Becoming a Christian

The decision to follow Jesus is the most important one you'ill ever make. It affects not only your life here on earth, but also determines where you'll spend eternity. The Bible is crystal clear that we cannot earn salvation by our own works or merit, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)." Attending church, being baptized or trying to live a better life does not make someone a Christian. Becoming a Christian involves understanding that . . .

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You are a sinner. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)." No matter how good we try to be, no one is perfect. Every one of us has disobeyed God's standards for our lives.

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You are separated from God. The Bible says, "Your iniquities [sinful actions] have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you (Isaiah 59:2)." Since God is holy and we are sinful, a barrier exists between God and us. As a holy and righteous judge, He cannot just "look the other way" when it comes to our sin. A penalty must be paid for our sins.

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You need Christ. The gospel of John tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:16-17)." Christ offered His life on the cross on our behalf. The Bible says that God charged Christ with our sins so that we could be forgiven and receive His righteousness on our account (2 Corinthians 5:20). In order to receive this wonderful gift of salvation, we must first admit our own sinfulness before God and humbly turn to Christ as our only hope of forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father, but through Me (John 14:6)." The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is the only satisfactory payment for our sins.

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You can receive God's gift today! God's Word says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)." Though Christ died for the sins of all mankind, salvation is a gift that each of us must individually receive by faith. The Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth, Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. . . . Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:9, 13)." You can call upon the Lord for salvation right now in prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God. The Lord isn't as concerned with our words as He is with the attitude of our hearts. The following prayer expresses what we should say if we desire Christ to be our Lord and Savior:

"Dear Father in heaven, I admit that I am a sinner. I know I have failed to live up to your standards you set down in your Word, the Bible. Thank-you for sending your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins on the cross. I want Christ to be the Savior of my soul and the Lord of my life. Thank-you for forgiving my sins and giving me the free gift of eternal life. Help me to live a life that honors You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

If you have any questions about becoming a Christian or need help with your new life in Christ, please feel free to call us at (619) 424-8444 or drop us a note via e-mail: wvbc@juno.com or write us at:

Westview Bible Church, 587 Delaware Street, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

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