How to become a Christian
First things first…
Becoming a Christian is the most important event in any person’s life. The decision to follow Christ and become one of His disciples impacts every facet of our experience, both in this life and the next (after our physical bodies expire).
But becoming a Christian is much more than a single event or a one-time decision. We when make the decision to become one of Jesus’ disciples, we make a life commitment. So it is an event, but it is also a process, like life itself.
Jesus said that in order to enter His Kingdom we must be “reborn.” This second birth is not physical, it is spiritual. And like physical birth, spiritual birth is just the beginning. A baby doesn’t remain a baby for long - as all parents and grandparents know all too well. Physical growth happens naturally, and unless there is an underlying medical or neurological issue, mental and emotional growth happens as well.
The same is true of the spirit. When we we are born in the spirit, this is just the beginning of our life in Christ. Our spirits should grow and mature over time as we stay connected to our Life Source - Jesus.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Then He went on to say, “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned” (John 16:6).
Spiritual life is like physical life in that we need to stay connected to the source of life (Jesus) through worship and prayer; we need to be continually sustained by food and drink (the Word of God and the Spirit of God); we need to be surrounded by a loving family (the Church); and we need to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (evangelism and discipleship). All of these things should be happening all of our lives, and if we stop doing these things, we become like dead, dry, withered branches, and risk being cut off and finally thrown out and burned.
The following paragraphs give instructions from the Bible about how to take the first step, how to be “born again.” But keep in mind that this is just the beginning!
After you read through the following instructions and the accompanying Scriptures and decide that you want to become a Christian and be baptized into Christ, please contact us and let us know. We can help you get started in your new life. If you live in or near Spanaway, we would welcome you into our local church family!
How to be Born Again
Admit you are a sinner
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
No one is good enough to go to heaven based on their own good deeds or merits. Sinners will always “come short” of God’s glory and standard.
Realize the penalty for your sin
Revelation 21:8 - But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, an whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Death is not just a physical death, the second death is the spiritual death and refers to Hell (the lake of fire).
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A wage is something we earn. When we work, we earn money, when we sin, we earn death.
Believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for you
1 Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Jesus became human so He could live without sin and become the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Our sin has to be paid for. The purchase was made with Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Trust Christ alone as your savior
Acts 16:30-31 - Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
The only requirement for eternal life is believing in Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Christ died to save all sinners, including you and me!
John 11:26 - And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Do you believe and trust that God is telling you the truth? Your belief is all you need because Jesus did all the work.
Titus 1:2 - In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
God gives us eternal life. You receive this free gift the moment you first believe (John 3:36). Our security in salvation is found in the fact that God CANNOT lie. He will not take away His promise of everlasting life to ANY who believe!
Pray and ask Jesus Christ to save you
Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt confess with they mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
If you believe that Christ paid for your sins then all you have to do is call out to Him for salvation. Admit and confess that you are a sinner in need of a savior and ask Him to save you.
If you are having a hard time finding the words to speak to your savior, let this prayer help to guide your heart:
“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I know I’m condemned to hell as a punishment for my sins. However, I believe you died on the cross for me, were buried, and rose again, conquering death. I know my works and good deeds will never be enough to secure my salvation. Please save me right now and give me eternal life. I trust in only you, Jesus.”