How do I become a Christian?

By Helen Davis - Added 22nd of May 2008

The heart of Christianity is not a set of rules and regulations, but about God's love and a historical event - the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Why did Jesus have to die?

The Bible tells us that we were all made to have a relationship with God, but we have chosen to live our lives our own way rather than in God's way. The Bible calls this sin. Sin has created a barrier between God and his people that makes a relationship impossible. 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans chapter 3, verse 23)

Recognising our human failures, and the inevitability of death, God provided a solution - he sent his son - Jesus - into the world.

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life' (John 3:16)

Although he lived a perfect life, Jesus became everything that was wrong with this world. he took the punishment for our sin: dying on the cross. 'Christ died for sins once for all to bring you to God' (1 Peter 3:18)

But his death was not the end of the story. On the third day after his death, Jesus came to life again. He was seen, heard and touched by many witnesses. Jesus had beaten death and defeated our sin.

How do we receive God's gift of life?

There are three steps to becoming a Christian:

Thanks

Thank God for sending Jesus to earth and dying on the cross for you. Thank him for the offer of complete forgiveness and for a fresh start in life in a new relationship with him.

Sorry

Ask God to forgive you for not living in the way he intended. The Bible uses the word 'repentance' which means to turn away from and renounce everything we know is wrong in our lives. Pause for a moment to think about things you have done wrong. Admit the things to God that you don't even like to admit to yourself.

Please

God will not force himself on you. He wants you to chose to know him. But when you accept God's gift and invite him to come into your life, he will respond to that call. God wants to be number one in your life.

A prayer

You can become a Christian here and now by speaking out a prayer to God. Here is a sample prayer you might like to use:

Father God,
I know that in the past I have wanted to live my life in my own way.
I have sinned and not always done what you want.
I am sorry and want to turn away from my old ways (take a moment to ask his forgiveness for anything that comes to mind).
Thank you that you sent Jesus to die on the cross for me, and that through his death and resurrection I can be forgiven and come to know you.
Please come into my life through your Holy Spirit so that I can live with and for you from now on.
Amen

What next?

You may feel instantly different. You may not. But if you prayed the prayer and meant it, this is the beginning of your Christian journey.

There are several things you can do now:

Tell someone
You've just made the biggest decision of your life! This is more important than buying a car or a house. The implications are much greater than getting married! Find someone to share your exciting news with.
Find and join a church
The church is a great place to meet other Christians, who share the same relationship with God. It's hard to be a Christian by yourself, you'll need support, encouragement and friendship. All churches are not the same, and they can take some getting used to. The important thing is to find a church where you are welcome, and able to take an active part. http://www.findachurch.co.uk/home/home.php may help you to find a church close to where you live.
Take part in a 'New Christians' course
Some Churches offer courses that talk about what it means to be a Christian. Start!, Alpha, Christianity Explored, Why? are just a few of the courses available. Why don't you ask your local church if they are running a course you can take part in?

If you have any questions, or what to talk about what you have read here please contact helen@covcitymission.org.uk

Credits & Links

Article written by Helen Davis - www.covcitymission.org.uk.

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