3 Ways to Become a Christian According to the Bible
In today’s world, there are countless viewpoints and doctrines related to Christianity. However, it’s essential to go back to the source – the Bible – to understand how one can become a Christian. According to the Holy Scriptures, there are three significant ways one can journey into Christianity and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. These steps include (1) acknowledging and repenting of your sins, (2) accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and (3) being baptized.
1. Acknowledge and Repent of Your Sin:
The first step in becoming a Christian is admitting that you are a sinner in need of God’s grace. The Bible states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). No matter who you are or what you’ve done in your life, everyone has sinned and is in need of God’s forgiveness.
Repentance means turning away from sin entirely. To genuinely repent, you must acknowledge your sin, admit that it was wrong, and ask for God’s forgiveness.
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” This demonstrates the importance of not just acknowledging your sins but genuinely turning away from them and seeking God’s mercy.
2. Accept Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior:
After acknowledging our sins and repenting from them, we must believe in our hearts and confess that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day. John 3:16 states, “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.”
Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” By trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice, acknowledging His deity, and accepting His lordship over your life, you become a Christian.
3. Be Baptized:
Baptism is an essential aspect of obeying Christ and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:38, Peter urges the people to “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism symbolizes dying to our old self and being resurrected to a new life in Christ. It allows us to publicly identify with Jesus and express our commitment to Him.
Jesus himself says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). It’s important to follow this command from Jesus as a demonstration of our faith in Him and our commitment to living a transformed life as His followers.
In conclusion, becoming a Christian according to the Bible involves not only acknowledging and repenting of one’s sins but also wholeheartedly accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Lastly, being baptized is a public declaration of faith that cements one’s eternal bond with Jesus Christ. These three essential steps lay the foundation for a lifelong journey as a confident believer and follower of Christ.