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QUESTION 186
It seems that about everybody will say they are Christians. How does one become a Christian?

ANSWER:
A good question. It is very evident that many that call themselves Christians really believe it is because they live a pretty good life and follow some good Bible principles. Others believe if you get baptized and go to church that make you a Christian.

Here is a dictionary definition of a Christian, “One professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.” This is not right.

Christians are not made, but born. Jesus said, "Ye must be born again." John 3:7. You must see that we are all born the first time as sinners. Romans 3:23, says, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; This means that we cannot get into God's heaven in this state. It would not be heaven if we could.

So the first thing man must learn is that they are not Christians and that their sins are separating themselves from God. They must repented by acknowledging their sins and lost condition.

Secondly, they must realize that they cannot do anything to undo their sins. They are as Roman 5:6 puts it; For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. We are helpless, but He has made a provision to blot out those sins. So Romans 3:24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

The word 'justified' means to be acquitted, declared to be right with God. The word 'freely' means without a cause. Salvation is by grace alone from God. We do not deserve it. However, we must receive it. We do this by faith in His redemptive work on the cross. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Faith is not just believing about Jesus, but actually trusting Him. It means you are resting your case on and with Him. This is how you become born again and so a Christian.

Are you born again? Don't say you are a Christian unless you are.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen