How does someone become a Christian?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

An incredible transformation takes place when we believe in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. We are “born again” (John 3:3), which essentially means that we spiritually transform from sinners to God’s children. Many people today use the word “Christian” to express this new identity. In Acts 11:26, the word “Christians” is used to describe some of Christ’s disciples in the early church. Christians must remember that the grace we have received is not contingent on our so-called good works (Isaiah 64:6). Although we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we still sometimes sin, and it is God’s grace that continues to save us. We can’t be a Christian on our own terms (Luke 9:59-62, 13:23-24). Our call as Christians is to be like Christ and to do that we must take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Becoming a Christian is not about cleaning up our act or being nicer. It begins with the recognition that we are sinful and cannot—even on our best day—be good enough to impress a holy God. Isaiah 64:6 says that our best deeds are like “filthy rags” to God (NIV).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus warned that many would desire to come to Him, but would want to do so on their own terms (Luke 9:59-62, 13:23-24). Jesus' requirements are clear. In Luke 9:23 He says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." As Christians, we should be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ.
• A heart transformation must take place to make us Christians. Jesus called it being "born again" (John 3:3). He used the illustration of birth because we understand that when a baby is born, a new creature emerges who did not previously exist.
• The word "Christian" comes from a Greek word that means "little Christ." So a Christian is a person who models his or her life after Jesus. Jesus' followers were first called Christians by people who were trying to describe the radical lifestyle changes evident in His disciples. Because the disciples were acting so much like Jesus, they were called "little Christs" (Acts 11:26).
• When we allow the Holy Spirit to "birth" us into God's family, we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17), often referred to as Christians. Jesus changes us from the inside out so that our desires, passions, and actions start to reflect His. We don't try to change to become acceptable to God; our lives change because our hearts have been born anew.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Because of our naturally sinful state, we are separated from the God who created us (Isaiah 59:2) unless we believe in Jesus Christ: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:16-18).

Are you ready to place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and be born again? If so, follow through with the decision right now. No special prayer is needed, but the following prayer may guide you:

"Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and am separated from you with no hope of bridging the gap on my own. Right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son who lived a perfect life, died for my sins, and rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life."

Have you accepted Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please click on the "I have accepted Christ today" button below.

UNDERSTAND

• To become a Christian, someone must trust in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.
• Christians are saved by grace, not good works.
• A Christian prioritizes Christ above all.

REFLECT

• In what ways do you prioritize Christ in your life?
• How has your life changed since becoming a Christian?
• How does knowing you are a child of God impact your everyday life?

ENGAGE

• How does true Christianity compare with the cultural understanding of Christianity?
• What are some ways we can help others understand that salvation is by grace rather than by good works?
• What does it look like, practically-speaking, for a Christian in today’s culture to take up their cross?