Simply put, a Christian is a ‘follower of Christ’ (Jesus Christ1). Originally Christians were called ‘Christian’ because they lived the way that Jesus Christ had called them to.
How do I become a Christian?
To become a Christian, all you have do is put your faith in who Jesus is and what he has done. These verses explain it well…
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10
By Grace
Christians don’t deserve anything, yet God shows them grace – undeserved generosity – to give them salvation.
Have Been Saved
Christians has been saved from the consequence of their sin. Sin is our rebellion against God. It is the attitude and desire to live our own way and not God’s. The consequence of sin is death.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
The only way God can offer this, is that Jesus died the death we deserve. He went to the cross in our place, defeating sin and death, and rose again (resurrected) on the third day giving us eternal life.
Through Faith
Faith is a confident trust and reliance upon Jesus Christ and is the only way by which we can secure salvation.
It Is The Gift Of God
A Christians salvation – salvation by grace through faith – is God’s gift.
There is nothing we can do to get it!
No religious work or ‘good’ life can earn us salvation. And to make it clear, there is nothing a Christian can boast about (except Jesus himself).
How does a Christian live?
While good works don’t secure or earn them salvation, Christians do good works (live Jesus’ way) as an outflow of the new life we have been given.
Are you ready to put your faith in Jesus?
Speak to God
If yes, then the first thing is to speak to God, seeking his forgiveness, and thanking him for his gracious gift.
Dear God,
I know that I have lived my own way, rebelling against you.
I trust and rely on Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, defeating sin and death, and rose again to bring me eternal life.
Please forgive me.
Help me to live Jesus’ way, doing the good he has prepared for me, from this day forward.
Thank you for all you have done for me in Jesus.
I pray this, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Jesus has given us his promise:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Be assured, then, that if you prayed a prayer like this one, God has heard your prayer, you are forgiven, and you have become a Christian.
Find a church
If you have decided to become a Christian, then the second thing you should do is contact someone at a local church, or contact us.
Christianity is not a solo activity. A good local church will give you lots of help and encouragement in growing as a Christian and in understanding the Bible. See if you can find one that:
- focuses on Jesus, as truly God and man, and on his death on the cross;
- believes the whole Bible as God’s authoritative Word; and
- does their best to love one another, and to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Of course, going to church does not make you a Christian, but it does equip and support you in your new life with Jesus.
If you live in the Shoalhaven area of NSW, Australia, then please visit us.
If you’d like to contact someone about what you’ve read here, please contact us.
If you’d like to find out more about Jesus and Christianity, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
1 ‘Christ’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘Messiah’ meaning ‘anointed with oil’. It is a title for Jesus, not his surname. What was he anointed for? He was anointed to be King, Lord, Saviour and Suffering Servant. It also points to his deity as God’s Son.