Gilbert WV Church of Christ

Becoming a Christian

At some point in your spiritual journey, you’re going to ask, [“What must I do to become a Christian?”] In His wisdom, God has given us a very simple, five-step plan. Everyone in the New Testament became a member of Christ’s church after taking these five steps.

Before you decided to choose a career or a college, for example, you probably did some research. Before becoming a life-long Christian, you will need to (1) Hear or “research” God’s word so you can make the best decision possible (Romans 10:17). This can be done by attending services, participating in public Bible study, and/or reading the Bible privately.

While reading Jesus’ words for yourself, you will decide whether you (2) Believe in God (John 20:31), and if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God. When we become Christians, we have to make some changes in our lives to turn away from those thoughts and actions that separate us from God. Jesus called this (3) Repentance (Luke 13:5). These changes can be uncomfortable and sometimes very difficult, but they will change your life for the better and help you on the path towards Heaven. Thankfully, you don’t have to go this alone. God has said as we draw close to Him, He draws close to us (James 4:8).

We make important commitments, such as marriage, by announcing them to witnesses. When we become Christians, we all must (4) Confess our belief to others (Luke 12:8-9). This confirms to others, and yourself, that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God. You also become blessed by the most powerful support system known to man, God’s church.

When you are ready to be saved, God commanded a specific action. Jesus taught that this is the moment at which a person is “born again” and is on his or her way to Heaven. This is (5) Baptism (1 Peter 3:21). In Romans 6, God depicted it as a funeral for the “old man of sin.” It is His process for completely burying your former life with all of its trouble, cares, and problems, and becoming “born again” into a new life through burial in water. When you come up out of the water, you will start your new life as a Christian!

This 2,000-year-old plan is simple and very powerful: hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for forgiveness of sins.

God’s plan of salvation is freeing. We invite you to take that first step towards a greater fulfillment of your purpose in life here on earth, as well as taking hold of the promise of Heaven, where we will get to spend our eternity with God. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in your spiritual journey.