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Become a Christian
We believe no life is complete without God. He made us to be in a relationship with Him, but because of our sinfulness, that relationship is broken. Every life matters to Him, and He loves all of us deeply. Only when our relationship with Him is restored can we experience true happiness, purpose and freedom.
Being a Christian is not about following a list of rules; it’s about a restored relationship with God. This relationship can be restored by receiving the gift of God’s forgiveness. We can then have a friendship with the One who made us and loves to forgive us. Forgiveness is as simple as a personal choice. We must individually respond to His offer, though. A few things are necessary in that decision. To begin this relationship, the Bible teaches you must:
1. Acknowledge your own personal sinfulness.
No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being good, because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one,” (Romans 3:10).
2. Accept Jesus’ death on the cross as the punishment for your sin.
The Bible tells us, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners,” (Romans 5:8 NLT). Our sin deserves punishment by death (Romans 6:23), and death can be ours one day in the future or we can accept Christ’s past death as a substitute for our own.
3. Turn away from your sin and toward a new life.
The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19). The word “repent” means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him. By repentance, you agree to follow Christ’s teachings in the days ahead.
If you would like to begin a relationship with Christ, simply pray a prayer similar to this one and mean it in your heart:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.”
Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and you will live forever in heaven. God promises us if we confess our sin, He will save us from death and make us clean before Him, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9).
As you begin your new relationship with Christ, we encourage you to spend time with God by reading your Bible, praying, going to church and telling others about Christ. We would love to celebrate your decision with you and help equip you in your new relationship with Christ.