Becoming a Christian
At some point in your spiritual journey, you’re going to ask, “What must I do to become a Christian?” In His wisdom, God has given us a very simple process to become a member of Christ’s church in the New Testament.
Before you decided to choose a career or a college, for example, you probably did some research. Likewise, before becoming a life-long Christian, you will need to (1) Hear or “research” God’s Word so you can make the best decision possible (Romans 10:17). You can begin by attending services, participating in Bible study, or reading the Bible.
While reading Jesus’ words for yourself, you will decide whether you (2) Believe in God (John 20:31) and if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Our current preacher, Mike, took a long time to study and consider the Word before deciding to become Jesus’ disciple, and he is ready to help you in your investigations too.
When we become Christians, we have to make changes in our lives to turn away from those thoughts and actions that separate us from God. Jesus called this (3) Repentance (Luke 13:5). These changes can be uncomfortable and sometimes very difficult, but they will change your life for the better and help you on the path towards Heaven. Thankfully, you don’t have to go this alone. As we draw close to Him, God has said that He draws close to us (James 4:8).
We make important commitments, such as marriage, by announcing them to witnesses. When we become Christians, we all must (4) Confess our belief to others (Luke 12:8-9). When we confess, it confirms to others that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God. You also become blessed by the most powerful support system known to man, God’s church.
When you are ready to be saved, God commands a specific action. The New Testament teaches that this is the moment when a person is “born again” and is on their way to Heaven. We can be born again through the process of (5) Baptism (Romans 6:1-7). In Romans 6, God depicted it as a funeral for the “old man of sin.” It is His process for completely burying your former life with all of its trouble, cares, and problems and becoming “born again” into a new life through burial in water. When you come out of the water, you will start your new life as a Christian!
This 2,000-year-old process is simple and powerful: hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.
God’s plan of salvation is freeing. Therefore, we invite you to take that first step towards a greater fulfillment of your purpose in life here on earth, as well as taking hold of the promise of Heaven, where we will get to spend our eternity with God. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in your spiritual journey.
