How to Become a Christian
Let's review the basic facts of the Gospel.
God's plan - Peace and Life
God loves you and wants you to experience His peace and life. The Bible says..." For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
John 3:16
Man's Problem - Separation
Being at peace with God is not automatic because you by nature are separated from God.
The BIBLE says... "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". Romans 3:23.
Man has tried to bridge this separation in many ways... without success.
God's Remedy- The Cross
God's love bridges the gap of separation between God and you. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose
from the grave. He paid the penalty for your sins.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the father but by me." John 14:6
Man's response- Receive Christ
You cross the bridge into God's family when you receive Christ by personal invitation.
The BIBLE says... " But as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even them
that believe on His name." John 1:12
Man Christ God
Sin Forgiveness
Separation Peace
Frustration Abundant life
Guilt Eternal life
No Purpose
The Invitation is to:
Repent (turn from your sins) and by faith receive Jesus Christ into your heart and life and follow Him in
obedience as your Lord and Savior.
Receiving Christ As Savior And Lord
You prayed asking Jesus to come into your life. What does the Bible say happened?
The BIBLE says... " Behold I (Christ) stand at the door and knock, if only man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20.
What did Jesus say He would do if you asked Him in?
I will _____________ ____________
Where is he right now? ___________ ____________ ___________
What happened when you received Christ?
The BIBLE says... " But as many as received Him to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to
those who believe in His name." John 1:12 (NAS).
What can you now say? I am a __________ ________ ______________.
The BIBLE says.... " That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised Him form the dead thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9.
What does this verse promise to those who confess and believe in Christ?
Thou shalt _____________ _______________
How do you know ... I know because ...
that Christ came in? God said it ... in His Word
you are a child of God? I believe it ... in my heart
you are saved? that settles it ... in my mind
Additional scriptures: Acts 16:31; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.
The Decision to be Baptized
Why Be Baptized?
Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:19.
The New Testament disciples did it. (Acts 2:41; John 3:22-23).
It is the initiatory rite to Christian discipleship.
It is a testimony to the world that one has died to an old way of life and has begun a new walk, i.e., he has
become a follower of Jesus. (Romans 6:3-4).
It is the first step of obedience to Christ.
Why Be Baptized by Immersion?
The Greek word "baptidzo", translated in the New Testament "baptise" can only mean immersion.
The early church (until about 250 AD) uniformly practiced immersion.
Immersion pictures what has happened to a new believer, that is, he has died to an old way of life, has been
buried in Christ, and has risen to walk in a new and different way. (Placing one under the water is a picture of his
burial in Christ).
Baptism is not a Baptist act but rather a Biblical act!
Why Be Baptized Immediately upon Receiving Christ?
Because Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18-20 to (1) Make disciples, (2) To mark disciples (by baptism), and then to
(3) Mature disciples, that is, to teach them to observe all things He taught. (See also Acts 16:30-33).
Because it begins the new life in Christ with an act of obedience.
Because it is not an act commanded by man but by Jesus himself.
Deepening Your Relationship with Christ
Dear Friend,
Whether you are just now becoming a Christian, coming back to Christ after a period of doubt, sorting out a
difficult problem, or just browsing our web site, this could be the beginning of a wonderful experience with Jesus
Christ.
In the Gospel of John, we read that Christ said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
(John 10:10, NIV) God wants you to enjoy a full and meaningful life and has made every provision for it to
happen (Living Bible).
To deepen this relationship you should:
Read your Bible every day to get to know Christ better.
Talk to God in prayer every day.
Tell others about Christ.
Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians.
As Christ's representative in a needy world, demonstrate your relationship with Christ by your love and concern
for others.
If we here at Calvary can assist you, please feel free to call on us at 727-441-1581.
May God bless you as you grow and serve Him.