With so many differing religions in our world, it’s not easy figuring out the truth. Aren’t all religions the same? Well, no, they aren’t. Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
- John 14:6

What Is a Christian?
Trying to figure out what a Christian really is can be confusing. Every church is different and you might look at some who wear the name of Christ and say, “That’s not what I want to be!” There are no perfect Christians.

The best model of what a Christian should be is Jesus Christ. Christians are simply “Christ-followers.” You can read about the life of Jesus in the Bible. Matthew, Mark, Luke & John offer 4 unique perspectives. Christians are those who choose to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, making him their Lord (absolute leader) and Savior (forgiver).

The Choice Is Yours
Nobody is born a Christian or can have that decision made for them by their family. Each of us is asked to choose for ourselves who we will follow. Those who decide to become a Christian recognize that they are hopeless without Jesus’ offer to forgive their sins. You must decide whether you believe: (1) he is the Son of God, (2) he died to pay the penalty for yours sins, and (3) your only hope for forgiveness and eternal life in heaven is through him. Are you willing to trust Jesus totally with your life and eternal destiny? The choice is yours.

What Does It Take?
That’s the same question everyone asked when Peter proclaimed the truth about Jesus the very first time. His answer (Acts 2:38) is still the basis of what we teach – nothing more; nothing less.

But don’t take our word for it. Spend some time reading through the passages below. The Bible is very clear about what it means to surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

Admit you are a sinner. There’s no point trying to hide what’s obvious. All of us have broken God’s law. Just being good (or better than somebody else) is not enough. God demands perfection. We’re in trouble.

Read: Romans 3:10-12, 23, James 2:10, 1 John 8:1-10

Acknowledge Jesus Christ for who he really is. You must believe…

• Jesus is God’s only Son.
• Jesus paid the penalty for our sin by his death on the cross.
• Jesus made a new style of life possible through his resurrection.

Read: Romans 6:4, 6:23, 8:6, 10:9, John 3:6, 10:10, 1 Peter 1:28, 1 John 3:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Totally trust Jesus by…

• Accepting his free forgiveness.
  Ephesians 2:8-9
• Repenting of past wrongs (sin).
  Acts 3:19
• Being baptized (immersed) into Him.
  Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:27

It really is that simple. Once you surrender your life to Jesus, the heavy weight of sin is lifted off your shoulders. What a relief! No more guilt or shame. It’s a gift you don’t deserve (grace). That’s why we worship Jesus with all that we’ve got!

Can I Be Sure?
Satan (the Bible calls him “the Accuser”) will throw all kinds of doubts at you. Many struggle to let go of their guilty feelings. But, the Bible says you can be 100% sure you will be saved. The reason you can be so sure is because salvation depends on the promises and power of Jesus, not on you.

Even though we continue to fail God over and over, Jesus still forgives (1 John 1:8-9). Why would anyone let go of a Savior like that? Christians are grateful and willing to do whatever it takes to grow closer to Jesus.

Now What?
Like everything else, there is a learning curve as you develop into a full-devoted follower of Jesus. Expect to encounter faith-stretching challenges or new discoveries each day.

The Bible offers two daily requirements:

• Submitting to the absolute authority of God’s Word (the Bible)
  2 Timothy 3:16, James 1:22-25
• Surrender your whole life – all abilities & desires – to him
  Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 2:5