What is a Christian?

A Christian is someone who has given their life fully to Jesus Christ and continues to live their life in obedience to him. Notice that being a Christian is much more than just an initial decision, it is a lifelong commitment. The Bible tells us what must occur for a person to become a Christian:

1. Understand that God is holy (perfect and righteous) and that we have all offended God by sinning. Even the very best person you can think of has sinned. Nobody is without sin.

   “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” -Romans 3:23

2. Because we have offended God, who is perfect and sinless, we deserve death. The result of sin is death.

   “For the wages of sin is death…” -Romans 6:23a

3. Even though we have all sinned, God loves us and sent Jesus Christ to die in our place.

   “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8

4. Because God sent Jesus Christ to die in our place, we can have a relationship with God and enjoy eternal life (Heaven).

   “…but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” -Romans 6:23

5. If you confess, or agree with God, that you have sinned, that Jesus Christ is lord over all things, and that he died for your sins, and then rose from the dead, then you can be saved.

   “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” -Romans 10:9-10