“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
Introduction
Millions of people claim that something has happened in their lives that has changed them, brought profound peace of mind, and given assurance about the future. Some have faced death singing, entering eternity with confidence. Some say they have been saved, others say they have been “born again,” and still others say they have “found eternal life.”
All these terms point to the same reality: they describe three aspects of life—being saved from past guilt, being delivered from erroneous thought patterns, and gaining assurance for the future and eternity. In short, all these indicate that a person has become a Christian.
Yet, many misunderstand what it truly means to be a Christian. Being born in a particular country, living a decent life, thinking positively, going to church, giving to charity, taking the sacraments, or praying—none of these alone guarantees salvation. Not even believing in God makes a person a Christian, for many people of other religions believe in God.
In the weeks ahead, we will be exploring a series of inspiring topics drawn from the book Practical Christianity, compiled and edited by Lavonne Neef, Ron Beers, Bruce Barton, Linda Taylor, Dave Veerman, and Jim Galvin.These reflections are meant to strengthen our walk with God and encourage us to live out our faith daily.
This week, we turn our attention to a very important question: Who can become a Christian? It is a question that has touched many hearts and, by God’s grace, has transformed countless lives around the world.
What Makes a True Christian?
- a) Born into God’s Family
A true Christian has been born into the family of God. Just as we are born into human families, we must be born into God’s family. John writes: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” .(John 1:12–13)
In other words, we are all created by God as His creatures, but we only become members of God’s family when we open our hearts to Christ, believe in Him, and receive Him into our lives.
- b) Walking in the Way of Life
A true Christian walks in the way of life. Jesus spoke of two roads: the broad road that leads to destruction, and the narrow road that leads to eternal life (see also Deuteronomy 30:19; Jeremiah 21:8).
The narrow road leads to a clear conscience and freedom from destructive habits. We do not have to live under clouds of guilt—whether real or imagined. When we find Jesus Christ and are forgiven for our sins, we have peace with God. Our sins were dealt with on the cross and taken away. We are free to live a new life of moral integrity. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean walking in the light and desiring to be pure.
- c) Possessing Eternal Life
A true Christian has eternal life. This promise reaches its fullness when we die, but it can be experienced now. Eternal life lives in our hearts, assuring us that we need never feel alone or empty. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
We can have the assurance of eternal life because Christ lives in our hearts. John Calvin described this as the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
How Does One Become a Christian?
There are three basic steps to becoming a Christian:
- Step One: Admit Your Sins
We must acknowledge that our sins separate us from God. The Bible says there is no difference among people, because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:9–23).As the apostle John warns: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us… If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives” (1 John 1:8, 10). - Step Two: Believe in Jesus Christ
We must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to bring us back to God. Full understanding is not required; faith is. Just as we trust electricity or radios without understanding how they work, we trust Jesus Christ.”For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve” (1 Corinthians 15:3–5). - Step Three: Receive Jesus as Saviour
Receiving Jesus requires a personal decision—a step of faith. Belief alone is not enough; the gift of eternal life must be embraced. Imagine bringing a gift home for a loved one—they must take it and say “thank you” to enjoy it. Receiving Christ is similar. By faith, we say:
“Thank you, Lord. I receive You into my life.”
At that moment, God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ becomes ours. This step is an act of the will, as we can choose to reject or receive Him. Only authentic, personal faith leads to eternal life; inherited or second-hand faith is not sufficient.
Who Can Become a Christian?
The answer is clear: anyone can become a Christian. Anyone who desires to can “take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). Everyone is invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Matthew 22:9).
God’s desire to save all humanity is clear. Paul writes that God wants everyone “to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Peter adds that God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Ezekiel proclaims God’s heart for sinners:“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11)
Jesus confirms this invitation:“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28),and “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32).
While Scripture teaches that some will reject God’s gift, His grace is universal. Salvation is intended for the whole human race. Jesus Christ is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
To be continued!
Stay Blessed!
Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.
