Becoming a Christian

(The “ABCs” are taken from a clipped article. Publication, author, and date is unknown to me.)

One becomes a Christian by first hearing the gospel. The word “gospel” comes from a Greek word meaning “good news.” Sometimes, you will hear, “The gospel is…” or, “The good news is…” and the preacher continues on to say that Christ Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again after three days (1 Cor 15:3-4). The good news is that we are all sinners and need a Redeemer. The Holy Spirit will guide you through the following steps or “ABCs of salvation:”

Admit You Have Sinned

To become a Christian, you must recognize that you are separated from God because you are a sinner. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Without acknowledging your sin, you will perish in it. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23).

You must admit your sinfulness to God, ask His forgiveness, and turn from that sin. (This is called repentance). God has provided forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but shall have eternal life” (John 3:16). “But God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Believe Jesus Died for Your Sins

Becoming a Christian is receiving God’s gift of forgiveness and new life. It is receiving Christ into your life and turning your life over to His direction and control. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life” (John 3:36). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Confess that Jesus is Lord

The final step involves telling the world that you believe in Jesus. “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).

Would you like to make this choice? If you sense God leading you, you can do so right now. You may wish to speak with a pastor, Sunday School teacher, or a trusted Christian friend about your transformation.