Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the Bible.
God Is Sovereign Creator
Contemporary thinking says man is the product of evolution. But the Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
God Is Holy
God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well. 1 Peter 1:16 says, You shall be holy, for I am holy.
Mankind Is Sinful
According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: There is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn't mean we're incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we're utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).
Sin Demands a Penalty
God's holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by eternal death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). That's why simply changing our patterns of behavior can't solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.
Jesus Is Lord and Savior
Romans 10:9 says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, and Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).
The Character of Saving Faith
True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn't enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don't love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
How do I call on the Lord for Salvation?
In order to call on the Lord for Salvation, you must believe that He truly died for your sin, rose from the dead, and is willing to forgive your sinful condition. By praying to the Lord in a personal way, you can call on Him and admit you are a sinner who needs to be saved, and ask for forgiveness. There is no special or magical prayer that must be spoken. God hears and answers the prayer of a repentant sinner. You simply need to speak to the Lord like you speak to another person. He will hear you and He will save you. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out (John 6:37).” What that means is that if you call upon the Lord for salvation – He will not turn you away! This is also said in Romans 10:13 – “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” No matter what you have done – if you are willing to repent and turn to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior – He will save you.
What should be done following Salvation?
Baptism. Baptism is not salvation. Baptism is obedience following salvation which is a picture of what took place in your heart when the Lord saved you. You died to your old life, and you were raised to walk in a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Join a local Church. Growth is very important to new Christians. God has ordained a special way for that to take place, and it occurs through a local assembly of Christians (Acts 2; Hebrews 10:25). God never intends His children to be isolated. He designed us to be a part of the local church – the family of God. Through this family of faith, we encourage one another, pray for one another, serve one another, and work together to tell others about the good news of Jesus.
Evangelism. As a Christian you are commanded to tell others about the wonderfully good news of Jesus Christ. This takes place by sharing the gospel of Christ with people who are not saved. Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and new Christians can start immediately. In John chapter 4, a wicked woman was saved, and she went back to town and immediately began telling people about Jesus Christ. How do you start? The easiest place to begin is with your own personal testimony. People like to hear about how a person was once lost and how they were saved out of that condition. Below is a listing of verses to help you with your new commitment of evangelism:
Romans 3:10 – none righteous – not even one single person!
Romans 3:23 – all are sinners.
Romans 6:23 – all people deserve death (Hell).
Romans 5:8 – Christ died for sinners.
Luke 19:10 – Christ came to save sinners.
Acts 3:19 – repentance is necessary for salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 – confession and belief (faith) in Christ.
Romans 10:13 – call on the Lord for Salvation – Jesus is the only way (John 14:6).