Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionThe process of becoming a Christian is a transformative journey that involves faith, repentance, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This entry explores the biblical foundation for becoming a Christian, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible to provide scriptural insights.
Faith in Jesus ChristCentral to becoming a Christian is faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible emphasizes that salvation is through faith alone. In
Ephesians 2:8-9 , it is written, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Faith involves trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, as stated in
Romans 10:9 : "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."
RepentanceRepentance is a crucial step in becoming a Christian. It involves a sincere turning away from sin and a turning toward God.
Acts 3:19 exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin but involves a change of heart and mind, leading to a transformed life.
Confession and BaptismConfession of faith is an outward expression of an inward belief.
Romans 10:10 states, "For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." Baptism is also an important step, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In
Acts 2:38 , Peter instructs, "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."
Receiving the Holy SpiritUpon accepting Christ, a believer receives the Holy Spirit, who indwells and empowers them for Christian living.
Ephesians 1:13-14 explains, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory."
Living as a DiscipleBecoming a Christian is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to live according to His teachings. In
Matthew 28:19-20 , He commissions, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." A Christian is called to grow in faith, love, and obedience, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily life.
Community and FellowshipThe Christian life is meant to be lived in community with other believers.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellowship with other Christians provides support, accountability, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
ConclusionThe journey to becoming a Christian is marked by faith, repentance, confession, and a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It is a personal decision that leads to a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and nurtured within the community of believers.
Topical Bible Verses
Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 10:9-10
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
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1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Matthew 18:3
And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
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John 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
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2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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Library
That the Person who Comes for Catechetical Instruction is to be...
... Chapter 5."That the Person Who Comes for Catechetical Instruction is to Be Examined
with Respect to His Views, on Desiring toBecome aChristian....
Eighth Commandment
... I was preaching in British Columbia some years ago, and a young man came to me,
and wanted tobecome aChristian. He had been smuggling opium into the States....
To Begin with the Real Ground of the Military Crown...
... the sentence acquires a meaning such that desertion from the army is suggested as
one of the methods by which a soldier who hasbecome aChristian may continue...
Theater-Going.
... AChristian woman marries an unchristian man with the hope that he willbecome a
Christian; a steady, sensible woman in all other matters marries a man who...
Repentance and Restitution.
... he was away from home, his good wife said to me as I came into the house, 'I want
you to go to class-meeting with me to-night andbecome aChristian, so that...
The Subjects of the Kingdom.
... Jesus Christ. It is easier for the poor and the unlearned tobecome aChristian,
than for the rich and the learned. In after years...
The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the EarlyChristian...
... Though there is no evidence extant of her havingbecome aChristian, it need not
be considered a thing impossible; indeed, it is extremely reasonable to...
Gospel Dialogues:
... GOSPEL DIALOGUES. I. What It Is to be a Child of God II. How toBecome a
Christian. III. What It Is to be Converted. "Grace! 'tis a...
The Argument forChristian Practices Becomes all the Stronger...
... The argument forChristian practices becomes all the stronger, when also nature,
which is the... the first who lays it down that a crown does notbecome the head....
How tobecome like Christ
... NAAMAN CURED. THE LAME MAN AT THE TEMPLE GATE. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ].
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Resources
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