The thrilling thing
about becoming a
Christian is that
everyone’s
experience is
immensely
personal and,
therefore,
unique. For some,
there’s a particular
moment in time; a
revelation, an
experience—as
clear a change as
switching on a light. For others, it’s a process that can take years.
So what is a Christian? A good person? Someone who goes to church? Well, a Christian may or may not be those things, but the truth is this: a Christian is someone who understands and accepts what Jesus did for them on the cross: that His death and resurrection have paid the price for our sins and that by placing our trust in Him, we are forgiven and set free. Whatever you may have done in your life, nothing can make you unacceptable to God. Nothing you ever do could make him love you any more, or any less.
God’s already calling you, even if you don’t realise it. He chose you long ago, before you were born, but won’t force anything upon you now: the choice of whether to accept or reject him is yours.
How does he call you? Perhaps by putting Christians around you. Maybe by calling you into prayer at a difficult time. Or by making you wonder if there’s more to life.
"But to all who believed
him and accepted Him,
He gave the right to
become children of God."
John 1v12
Sometimes people think they’ll have to completely change who they are. That’s not true: God made you utterly unique—why would He suddenly want to turn you into a clone? He loves your personality, your sense of humour, all the little quirks that make you you. Together, you and He may want to start addressing some aspects of your behaviour, however!
So how do you take that step, and become a Christian? There’s no magic formula. It’s between you and God: simply tell him in your own words that you believe what it says in the book of John (NT): “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.” You should also say sorry for the things you have done wrong, and ask God into your life.
That’s it—but it’s also just the beginning of a fantastic lifelong journey. You’ll need to be baptised, and by developing your prayer life, your Bible-reading and worship, and by discovering the fellowship of other Christians (at a church), you will begin to grow. God will start to deal with the things in your life and you’ll begin to learn obedience to him. It’s a journey that will last all of this life—and take you into the next one.
Life won’t suddenly become perfect, because we’re not in heaven yet! But you will always have joy. You’ll never be alone, and you’ll always have hope for the future. Most of all, you’ll never cease discovering how incredibly special and loved you are.
Want to go Deeper?
Pray: Lord, I want what Christians have. Taking the first step is never easy, but please know that that’s where my heart is, even though the rest of me may sometimes find it difficult to follow. Please draw me close to you, and give me new birth in Jesus. Amen.
Article © Church on the Net
Now it is important that you let someone know of your decision to become a Christian. Contact us at South Harrow Christian Fellowship, or speak to someone at your local church so that you can receive friendship and support...and remember... God loves you. His power is stronger than all the powers of darkness and no-one can ever separate you from His love.