How Do I Become A Christian?

I am not surprised at the number of people I have met who do not know what a Christian is because I didn't know myself.

Even though I went to Sunday school as a child and attended church regularly as a youngster, I was never told that I needed to be saved from going to Hell; that I needed to make a response myself to God; and most importantly that I had to realize that I was a sinner in need of a savior.

The first thing to realize is that you do not start out as a Christian, you have to become one. There are some steps in the process which everyone needs to go though.

1. You must recognize that God is Holy and you are a sinner

The great barrier between God and man is sin. Sin has spoiled God's world and your life. Sin is falling short of God's perfect standard. Sins are like the fruit of a bad tree. Examples of bad sins are: murder, theft, etc. But in God's sight many things, that we would excuse, are sins - like pride, self-will, lust, evil thoughts.

The conviction that there are sins in your life that need to be dealt with, must lead you to Jesus Christ, who is the Only one who can remove them.

2. You must be prepared to turn from your sin

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way..." (Isaiah 53:6)

If you are to become a Christian then you must agree with God that you are sinful and be determined that sin should have no part in your life from now on. Many people admit that they are sinners, but few feel any real sadness about their sins. They don't see sin as God sees it. Remember, you cannot hide anything from God.

3. You need to put your trust in Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ died in our place, to take the guilt and punishment of our sin, so that we would not have to be punished ourselves. This is how he bridges the gap between man and God.

 

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6)

4. You must act on your faith
We have to come to God in faith and repentance. This means speaking to God just as you would speak to a friend. Tell Him you own up to being sinful. Then ask Him to forgive you and cleanse you. Tell Him you realize that you can only be forgiven by Christ having died for you (in your Place) at Calvary. And that you are trusting Only in what His Son has done there, to put you right with God.

  

From then on, you must live your life, not for yourself, but for God. Read the Bible and start to find out what Jesus taught in His own words. Then start to put it into practice in your own life.