Becoming a Christian

You are not born a Christian, no more than if a mouse was born in an aviary would make it a bird?

Becoming a Christian has to be your act of faith in believing God can save you.

In the beginning God had made man in His image. But, because of Adam's disobedience we have all inherited a sinful life. A life that is not God inclined. We see this in everything from selfishness and pride to outright war, hatred and greed amongst all people. In fact the Bible says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Sin is the number one killer in this world. It spoils everything in its wake. It is infectious from one generation to another and it separates us from God.

It is because of how we are that Christ came to deal with the deadly problem of sin so that we can be brought to God and have real life. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

God is holy and because of this He has to punish our sin. But also, He is a God of love and longs for you to be His friend. These two sides of His character were shown by Christ's death on the Cross and vindicated by His resurrection from the dead. Jesus took our punishment that we deserved and brought about the opportunity to become a friend of God and know His love always.

Of course if you want to carry on without God and live a life that gives no satisfaction or has no purpose then just carry on. But, you have to take note, every human being will have to stand before God and He will judge us according to what we have done here on earth. No excuses and no second chances after death.

If you want to live without Christ in your life and not become a Christian then to die without Him means you will spend eternity without Him in Hell.

If though you want real life that has proper meaning and purpose. A life that is pleasing to God and gives of the best then you have to do something. You have to ask God for help in changing your life and in believing that He is able to keep you from sin and its destructive influence.

You have to admit that you are a sinner and that you genuinely want to turn away from a life of selfishness, sin and death.

You have to also believe that Jesus Christ did die on the Cross  taking your sin and guilt. And because of this, enabled you to get back to God. It is as if Christ gets hold of your hand and brings you to God the Father.

In this act of acknowledgement you need to ask Christ to come into your life and cleanse you from your sin, bringing forgiveness and peace with God. The Bible says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him". Jesus being a "gentleman" will not force Himself but waits for you to respond in asking Him to come in to your life.

Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Have you confessed your sins and genuinely wanted to turn from your selfishness to a life that truly is fulfilling? Face the reality that even if you read your Bible, have been to church and even pray; if Jesus is still waiting outside of your life you are not a Christian.

If you now want to become a Christian, perhaps this little prayer may help you have real life in Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ

I know I have sinned in all parts of my life. I have been selfish in not letting you be Lord of my life. Please forgive me and help me turn back to you. You gave your life on the Cross and died that I might have real life.

Lord Jesus, please take my life and accept is as wholly yours. Please enter into my life and become Lord and friend. Come in and enable me to live a life that is well pleasing to you. And, with your strength within, empower me to serve you all the remaining years of my life.

Amen.

What you have done may be a simple step but it is a major life changing act. If you have meant this prayer with all your heart then you have become a Christian. The Bible says, "For whoever calls upon the Lord shall be saved." It also says, "If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved."

You are now part of the family of God. Part of the body of Christ, the Church.

You are now on a journey, an adventure of faith. To live this new life you will need things to get you on the way.

The first is you will need spiritual food. This is found by reading and studying the Bible. It is a means of God speaking to you. Read and study it every day.

Another thing for the journey is the right atmosphere. This is called prayer. Find somewhere quiet and just speak to Jesus as you would a close friend. But, remember you can pray anywhere (though don't close your eyes when you are driving or operating machinery).

You will need to keep fit in order to last the journey. This is done by joining a church near you that faithfully preaches God's Word (the Bible), and really cares for each other and for you. Never miss being with other Christians on a Sunday.

One other thing you will need to do is to tell others of what has happened to you in becoming a Christian. In fact tell someone within the first 24 hours. Tell them you have surrendered your life to Christ. Do not be ashamed to admit that you are a Christian.

"Now may the Lord bless you and keep you;

May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon, and give you peace."