, met-an-o-eh’-o; from G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (mor. feel compunction):–repent.
What does repent mean? - Think about what you have been doing and change your mind and actions.
Pray to God. This is simply talking to God or calling upon Him. A conversation.
(Romans 10:12-13 KJV) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. {13} For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Luke 18:13-14 KJV) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. {14} I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
“God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” What a request! Simple, yet to the point. This man, who was the equivalent of a Mafia gangster, expressed his earnest need for God to change his life. Nobody is too good OR too evil for God to accept them. But God does require that we be honest and sincere with him when we approach him and ask him for his gift of salvation.
Share your Good News with others.
(Matthew 28:18-20 KJV) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Romans 10:9-11 KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. {11} For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
WHAT NOW?
If you feel confident that you’ve spoken to God and sincerely trusted him to change you into a Christian then you’ve begun a wonderful journey into the rest of eternity. We would love to hear from you. To hear about your conversion.
We’d like to recommend that you find a good church, a Christian bible version that you’re comfortable with and Christian friends. Those three things combined with prayer (just talking with God about everything) will prepare you to learn all about how you should live your life in light of this wonderful gift you’ve received.
You might check out the Christian Links to find other areas of interest. And feel free to ask any questions you might have. Just email the webmaster. We never get too busy for email. May God richly bless you as you follow His will for your life!
