What is a Christian?

A simple definition of a Christian is a person who follows Jesus Christ. Becoming a Christian is not about rituals, going to church, or doing certain things while refraining from other things. Becoming a Christian is about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are You a Sinner?

Have you ever lied, stolen, lusted, coveted, or been angry with someone unjustly? Or have you ever done something selfish, said something mean, or even thought something evil? If so, then you have broken the Law of God. You may think "Well, I have only lied a few times" or "I'm not as bad as a murderer" but it is not necessarily the nature of the offense that matters; it is who you offended. God is holy and perfect and any sin big or small deserves separation from Him (i.e. death and Hell). But it's not just you, the Bible says "we have all fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

If our good outweighs the bad we'll be okay, right?

Are you actually keeping count of your good deeds and bad deeds? Who's in charge of saying what's good and bad? You? If you were to die today are you certain you'd be good enough to go to heaven? Sorry, but that system doesn't work. We already blew it. There is nothing a human can do to make things right with a perfect God. This may sound scary and disheartening, but it is true. The first step to becoming a Christian is to realize you are in a desperate state. You are on the highway to Hell and there is nothing you can do about it. You need someone to save you. 

Is Jesus Your Savior?

Here's the good news! God doesn't just leave us to die, instead He does the opposite! He offers us eternal life with Him in heaven even though we don't deserve it (that's called grace). But how? Did God just change his mind? No, remember God is just and holy. He didn't just let our sin slide - someone had to pay the price. And that someone was His Son, Jesus.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Some believe Jesus was a prophet and a good teacher, but Christians believe he is much more. He is God in the flesh. The same God who created the heavens and the earth! When Jesus died on the cross and rose back to life three days later he became our substitute and paid for all of our sins - past, present, and future. At that moment we were made right with God and were given a perfect record that we can never mess up. All we have to do to recieve this free gift is to believe what Jesus did for us. 

Remember there is nothing a human can do to make things right with a perfect God. If Jesus was just a man, and not God, then his death did nothing for us. We'd be in the same position as before - desperate and in need of a savior. But if he was God and he lived a sinless life, then his sacrifice was sufficient and he has the power to save us all. The last step to becoming a Christian is accepting Jesus as the one who saves you. 

Ask Yourself

Do you understand and believe that you have sinned and are worthy of judgment from God?

Do you understand and believe that Jesus took your punishment upon Himself, dying in your place?

Do you understand and believe that His death was the sufficient sacrifice to pay for your sins?

If you truly answered yes to the above questions then you have been saved by the grace of God. You are a Christian! We would really love to hear about it. 

What Do I Do Now?

It's important to remember that there is nothing you can do to make God love you any less or love you any more than he already does. You have the perfect record of His Son, Jesus. You are now free and able to live the life that God intended for us. A life of loving God and loving others!