How Do I Become a Christian?
In a word, “Trust.” To be a Christian is to trust in Jesus of Nazareth. To trust him to the point that we believe he is who he says he is, and that he did what he said he would do. Being a Christian also means that we recognize some things about ourselves too. Some people call all this information “The Gospel” or just simply “The Good News.” Let me explain…
The Good News Of Jesus Christ
Let’s start with the bad news first. The Bible says that there is a holy, just, and completely good God whom you have offended. You offended Him with your sin. Sin is wrongdoing such as lying, violence, or selfishness. The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned (Rom 3:23), and that our sins have earned us the punishment of death and damnation, or eternal suffering and separation from God (Rom 6:23).
The good news is that even though God can not overlook your sin, He has provided a way for it to be forgiven. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take your punishment. He suffered cruelly and died in your place to pay for your sins (Rom 5:8, 1Pet 2:24). He was then buried but rose from the grave on the third day and ascended into heaven to live eternally. What God asks of you is to believe that Jesus’ blood paid for your sins, trust in this for your forgiveness, turn from your sin, and be willing to follow and obey Him as your master and tell others that He is your new master and lord (Rom 10:9, John 11:25-26,). It is the belief or faith that saves you, not your good deeds or hard work (Eph 2:8-9, Rom 4:5).
So, you see, there is no need to change who you are or clean yourself up for Jesus. You just come as you and he will take care of that.
A Christian is also sometimes called a believer, because our faith is characterized by the things we believe. In order to be obedient to God’s demands and be at peace with Him, to have forgiveness of your sins, and eternal life you must believe these things you have just read. And more than that, you must trust in them, believing that they apply personally to you and your life. And you must trust in this alone, and no other way for your salvation.
If you are willing to do this, then you are a “believer” a Christian. A prayer is an appropriate way to begin this new stage of life. To pray is simply speaking to God. In this prayer you will want to express your repentance, that you are sorry for your sins and wish to change. You will also want to express your new trust/faith is Jesus and his sacrifice that paid for your sins, and you will want to express gratitude for God forgiving your sins.
The next step is to find a Church that faithfully teaches the scriptures, a Church that believes the 66 books of the Bible to be the infallible, authoritative Word of God. This Church must also be a place filled with loving believers who can help you grow in your new faith. You can visit the SBC website to find a Southern Baptist Church near you.
You will also want to begin reading the Bible. You can purchase one just about anywhere books are sold. There are many translations and versions to choose from. The one that I recommend most is the ESV (English Standard Version). It is modern day English and easy to read, yet still faithful to the original biblical texts. (That is, the original ancient Greek and Hebrew languages in which the Bible was written. ) I suggest that you begin with either the book of John or Luke, then the book of Acts.
Of course, you may always contact us with questions or for help locating a new church home.