Westwood Church of God
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
The Church Triumphant!

How do I Become a Christian?


 
Becoming a Christian

We at Westwood Church of God, and as Christians, want you to know about something wonderful!  There is a free gift waiting for you, a gift beyond imagination and price.  God Himself offers to you salvation, abundant and eternal life, the grace, joy and peace you’ve been longing for, and even heaven itself!  And it is free!  What does it take to become a Christian, to "get saved?"  Well, just keep reading.  If you have any other questions, or would like to talk with someone about your spiritual experience, feel free to contact us.

First, you need to acknowledge a few facts:

  •     Everyone is in the same boat; we’re all in the same condition.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.   -Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death.  -Romans 6:23a

  •     You cannot save yourself. You need salvation, no matter who you are, no matter what you have or have not done.


For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,   9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.   -Ephesians 2:8-9
But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;  -Isaiah 64:6a
"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.  -John 3:16


  •     God is love.  Nothing we do will ever change God's love for us...yet sin is what separates us from God.  Sin is deed, but it is also the absence of Jesus in your heart.

  •     God loves us, even though we are sinners.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   -Romans 5:8

  •     God is just, and He is the Judge of all the earth.  A just God could not allow sin to ever enter a perfect heaven.  Therefore, it is our sin that God must deal with, and it is that sin which separates us from a relationship with God.

NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!

Jesus Christ is God's provision for salvation from our sin! God placed all our sins on the sinless Christ: Our Guilt, Our Shame, Our Punishment, and He died for our sins!

 For when we were still without strength . . .Christ died for the ungodly.  -Romans 5:6  
 but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.   -Romans 6:23b

How will you respond?

  •     Confess

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   -1 John 1:9

  •     Repent

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

  •    Believe

 . . .Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved . . .  -Acts 16:31


Is what we have discussed clear to you?

I have put aside all else, in order that I can have Christ and become one with Him, no longer counting on being saved by being good enough...but by trusting Christ to save me: 9 For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith--counting on Christ alone.  -Phillipians 3:8--9

Would you like to receive this gift of salvation right now?

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:   -John 1:12

All you need to do is ask him, and he will forgive you of your sins and will enter your life.  How do you do that?  You receive Christ by inviting him into your life. It is as simple as praying the following prayer...

        Dear Lord,
         Thank You for hearing me and making me aware of my need. I know I have sinned and done wrong in Your sight.  I realize my own righteousness is not enough, and that I need  You.  Forgive me of my sins and give me strength to turn from them. I now confess You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to make You Master of my life. Guide me in Your ways so that I might be Your devoted follower.  Help me to place You first in all things, and rely on You to keep me in all things.

What should you do next?

  •         Let your friends and family know of your decision.
  •         Worship regularly with a local church (we would be honored if you would visit with us!).
  •         Be baptized as a witness and affirmation of your new-found faith.
  •         Read, study and pray for knowledge and guidance, and so that you are strengthened daily.
  •         Don't be afraid to ask questions!  Get with your Pastor, Sunday School teacher, or mature believer, and explore your questions (and the answers!) together.