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How Does One Become a Christian?
This was the question of the Philippian Jailor in Acts 16. "What must I do to be saved?" It is also the question being asked by many people today. And many answers are being shout to us from different quarters.
Say a prayer ... Raise your hand ... Ask Jesus into your heart ... Be baptized ...
Which answer is correct? What do you need to do to become a Christian? Let's try to make it simple. What exactly does the Bible say?
First, there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We have all sinned and fallen short of what God intended for us (Rom. 3:23). It doesn't matter if it is one sin or many. We are separated from God by our sin. At the right time, God sent Jesus to die for our sins, thus making it possible for us to be restored to God (Rom. 5:6-8). God's gift to us is eternal life (Rom. 6:23).
Second, we must respond to God's gift. Respond? Yes, reach out and accept that gift. Of course, the gift is no good to us unless we believe that God has given us this gift, and believe that Jesus died for our sins (Rom. 10:10). God is calling everyone to repentance (Acts 17:30). If we believe that Jesus died for our sins and that God can save, if we repent of our sins, then we're ready to respond through baptism.
New Testament baptism is immersion. The ancient and modern Greek languages both affirm this fact. When we are immersed into Christ, we are united with Him into His death, burial and resurrection. We die to sin and rise to walk in a new lifestyle. Our life starts all over. Our sins are forgiven and God's Holy Spirit lives in us (Acts 2:38). Our life can be filled with joy (Acts 8:39). And with this new life God gives us an opportunity to serve others (Acts 9:19, 20; 10:48; 16:15, 34).
By responding to God's grace, we believe what God has done for us, repent of our old life and are united with Christ in baptism which is by immersion.
And then, we start all over. Our new life takes on a new meaning. We are Christians.
If this is a decision that you need to make, please contact us at ...
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