A Christian is a follower of Christ—someone who believes the gospel of Jesus and follows His commands. In the Bible, the early believers were first called “Christians” (Christ’s imitators) in Antioch, not by themselves, but by others who saw how the believers resembled Christ in character, speech, mannerism, and works:
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)
Salvation Is By Grace Through Faith.
Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ is the foundation and anchor of the Christian life. Salvation cannot be earned through self-righteousness, observance of religious rituals, or even charitable deeds—it is the unmerited gift of God found only in Jesus Christ, embodied in His suffering, death, and resurrection. We are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ, and this truth encapsulates the core foundation of Christian life: that we are saved because Christ died for us. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
The moment a person believes the gospel of Christ, responds to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and confesses Jesus with his or her mouth, God—at that very instance—imparts to that individual the forgiveness of sins, newness of life, and the righteousness of Christ. Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5).
The Steps to Becoming a Christian
1. Believe and Confess Christ.
Believe in your heart the gospel of Jesus Christ—that through His death alone you are saved and reconciled to God—and confess with your mouth that He is your Lord and Savior. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
2. Repent of Your sins.
According to the Bible, all men were born into sin, have fallen short of God’s standard, and are in need of a righteous Savior. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
3. Be Baptized.
Both water and Holy Spirit baptism are essential aspects of Christian living. Through baptism by immersion, we identify with Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus submitted Himself to baptism—not because He needed cleansing, but to fulfill righteousness and model obedience for us. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19) The Holy Spirit baptism, on the other hand, empowers us to become effective witnesses of Christ. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me….. (Acts 1:8)
4. Live Your New life.
Once you have believed, confessed, and been baptized, your new life begins. It’s not just a moment—it’s a journey daily guided by the Holy Spirit.
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit.
Humans cannot bring glory to God without a spiritual rebirth. Only through the conviction of the Holy Spirit do we become Christians—He convicts us of the truth of Christ, gives us the power we need to live as Christians, and helps us align with God’s will. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 12:3)
6. Grow Through Discipleship.
Know the tenets of your belief through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other Christians. Stay rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
7. Keep His Commandments.
While acknowledging and repenting of your sins and confessing Christ Jesus opens you to His life, keeping His commandments shows the true nature of your belief. Obedience doesn’t earn salvation—it reveals how genuine our belief is. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (1 John 2:3)
8. Tell Others About Him.
Jesus commands His disciples to share with others His gospel. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19)
If are convicted in your spirit to become a Christian, you can say the prayer below.
God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I have fallen short of Your glory. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died and rose again for my sins. Therefore, I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Let Him be my Lord henceforth, in Jesus' name. Amen.
