What does it mean to “become a Christian” and follow Jesus Christ?
The Bible gives clear guidance on the simple yet life-changing steps involved in beginning a relationship with God through faith in Jesus.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the biblical way to become a Christian. You’ll learn the meaning of Christianity and find answers to common questions like:
- What does it mean to be “born again”?
- Why do I need to repent and put faith in Jesus?
- How do I become a Christian?
If you’re considering becoming a Christian and want to know the basic steps of becoming a Christian this article is for you.
Let’s dive in and see what the Bible says about becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.
Who is a Christian According to the Bible?
To understand how to become a Christian, we first need to define what “Christian” means.
The term Christian refers to someone who has put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The Bible says in Acts 11:26 (NIV) that:
“The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.”
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The word Christian literally means “follower of Christ.” So a Christian is someone who has decided to follow Jesus and make Him the center of their life.
Christianity is not simply a religion – it’s a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
To become a Christian you must repent of your sins and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died to pay the penalty for your sins.
You need to accept the free gift of salvation through faith in Him.
Why Do You Need to Become a Christian?
But why is becoming a Christian necessary? Here are some key reasons according to Scripture:
- We are all sinners. The Bible teaches every human being has sinned against God and falls short of His perfect standard.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)
Our own efforts can’t save us.
- Sin leads to death. Because of sin, we face eternal separation from God. The “wages” of sin is spiritual death.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NIV)
- Jesus provides the only way of salvation. God shows His love by sending Jesus to die in our place. Only through Christ’s sacrifice can we be forgiven and saved.
“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 (NIV)
- We must respond by putting faith in Jesus. We receive salvation by admitting we are sinners, turning to Jesus, and accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness through Him.
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31 (NIV)
That is the core message of Christianity – we are lost in our sins, but Jesus paid the penalty so we could be reconciled to God by trusting in Him.
4 Steps to Become a Christian
The Bible outlines clear and simple steps to becoming a Christian. These include:
01. Recognize You Are a Sinner
The first step is to admit you have sinned against God and fall short of His standards. The Bible tells us:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 (NIV)
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Becoming a Christian starts with seeing your need for forgiveness and salvation.
02. Repent of Your Sins
To repent means to make a 180-degree turn away from sin. Instead of continuing down a path of rebellion against God, you change direction and align your will with His.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
Acts 3:19
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Repentance doesn’t mean you’ll never sin. But as a Christian, your heart now desires to please God by turning from sin.
03. Believe in Jesus Christ
Trust that Jesus alone can save you. Believe He is the Son of God who died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins, was buried, and rose again to give you new life.
“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”
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
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04. Invite Jesus to Be Your Savior
At this point, you’re ready to commit your life to following Jesus! Accept God’s free gift of salvation by asking Jesus to come into your heart and be the Lord of your life.
You can pray like this:
“Lord Jesus, I admit I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose again.
I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
What Happens When You Become a Christian?
Many life-changing things happen at salvation, including:
- Your sins are forgiven completely.
- You receive eternal life.
- The Holy Spirit comes to live in you.
- You become a new creation in Christ.
- You become part of God’s family as His adopted child.
Becoming a Christian is about starting a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
He forgives your sins, transforms you from within, and gives your life new meaning, purpose, and direction.
Key Takeaways on How to Become a Christian
- Christians are followers of Jesus Christ who have put their faith in Him.
- Sin separates us from God, but Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins.
- We must repent (turn from sin) and believe in who Jesus is and what He did for us.
- When we ask Jesus to be our Savior, we receive forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ.
- Becoming a Christian transforms us from the inside out into a new creation.
Common Questions on Becoming a Christian
Q. How do I grow in my faith after becoming a Christian?
A. Prioritize praying, reading the Bible, fellowship with other believers, practicing Christian discipleship, and sharing your faith.
Q. Do I need to go to church to become a Christian?
A. You don’t need to be in a church building, but committing to a Bible-believing local church helps you grow as a new believer.
Q. Is there a ritual or ceremony to becoming a Christian?
A. No. You become a Christian by repenting, believing, and inviting Jesus into your heart, not by taking part in rituals.
Q. How will becoming a Christian change my lifestyle?
A. Your values, priorities, character, and how you treat others will all change as Jesus transforms you.
Q. What does “God so loved the world” mean?
A. “God so loved the world” means that God has a deep and unconditional love for all people and all creation. It is mentioned in John 3:16 and highlights the immense love of God toward humanity.
Q. How is the phrase “world that he gave” significant?
A. The phrase “world that he gave” signifies that God gave His son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world. This sacrifice demonstrates God’s immense love and desire for humanity to reconcile with Him.
Q. What does “perish” mean in a religious context?
A. “Perish” refers to eternal separation from God. It implies the opposite of having everlasting life and experiencing the loving presence of God in one’s life.
Q. What is the significance of “whoever believes” in Scripture?
A. “Whoever believes” is a phrase used in scripture emphasizing the inclusive nature of salvation. Anyone, regardless of their background or past, can receive salvation by putting their faith and trust in God.
Q. Why is the phrase “Jesus said” frequently mentioned by Christians?
A. “Jesus said” references the words spoken by Jesus Christ during His time on Earth. His teachings and messages hold significant importance in Christian doctrines, as they serve as guidance for all believers and provide insight into the nature and will of God.
Q. What does “gift of God” signify in scripture?
A. “Gift of God” symbolizes the blessings, grace, and salvation that God freely gives to humanity. It represents the unearned and undeserved favor that God offers to those who believe in Him and accept His gift of eternal life.
