I'm glad you're here! Whether you're serious about learning more about Christianity or just curious to see what I have to say about it, I hope that you enjoy what I've written and take it to heart. Just one note: I originally wrote the following essay for my 4th and 5th grade Sunday School class, so it may sound a little simplistic. One day I'll write the "grown-up" version. Also keep in mind that becoming a Christian isn't about getting religious; it's about developing a personal relationship with God. If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail me!
Why should I become a Christian?
Being a Christian isn’t easy. Your friends might make fun of you, and you might have to miss out on some things that look like fun but are really sin. So why bother? Why not just keep doing things your own way?
That’s easy. God loves you, and He wants to be a part of your life. He sent His only son to die on the cross and pay for your sins so that you can go to Heaven when you die. And God will comfort you in times of trouble. He’ll be there to lean on during the hard times, and He’ll also be there to rejoice with you in times of happiness. No problem in your life is too big for God! But you have to turn your life over to Him and make Him number one in your life.
How do I become a Christian?
That’s easy, too. The Bible sets up some very basic steps to follow. First, of course, you have to believe in God and all the wonderful things He’s done for you! Then you need to be willing to repent of your sins (stop doing them), no matter how small they are. Now God doesn’t expect you to become perfect before you accept Him. If that were the case, no one could be saved! But you do need to be willing to work on your sins with God’s help. Next, you need to confess that Jesus is Lord! In our church, this is simply making a statement before the congregation that you believe in Jesus. And finally, you will need to be baptized. This means being completely immersed in the water! I know it can be scary, especially if you’re afraid of the water, but God will help you overcome your fears.
After you become a Christian, you have the responsibility to continue to grow as a Christian. This includes going to church, praying, reading your Bible, and continuing to repent of your sins. Sometimes it’s tough, but the Lord will give you the strength to keep going!
And finally, here are some scriptures about salvation for you to look at. You can see that God makes it clear what we must do to be saved! Remember, this is the most important decision you will ever make in your life, so be sure to read the verses below for yourself and ask God to help you make the right decision. Don't become a Christian because all of your friends are doing it or someone is pressuring you to. This is between you and God.
(Note: all scriptures from the NIV, New International Version.)
Believe that God loves you, that He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for you, and that Jesus rose from the dead and will come back again some day to take His children home.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Acts 16:31-33 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
Repent: turn from your sins. You don’t have to be perfect to become a Christian; you just have to be willing to give up the ungodly things in your life. God will help you with this!
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Confess that Jesus is Lord!
Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread (communion) and to prayer.
Matthew 24:13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.