How does one become a Christian?
By terilee79720
@terilee79720 (3621)
United States
March 2, 2007 1:48pm CST
People who believe they have found the Way, the Truth, and all that believe it is important to get other people to turn from their wicked ways and believe the way they do.
While this (in many cases) is a good thing, how does one honestly become a Christian?
For instance, if someone finds a need to go to someone who is evidently spiritual, or if they go to a church or pastor for help, many times they will be led to 'become a Christian'.
Once this person finds a fellowship and becomes a member, what next? Often times the new Christian is left to his own. The pastor or a group, or maybe a couple from the church might visit the person once or twice, telling them all sorts of things. But, do any of these people honestly tell us HOW to become a Christian.
Is there anyone who can honestly say what it takes; a step by step set of instructions?
2 people like this
17 responses
@Dano11 (173)
• United States
4 Mar 07
That is a good post, perhaps there is another angle that can be used to exemplify becoming a Christian.
The church is the bride of Christ. How does one go about finding a mate and falling in love? How do we find a spouse? We spend time with them, hearing their words. We give to them, they give something back, even if it is only a caring ear. We share with them our sadness and disappointments, and as the relationship grows, they may shed a tear with us. We learn of their hurts, pains and sorrows, and as the relationship grows, we shed a tear for their hurts and sorrows. We show our gratefulness for their presence, for their gifts, we give back in gratitude. But maybe even more than giving in gratitude, we thank them constantly, for their presence, for their understanding, for their making a place in their life to love us. As we do this, we discover new directions for our lives new ways to show our love, we are filled more and more, day after day, year after year.
That relationship that grows is between a man and a woman. Jesus is the Bridegroom to the Church, there is a reason for the analogy.
2 people like this
@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
4 Mar 07
Apart from the fact that Jesus is the bridegroom of Israel your view is rather beautiful.
3 people like this
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
4 Mar 07
This is a most beautiful description of a relationship with Christ. You have really hit the mark describing such a relationship Dano11. It helps explain why those of us who Love God desire to be so faithful to Him. It explains the love we feel for our Saviour and how we cherish our many blessings. You paint a very descriptive portrait of our love and His. It's breathtaking.
Thank you for your description. If you don't mind, I will print this and tack it to my wall.
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
4 Mar 07
Mobyfriend - I agree with your comment. Dano11 described a most beautiful scenario.
The bride IS Israel, but in your view, who makes up Israel? Is it the actual city or is it the people who make the city? Is it all of the people who are a part of Israel?
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@dbcraff (162)
• United States
3 Mar 07
The answer to that question is in God's living word the bible. It is our instruction guide so to speak. Yes I think it is easy not to know what to do as a knew believer but, we have Gods word as a guide to help us through. And don't forget the importance of prayer. New believers can always speak to God and ask for guidance and help and understanding.
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@springborn (295)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Yes, prayer is speaking to God. But it's also listening. There's no special position you have to be in to pray. I pray when I'm walking down the sidewalk or just whenever. You just talk to God like you would a friend...and He is your ultimate Friend. Just pour out your heart. I used to think, "He's omnipotent, all powerful, He knows what I need, so I don't need to talk to Him about it." I have since changed my position on this. True, He does know what I need, but it's like your parents knowing that you need new clothes, but they're not going to buy any for you until you tell them that you want it. God's in the position to help you, but He's not going to until you decide that you need Him and what He has to offer. And boy does He have a lot to offer! Peace and love and joy now, and an eternity of happiness and peace and joy and praise and worship and the ultimate love when you get to heaven!
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
So how to I prayer dbcraff. Is that the same as speaking to God?
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@neo_apocalypse (344)
• Philippines
3 Mar 07
This is interesting. Being a Christian a long process. You can't say your a Christian within the day.
Christians, in a simple definition, are followers of Christ. Being followers of Christ is obeying ALL his teachings. Strictly speaking, either one of the teachings you BLATANTLY disgaree/contradict with or you do not want to observe disqualify us as one.
Being Christian is not just saying you are one. It is more on your works that will testify that you are indeed one.
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Can you tell me what you mean by works neo_apocalypse? Do you mean we must live and be some kind of example?
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@springborn (295)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Everyone is an example, whether they are a Christian or not. The little ones in every society all around the world look up to all of the older ones. That's how they learn about the world, and their place in it. We should all be mindful of the example we are giving...
What neo_apocalypse is talking about when he mentioned works is that your works (what you do) is simply a mirror of what's inside. If you love, you will do things that show your love. You can't help it; it's who you are. Likewise, as a Christian, we are called to love our God and one another. This love is evident through our works.
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@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
3 Mar 07
You become a follower of Jesus when He finds you. It's not our work but His.
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@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
4 Mar 07
I mean that He knows everything that is in our heart and if your heart is seeking Him He will answer. Just reading the Bible does not mean you will find Him.
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
How does He find me? What do you mean by works mobyfriend?
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@tacoman25 (233)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Becoming a christian is a simple process, but hard to describe. To a nonbeliever, it might not make much sense. But basically, it's a personal thing that can only happen in a person's heart, no one can be coerced or forced into it. It's a matter of faith, believing that Jesus is who he said he was and that he can save you from your sins and bring you into friendship with God. What more can I say?
@springborn (295)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Simple. There's even a name for it: Pascal's Wager. It goes like this:
If I believe that there is a God, and I live my life like there is a God, and I die to find out that there isn't a God, I haven't lost anything. I have led a good, godly life.
But...
If I don't believe that there is a God, and I live my life like there is no God, and I die to find out that there is a God, I have just lost everything.
So, it is in your best interest to believe...:)
1 person likes this
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
So pretend that I'm a big non-believer tacoman25 and convince me that it's in my best interest. Can you do that?
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@thesaint_001 (48)
• Philippines
3 Mar 07
You were asking for a step by step set of instructions, right? You have to open your Bible and read. All your prayers and questions have been answered there. Sometimes, though, you might feel that you still don't understand what's written there. But believe me, you only need to open your heart and mind, and you will see, all your questions have been answered! CIAO!
2 people like this
@springborn (295)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Well, if you want a good understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, start in Matthew. Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. For a good idea of what He taught in His lifetime here on earth, read I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, Colosians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude. For a history of the Church, check out Acts. For an idea of what's to come, read Revelation.
For a good idea of world history, see Genesis. Exodus picks up the torch with the recovery of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt, and what they did in the desert. Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy give the layout for Jewish law, and Joshua picks up the story again, with Joshua leading the Israelites now. Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, and I & II Chronicles give accounts of Israelite history. I haven't read Ezra or Nehemiah, but Esther and Job are historical stories about specific Israelites who are good examples for us to follow. Psalms is a great book to read when your sad or tired. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes both give real-life advice from the wisest man to ever live (King Solomon), and Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs) is a love poem. Pretty much the rest of the Old Testament are prophecies concerning many different things: the enslavement of the Israelites (and their eventual freedom), the coming of the Messiah (Jesus), etc.
So take your pick...:)
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Where do I begin thesaint_001 - reading I mean. What will help me understand things better?
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@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
3 Mar 07
A Christian basically means a follower or a disciple of Christ and this implies a process of walking in His ways. It does not start and end in a certain point but a continuous walk with God in his daily living. It starts by heeding God's call to repentance and faith and to live in His presence giving glory to Him in whatever we do. We grow and mature in the company of other believers who share the same faith. The truths in the Bible are our practical guide to daily living. It is not a set of dos and donts but rather principles where we can apply to our lives as followers of Christ. Cheers.
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Everyone makes it sound so simple manongo5. Is it really that simple?
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@anuragingle (44)
• India
3 Mar 07
there are only two things to do 1st love the lord with all your heart and love your neighbour as you love yourself just following these two commandments with all your heart will ensure that you are a good christian
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
How do you know you love the Lord with all your heart anuragingle?
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@Springlady (3986)
• United States
3 Mar 07
To be a Christian is to know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You repent of your sins (turn away from them) and ask Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior. You ask Him to forgive you of your sins and admit that you need Him. Then you know that all of your sins are forgiven and you have a new life! Does that mean all of your problems will just disappear? No. But you do have new joy and hope that only comes from knowing the Savior. You put your trust and faith in Him and you strive to live the way He taught us to. We cannot live the Christian life alone. We need help. We need God's help and He will help us to be what He wants us to be and lead us to where He wants us to go.
Knowing Christ personally is the greatest thing there is! He is the best and He will never leave you or forsake you. His love is very real.
I pray all will come to know Him.
@springborn (295)
• United States
8 Mar 07
The Bible is the mind of God. If you read it, you will come to know God. Not everything about Him, because there's too much for a human to even begin to comprehend, but everything that He thought we should know about Him is there. That's how He touches your soul.
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
So how does one begin to 'know' the Lord and Savior Springlady? How does God help us do what He wants us to?
How can we know Christ personally.
(I have the same prayer Springlady. He's my everything).
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@ellijah (244)
• Nigeria
3 Mar 07
one can be a christain when he realise that he is a sinner that he has been doing wrong things ever since and then he will acknowledge that christ came to die for him then he will tell God to forgive him of is sin wash him with is blood and come to take every area of is life.the second step is that he will continue to study the word of God to be born of the word and the spirit of God coming to live in him.without this no real born again
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
So what does it mean to be born again ellijah?
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@CaroleeKaufold (1853)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I was born a Catholic. But it wss just something I did because I was brought up that way. In 1973 I met the Christ I found loved me for me. I was not perfect, I had a lot to grow into. Now I live my life filled with love that only Christ gives.
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Amen CaroleeKaufold.
Loving Christ has nothing to do with going to any organized religion (as we've already talked about). It's where you are in your heart with Him.
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@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
What if I'm too shy to speak to anyone, especially a priest? What if I'm not catholic?
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@052775 (175)
• India
3 Mar 07
A Christian is a follower of christ.To be a true christian we have to do whatever Jesus did.Jesus said if u wish to be my disciple take up ur cross and follow me.Christianity is exciting.To be a christian is to be in the world but not of the world.Following christianity is following christ.Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life.
Acts 16:31 Believe in the Lord Jesus, you and your family will be saved.
Praise the lord
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
What do you mean to be in the world but not of the world 052775? Can you expain that to me?
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@febinjohnjames (67)
• India
3 Mar 07
One can become a christian by baptism.
Jesus have said in bible that one will not enter the paradise
untill he take is rebirth so you can take a rebirth by baptism. Believe in God,Pray to god,Praise him,Leave the devil you will be original Christian.
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
So if I'm baptized I am also reborn and that makes me a Christian febinjohnjames? Can you tell me how that works?
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@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
3 Mar 07
And of all of the information given here they prove that they know him not!
I rebuke all of these posts for making the path to Christ Jesus more complicated than it really is!
In order to be a Christian, all you have to do is follow Christ Jesus. There is only one step and that is to believe that Jesus is the Christ or Light of the world, the great morning star that gives life to the universe. The Sun and Stars that are placed in the sky, the fabric of GOD, the Son of GOD, a child of GOD, a teacher, Jesus is the path, and his path is clear to those that know how easy it is to follow and know GOD.
In order to be a Christian all you have to do is desire to be a child of GOD. Jesus made a place for you in heaven and heaven is where GOD is, pure and holy.
If you want to talk to GOD meditate on heaven, do what you know is the right thing to do, be honest, and help others.
GOD is there with you.
Just as I am with you now.
You will know.
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
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@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
3 Mar 07
I would answer that you first should have a heart for telling the truth, I see you do.
Then be open to listen to the testimony of other people, be a witness.
Then follow your heart and show your love as the fruit of your spirit.
Yes, where two or more are gathered there you will find me.
GOD Bless,
Sincerely,
Gary
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@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
3 Mar 07
If you read the Excerpts from my Transcript (My Story) you can find a link through my profile. There you will find a life altering event.
Praying or Dialoguing with the source, is the direct link that we have to GOD through each other.
Thank You for asking,
Sincerely,
Gary
1 person likes this
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Thanks Gary,. Can you tell me how to follow Christ Jesus?
If I want to talk to God, do I meditate on Heaven? or God?
Where two or more are joined together, there I am......
Peace and Blessings to you as well.
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@springborn (295)
• United States
8 Mar 07
There's something that one of the elders at my church gave me. It's inside the front cover of my Bible, and I thought I'd share it. Parts of it answer your question, so it is relevant.
The Bible
This book contains - the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, good to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, the Christian's character.
Here Paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design and the glory of God its end. It should rule the heart, fill the memory and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgement and be remembered forever. It involves the highest reponsibility, rewards the highest (greatest) labour, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.
Anonymous
So there you have it. Your Bible has all the step-by-step instructions you need. You don't need to go to a priest for him to tell you; take a stand and find out for yourself. It is good to get spiritual guidance, however, so that they can support you in your walk with God. Need some verses? How about:
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Acts 22:16
I Peter 3:20-21
John 3:5
Acts 8:36-38
Matthew 10:32-33
Ezekiel 18:20
Acts 10:34-35
Luke 6:46
John 6:29
Romans 10:17
Matthew 7:24-27
Hebrews 11:6
James 2:24
John 12:42
Acts 17:30
Luke 13:3
Matthew 10:32-33
Acts 8:36-37
Revelation 2:10
Outlined in these verses is the simple plan of salvation that God gave us through His Bible:
1.) Hear the Word of God.
2.) Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
3.) Repent of your sins.
4.) Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ/Messiah.
5.) Be baptized for the remission of your sins.
6.) Continue to live faithfully.
Hope this helps!
1 person likes this
@springborn (295)
• United States
14 Mar 07
Awww...thanks!!! I love debate, and the fact that we are studying the "good argument" in my English class is really exciting. I find that this is a good way to "practice" lol.
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Springborn,
Thanks for such awesome writing. I know you took a lot of time to respond to all of the discussion.
You not only are a blessing, but you are also one of the few I have found that knows the art of discussion.
I applaud you and I appreciate your love and annointing.
Be blessed.
terilee
@lonnieN (428)
• United States
2 Mar 07
When one accepts JESUS as their savior they should go to the local catholic church and ask to talk to the priest. Tell the priest that you have just accepted JESUS and that you want to join the Catholic church. You will recieve at least 6 months of instruction.
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Six Months of instructions? Wow LonnieN. Intense study I'm sure.
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