What do you have to do to become a Christian?
What do you have to do to become a Christian? It is not as difficult as you might think.
There is a huge difference between people who call themselves Christians. Let’s think of all the millions of Christians - how many can we say are truly glorifying God with the lives they live?
It is not difficult to become a Christian, and it should not be difficult. But, can we say that all “Christians” will inherit the kingdom of heaven? What do you need to do if you want to be a Christian? Firstly, you should want to be a true Christian and then decide to be one. Many people grew up as “Christians,” but never really gave up their old life; they always have a bad conscience deep inside them. Others’ Christianity is only a show before people. But how about you? Don’t you want to have a close relationship with God?
The invitation from God is open to everyone, but the decision is yours. Don’t wait with the decision. You may not have the same opportunity again.
Think about your life
You need to start realising what you are doing. “When he realised what he was doing, he thought … ‘I will leave and return to my father.’” Luke 15:17-18 (NCV). When you live the normal, so-called Christian life as a sinner, you are cheating yourself. Think about it, you don’t really want to live like this! You don’t want to pretend to be a Christian but inside you know that sin is leading you. Maybe you are bound by the desire for money, or have impure thoughts? Maybe you know that you are lazy, or your Christianity is just to get honour from people?
You have become used to living a life that you actually disagree with deep in your heart. Think about your life. Just like the prodigal son, you will say, “Why should I live this way?” Why be unhappy, feeling judged in your conscience, being far from God? He would be very glad to receive you. You can live honestly before God, with the Holy Spirit as your adviser.
Admit the truth about yourself
Admit the truth that you sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Both Jesus and Paul tell us to stop consciously doing sin. (John 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:34.) “Everyone who remains in him does not sin.” 1 John 3:6 (CSB). Many Christians don’t bother to stop sinning. Their Christianity is just a way of giving them a good conscience. Some are so hardened that they use their Christianity as a way to get things in this world. They think out all sorts of schemes and tricks to ask for money while pretending to be good Christians, but in truth, they are totally satisfied with their sinful lives and that they succeed with their clever plans.
If you admit that as a Christian you are still sinning and have not come to a life of victory over sin, and you have intense sorrow about it, then there is hope for you. If you truly long for victory, then you are ready to completely give your life to God. If you are tired of sin, then you can come to Jesus, who is able to help you. (Matthew 11:28.)
Total honesty
You need to be totally honest with yourself and God. Maybe you are clever and gifted and able to make people believe that you are such a good Christian. But you can’t deceive God. It is sin that causes separation between us and God. God is mighty to help you, if you are willing to stop sinning and give your whole life over to Him. Jesus has come to the world in order to save us from our sin.