The Bible has a lot to say about becoming Christian. Here are some ways to consider the Bible as you explore Christianity.
Steps
- If you want to be a Christian based on what the Bible says, then it is necessary to believe that the Bible has been inspired by God Himself, and says exactly what He wants it to say. Here is what the Bible says about itself:
- All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16
- Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever…But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached to you. 1 Peter 1:23,25
- So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
- And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said to him [Jesus], Blessed [is] the womb that bare you, and the paps which you have sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:27,28
- For this cause also we thank God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
So those who would call themselves Christians must receive the Bible as the words of God, and not the words of man.
- Next it is very important to understand why to even become a Christian. Here is what the Bible says about sin:
- Twice, in both Deuteronomy 5:11 and in Exodus 20:7, God says “‘You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
- Jesus said in Matthew 12:36 “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
- Christ even teaches that your thoughts matter. The 10 Commandments say “You shall not murder” and “You shall not commit adultery.” In his famed Sermon on the Mount, Christ went beyond actions and showed our attitudes matter as well; for example, he said if you have even hated anyone you are guilty of murder and if you have even thought a lustful thought you are guilty of adultery. (Matt. 5:21-28)
To be a Christian, therefore, involves one’s heart condition and attitude, not just one’s actions.
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- Next is it very important that a Christian understands what the Bible says about who God is.
- John 4:8 Says “God is love.” God is love, and God is patient, but the common misconception is that because God is loving, He cannot or will not punish sin. The Bible says God is known by the judgment he executes. And when God rolls up the heavens and earth as we now know them like a scroll, all those whose names are not written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life” will appear before God for judgment. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book will not be judged.
- Next is it very important that a Christian understands what the Bible says about who God is.
- Acknowledge that Jesus the Messiah who walked on this earth 2000 years ago is the only begotten (conceived and born) Son of God.
- The only way to become a Christian is to believe in Jesus,obey his Word, and receive by faith His righteousness.
- Corinthians 5:21 says “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Three days after Jesus was put to death, He rose from the dead and was seen by over 500 people.
- John 3:16 says “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.”
- The Bible also says “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Therefore He has given a free gift to anyone that would receive it: Salvation from sin and death, through Jesus Christ His Son. When Jesus the Messiah died, He died willingly,according to the plan of His Father, who is God of All.
- The only way to become a Christian is to believe in Jesus,obey his Word, and receive by faith His righteousness.
- To be a Christian you must love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. This includes obeying His commandments. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3
- Believe that you must be baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Holy Spirit(John 3:5, Read the book of Acts).
- If you were able to understand what has been said, it is because God Himself has revealed it to you. Acts 26:18 says “To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” 1 Corinthians 2 gives this further insight.Romans 10:17 says “So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Two Simple Keys
- Learn about Jesus and believe that He died, rose from the dead as your Savior and then pray and repent to the one, true God saying: “I am sorry for my sin, all my wrong doing; I want to change, and I truly thank you for everything and that I am now forgiven and saved from the penalty for my sins as a free gift, in Jesus’ name.”
- Tell others that “There is one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who is Lord and Savior for everyone who believes, repents and follows him” which should include going to Christian meetings, being baptized as a sign of accepting your new life, praying to God, reading the Bible, and showing God’s love by kindness, forgiving others, making peace, fellowshipping with believers, and when you sin asking for, and accepting, forgiveness, expecting consequences for some wrongs and going on, all in Christ Jesus’ name — with God as the one, true Judge of all things good or bad.
Tips
- Here is a quick list of the possible benefits of becoming a Christian:
- Eternal life, where there will be no more tears or sorrow, but rather everlasting joy.
- Sanctification from sin – God cleanses you daily from sin, making you more holy.
- Forgiveness from God
- Declared righteous by God, just as if you had never sinned.
- Free from sin – a Christian is not held captive by sin as a slave.
- Fellowship with God and access into His presence.
- An advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the righteous.
- You will never be condemned if you truly repent and confess your sin.
- The gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell in you.
- Having hope in a world that is without hope.
- Having the power to rebuke sickness and evil spirits in the name of Jesus.
Warnings
- Please watch out for those who teach things contrary to the Bible, or who love the praise of humans more than the praise of God.
- Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do humans gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. - Matthew 7:15-20
- Also please try to think logically about things you are asked to do. Always ask for a reference in scripture before receiving a Word.
- God’s Voice always aligns itself with scripture. If what you are hearing deviates any from what is said in the Bible, then it’s not God’s voice.
- Don’t read the Bible alone. Interpretation that is not held in tension with experience and tradition is disconnected from reality and can lead to delusions. Many people have studied the Bible for eons…and we’re still arguing over it. This should say something about how complex and difficult it is to understand. Have a little help from your friends.
