The most important question someone will ever ask is "How do I become a Christian?”
As Christians we should always be ready and prepared to answer this question without mixed signals.
In our world of multi-cultures and humanist philosophy one could receive many different answers to the question, “How do I become a Christian?”
You may use this material for yourself or to help others in their search of what the Bible says we need to do to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
1. Belief
You are to believe and have faith in God because “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that “He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) When we sincerely believe that Jesus is God’s Son and died for us, we will respond to that truth. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8 & 9)
2. Repentance
We repent of our sins. The word repent means “to turn”, “change”. The call to repent is to change your life. In coming to Jesus we are to rid ourselves of sin, to do our best to live holy lives. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19; Matthew 4:17; Mark 6:12; Luke 13:3)
3. Confession
Our confession is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:36) We must confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Our faith, repentance, and confession are all important elements of our salvation decision in Christ.
4. Baptism
Having believed, repented, and confessed that Jesus is the Son of God, “you must be baptized for the remission of your sins. (Acts 2:38) It is at this point that your sins are forgiven.” (Acts 22:16) It is impossible to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ without the teaching of baptism. (Acts 8:35-36; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21) Anyone who responds to the invitation of salvation can clearly see the importance Baptism played in Christianity throughout the New Testament. (Acts 2:37-38)
Acts 4:14 states that “salvation is found in no other than Jesus.” Receiving Christ necessitates response on our part. The Bible makes it clear that our response should include faith, repentance, confession and baptism. Each is important, but none is more important. These are ways we express the fact that we trust Christ for salvation. They do not save us, Christ does.
Everyone who accepted Christ through the gospel in the New Testament was baptized. As a church seeking Biblical standards, we feel we should teach what the Bible teaches and do what scripture says to do.
5. Growth
Once you are saved, God adds you to His church and writes your name in the book of life. “Praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47) To continue in God’s grace, you must continue to serve God faithfully. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If any-one would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.