Why should I become a Christian?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Reasons to become a Christian are rooted in the promise of salvation (John 3:16), the transformative power of God's love (Galatians 5:22-23), the guidance to live a purposeful life (Romans 8:28), and the hope and comfort found in Him (Psalm 46:1). The Bible tells us all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that salvation is through Christ alone (Romans 5:1-2).

The whole system of Christianity rests upon Christ’s resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20); this truth is the foundation of Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:14). If Christ is not risen, then Christian faith is futile, and believers are still in their sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). However, there is credible evidence for Jesus' death and resurrection, including Old Testament prophecies as well as New Testament eyewitness accounts and the empty tomb. Thus, each person is faced with a choice: believe in Christ and become a Christian or reject Christ. There are consequences either way.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Christian life is joyful because we have a relationship with the Almighty God: "In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
• Even amid the troubles of the world, we can lean on our Creator: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Part of being a Christian is becoming a living testimony to how God has changed our lives for the better: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
• All people are sinful, but Christians don’t have to live with the shame and guilt of sin because Christ has taken on our sin for us: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
• Christians are citizens of heaven who look forward to eternal life: "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2).
• Romans 8:28 says that God causes everything to “work together for the good” of those who love God and “are called according to his purpose” for them.
• Christians have a hope that nothing in this world can offer: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
• The resurrection of Christ is summarized in chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians. Key elements of the gospel are highlighted in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: Christ died for our sins, He was buried and raised on the third day, and He was seen by eyewitnesses. Paul describes the consequences if there is no resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-19), and then describes Christ's resurrection and our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
• Galatians 5:22-23 indicates some earthly benefits of being a Christian, including having love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The consequences of accepting or rejecting Christ are literally choosing heaven or hell. Those who reject Christ, for whatever reason, face an eternity in the “outer darkness” of hell where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). Experiencing the pain and agony of eternal separation from God is avoidable by trusting in Christ today. Those who accept Christ will experience hope, joy and peace (Romans 15:13), both now and forevermore.

Embracing Christianity means living a purposeful and fulling life that reflects the teachings and values of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16). Christianity also involves building a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and finding guidance and support in a community of believers. Christianity is not a religion based on rules or performance. In religions of the world, man works to attain his own salvation. In Christianity, God has already done the work required to grant us salvation (John 3:16-18). So Christianity must be considered on its own merits rather than in comparison to other religions.

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Paul said in Romans 10:13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Have you made a decision today to follow Christ? If so, please click on the "I have accepted Christ today" button below. We would love to help you with more resources as you begin your walk with God.

[I have accepted Christ today]

UNDERSTAND

• Christianity offers the assurance of eternal life based on Christ’s victory over sin and death.
• A key benefit to becoming a Christian is a relationship with the almighty God.
• Unlike other religions, Christianity is based on the work Christ has done, not on the work human beings do.

REFLECT

• What are some benefits you experience as a Christian?
• How does Christianity’s reliance on Christ’s work on the cross affect your view of other religions?
• How does being a Christian impact your view of the troubles you experience in this world?

ENGAGE

• How should we interact with others in discussing the hope offered by Christ?
• When we engage with those from other religions, what contrasts can we draw between those religions and Christianity?
• How does the way we live as believers impact the view others have of Christianity?