Becoming a Christian
How does someone become a Christian? Throughout the New Testament the Gospel is laid down, a message that necessitates a response (see Who is Jesus and What is Christianity all About). The New Testament, in a variety of words, expresses the appropriate response that will save us from our sin and make us a follower of Jesus.
Some verses:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:17)
“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (Jn 1:12)
“Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:23)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. AND For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Ro 10:9, 13)
“God be mercy to me a sinner.” [The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God have mercy on me a sinner”] (Lk 18:13)
Etc…
Drawing these many responses together Christians have often expressed them in the “Sinner’s Prayer;” an example prayer that is appropriate to pray to receive the gift of salvation. They are not a magic formula, but if genuinely prayed with a humble and contrite heart (Isa 66:2) and in faith, you may use them as a guide to accept Christ as your Saviour and Lord. An example of the Sinner’s Prayer is offered below:
Some verses:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:17)
“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (Jn 1:12)
“Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:23)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. AND For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Ro 10:9, 13)
“God be mercy to me a sinner.” [The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God have mercy on me a sinner”] (Lk 18:13)
Etc…
Drawing these many responses together Christians have often expressed them in the “Sinner’s Prayer;” an example prayer that is appropriate to pray to receive the gift of salvation. They are not a magic formula, but if genuinely prayed with a humble and contrite heart (Isa 66:2) and in faith, you may use them as a guide to accept Christ as your Saviour and Lord. An example of the Sinner’s Prayer is offered below:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son and that He died and rose again to offer forgiveness of sin and eternal life to all those who believe. I believe. Forgive me for all my sin and rebellion against you. I don’t want to run my life anymore; I surrender it to you and invite you into my heart to become Lord of my life. Amen.
What next?
“What shall we do? And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 2:37a–8)
“What shall we do? And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 2:37a–8)
- Search out a believer and tell them you are now a Christian; rejoicing with you will encourage you in following Jesus
- Ask them to help you find a local Church and ask for baptism; the appropriate next step to make your personal faith publically known. Baptism is the outward sign of the Gospel; it is how we are received into the Church. It will confirmed and encourage your faith and bring great blessings.
- Through your local church, meet together regularly for worship and fellowship; study your Bible and pray. Your new family—the Church—will help you in all of these things and provide a safe and spiritual place for you to grow in your new faith in Jesus Christ.
