Introduction
Those who trust God placing their faith in the saving work of Christ are called Christians. The term ‘Christian’ literally means “Little Christ” and was first used to describe Christ followers in the first century. Acts 11 tells us that in Antioch, after Barnabas and Paul taught the disciples for about a year, people started calling them Christians. Someone who is a Christian seeks to have their life conform to that of Christ’s.
See out article Why Become a Christian for more information about what it means to trust in Christ and live for Him.
To become a Christian, you only need faith. It’s not complicated or mystical. You don’t have to say special words or do specific rituals. Some people may choose to pray a prayer of repentance and acceptance, often called the “Sinner’s Prayer.” This prayer is a way for people to express their decision to follow Christ.
Becoming a Christian is rooted in faith and belief in Christ. Paul, in Acts 16:31, says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” This belief is more than just agreeing with facts. Belief is faith in action – a faith deeply rooted the saving power of Christ and our absolute conviction of our lostness.
What is this saving power of Christ that empowers us to become Christians? It is a faith and trust in Jesus as God, His sacrificial death and resurrection, as stated in Romans 10:9. Paul often described this as being persuaded, which suggests accepting a belief and integrating it into our very essence.
What We Choose to Believe:
What do we need to believe and trust through faith in order for life changing transformation to occur?
1. Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God. He was there at the beginning of time and will reign forever (John 1:1, Revelation 11:15).
2. Jesus Christ as king, who now rules at God the Father’s right side (Hebrews 12:2).
3. Jesus Christ as the last Adam, who willingly became human, setting aside His divine nature but remaining fully God while fully man (1 Corinthians 15:45-46, Philippians 2:6-8).
4. Jesus Christ as sinless, perfectly obeying the law in a way no one else could (Matthew 5:17).
5. Jesus Christ as our sacrifice, dying to pay for our sins, a debt we owed but couldn’t pay ourselves (1 John 2:2, Romans 6:23).
Our response to these statements should be belief. By believing, we accept God’s gift of salvation through Jesus (Acts 16:30-32). Nothing else is needed, and anything more is an offense to God. Jesus came to do what we can’t—reconcile us to God. We are born into sin and can’t change our relationship with God on our own. We are separated from Him because God cannot be in the presence of sin. But Jesus, though He was God, chose to become human and take our sin upon Himself, paying our debt.
Faith in these truths enable us to believe. We exercise that faith through trust – placing ourselves in His hands and accepting the gift of life He has already purchased for us. When we discover our sinfulness and come to terms with His sacrifice it is not uncommon for us to find ourselves on our knees. A prayer of repentance and acknowledgement of what Christ has done for us is not unusual.
Once saved, we start a journey with God. We get to know Him, enjoy His fellowship, and rely on His strength. But we must remember, we still live in a sinful world and are sinful until Christ calls us home. We will sin. 1 John 1:9 teaches us how to restore our relationship with God when we sin. John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The Decision to Follow Christ
Undecided? What is stopping you from choosing to follow Christ? You know about His sacrifice. You know that He is the way to a personal relationship with God. We are told in scripture that one day we will all face Jesus and account for our choices. Choose to follow Christ and be found faithful on that day.
Many people find it helpful to pray as a step from unbelief to belief. While not required in the Bible, it’s a simple way to express your faith and commitment to God. If you want to pray such a prayer, here’s one inspired by Billy Graham’s ministry:
“Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Source: Peace With God, LLC, A Ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
If you prayed this prayer or believed these truths in your heart – go tell someone. We are told in Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Your prayer to God begins the journey of believing in your heart – now confess with your mouth.
