I have been asked how one becomes a Christian. Generally, I simply tell them that it’s by receiving Jesus as their Savior and turning their lives over to Him. Regardless of the Christian denomination you are in or may enter, the following pretty much stands the same throughout the Evangelical churches. I thought I would elaborate a bit on what I think it means to accept Christ.
I believe the most important decision you will make in your life is where you will spend your eternity. Unfortunately many believe that being a Christian just means believing that Jesus exists or that Jesus is God. But, even Satan believes that. I believe it’s really about taking a step in faith and receiving Jesus Christ into your life.
I liken the experience to someone offering you a gift. You can be offered that gift, believe in that gift, but until you take possession of it, you don’t have it.
So who needs God? The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Later in Romans it says in chapter 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The word “death” is used to describe eternal separation from God. What about those who believe they are too lost or sinful for God to want? I hope those will know that Christ didn’t come here for the perfect; rather he came for the broken, the hopeless, the sick, the lost… In John 3:16-17 we are told, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Please know that there is no sin that is too great to keep you from the love of God. There truly is hope!
So what do we do then to receive Christ? Romans 10:9-11 says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” Say a prayer accepting Christ into your life. Acknowledge He is Lord. God wants to meet you right where you are. In Revelation 3:20 Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” He is knocking on the door of your heart.
Recognize that none of us are without sin. Make a decision to repent—to turn from sin in your life and allow Jesus Christ to guide you through His words. Remember, just as a child is not expected to become an adult over night, neither are you expected to have all the answers now. Plant yourself in the Word. Get to know Jesus by reading the book of John. Find a good Bible believing church so that you can connect with others and grow.
God bless you!
All scripture references have been quoted from the NKJV.