Becoming a Christian

You may have questions about becoming a Christian.  Here's how you can come to know God

1. You must recognize you are a sinner.  First, you must admit your spiritual need.  "There is none righteous, no, not one"  (Romans 3:10). We can't make excuses or blame others and our circumstances for our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.  "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18). Jesus paid the price for your sins. The Apostle Paul said, "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
3. Repent of your sins. The word "repent" means "to change your direction." The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands us to repent. You must be willing to turn away from the things that displease God.
4. Receive Jesus as your Savior.  Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). It is essential that you come to Jesus as you are. Don't try to "clean up your life" before you come to God. Instead, receive Him and allow Him to do the "cleansing." Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).
5. Experience God’s Grace.  If you just prayed a prayer of salvation and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).

If you don't already have a Bible, we would love to give you one. The Bible will help you grow in your new relationship with Christ. To put your faith in action, be sure to spend time with God by reading your Bible, praying, going to church, and telling others about Christ.

We recommend that your reading begins in the New Testament and getting to know who Jesus is from the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  We would also encourage you to get plugged in to a Bible teaching church and continue to grow.