Becoming a Christian
How can you become a Christian?
Articles within this series
If you've been visiting Focus on the Family's Web site for any length of time, you've probably noticed: faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is foundational to just about everything we do.
It's true. Focus is more than just an outreach to families. We're also a distinctly Christian organization. We really believe that God has hand-delivered a message of love to the human race by coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, dying on the cross for our sins, and rising again on the third day. As a matter of fact, we're convinced that He's alive at this very moment and wants you to experience the abundant life that only He can give.
How can you do that?
We'll be honest: to plumb the depths and scale the heights of His love, to explore the furthest reaches of His grace — this is an adventure that will occupy a lifetime. There's nothing quick and easy about accepting the challenge to follow His call. And yet getting started is really very simple — as simple as uttering an honest and heartfelt prayer.
It begins with an acknowledgment of your need. The self-sufficient think they have no use for a Savior. Jesus Himself said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Mark 2:17). If you recognize your own deficiency, if you can see places where the disease of sin has established a hold over your life, you're already headed in the right direction.
The next step is to confess that need and ask for the Lord's help. Will He answer? If you doubt it, consider this: He has already died to pay the penalty for your sin. He has "wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, having nailed it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). What's more, He promises to answer: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
If this is the desire of your heart, try talking to God in simple words like these: "Father, I know that I've sinned against You and that I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again for me. I want you to come into my life, wash me clean, and make me completely Your own. Thank you for hearing my prayer."
If you've prayed that prayer — or one like it — you're a member of God's family: "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" (Romans 10:9). Now there's just one more thing to do: get involved with your brothers and sisters! Find a local church, Bible study, or Christian support group where you can study God's Word and grow in fellowship with other believers. And remember — the adventure is just beginning!
For a complimentary copy of the Gospel of John, visit www.pocketpower.org.