Becoming a Christian is one of the most important steps that you will ever take and it really is quite simple.
If you have been thinking about becoming a Christian, then you have felt the tug of God upon you, and we must respond to God's call. To receive God's gift of Salvation is not really complicated and is explained in just a few simple steps.
1. Admit you are a sinner, that you are in need of a Saviour and turn away from your sin. Don't get freaked all out about this. Some of us (me included) have been living in addictions of all kinds for years, sometimes decades. Addictions of Alcohol, Drugs, Sex, Etc... and this may not be as easy as it sounds. It may take some time to fully turn away. I kept hearing sermons from pastors that when they turned to God, the sin stopped. What they forget to mention is that it didn't all just stop that instant. It took some time.
Acts 3:19 says: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."(NIV)
2. Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sins and to give you eternal life.
John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT)
Believing in Jesus is also a part of repenting. You change your mind from unbelief to belief, which results in wanting to truly change, try deperately to turn away from sin, do good things for others, and love everyone. It truly does start to change your heart and your mindset to a better way of life that is not of this world.
3. Come to Jesus by Faith.
John 14:6 Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)
Faith in Jesus Christ is a change of mind that results in a change of action—coming to him.
4. You may pray a simple prayer to God.
Make your response to God a prayer. Prayer is simply communicating with God. I find it easier to talk to him as if he is my friend sitting on the other side of the table. There is no formula for prayer, just pray from your heart and use your own words. Believe and thank him that he has saved you. If you feel lost and just don’t know what to pray, here’s a prayer of salvation you can pray.
Dear Lord,
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent.
I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself.I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it up to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you.
I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you.
Amen.
5. Don't Doubt it.
Salvation is by grace, through faith. This is a free gift from God. There’s nothing you did, or ever can do, to deserve it. All you have to do is receive it!
Ephesians 2:8 says: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."(NIV)
6. Tell someone about your decision.
Romans 10:9-10 says, "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. For it is with your heart
that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."(NIV)
My final thought is this... Now find a church that fits you. None of them will be perfect. Get involved. Get to know people. Find those you can trust. Join a Home Study Bible Group. Grow in your fellowship with others and Enjoy.
You will find that although there are struggles along the way, that this will be the best and most freeing decision that you have ever made.