What is it to become a Christian? It is to enter into a relationship of peace with God who becomes our heavenly Father. It is to be saved and receive forgiveness of sins. It is to receive eternal life now and to enjoy it forever in heaven.
How can I become a true Christian? God makes it very clear in the Bible, but first consider this story. An impressive bridge could be seen at the Ohio River. When looking across from one side, it appears to be complete. When you go a few blocks downriver and look at it, a startling fact is revealed. The bridge is only partly completed. It would drop you in the river. Man may think there are many "religious" bridges to heaven. The Bible reveals that there is only one, and this bridge is a Person, Jesus Christ. Consider this biblical thought. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time," I Timothy 2:5-6.
God loved you and gave His Son for you. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16.
God gave His Son because you cannot earn your way into His favor. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23. No amount of good deeds or religious duties can reverse this condition of being a sinner. "Not by works of righteousnsess which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us," Titus 3:5.
Christ was given to pay for our sin debt on the cross. "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Romans 5:8. God loved us so much that He sent His Son from heaven to pay the price of death for our sins. Christ became the only true bridge by taking away our sins by the cross.
Christ was given, but you must accept Him by faith. True faith is not simply believing facts about Him like other historical figures. Christ rose from the dead; He is the living Lord who defeated death. The Father has given all things into His hand. True faith is trusting Christ to come into your life, forgive you of all sin, and to become your savior forever. "That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16. Trust in the true bridge to heaven, the Savior who came from heaven, died for you, and rose from the dead. The Lord Jesus now waits to save you. Turn your life over to Him, and He will make it new. Do as Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Call upon Christ now and put your faith in Him alone.
If you received Christ or want further understanding, contact one of us at Lakeside. We would consider it a privilege to share more of the wonderful message which we treasure. Sign up today for the Bible study offered on this site.
