What is a Christian?
The Bible tells how the title ‘Christian’ was first applied to the followers of Jesus in a place called Antioch:
‘Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenecia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the good news only to Jews. Some however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord…The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.’ Acts 11v19-21&26 (New International Version)
These verses reveal that a Christian is someone who has responded to the good news about Jesus with repentance and faith.
The good news about Jesus is that He died instead of you! On the cross He shouldered the penalty for all the wrong things you have ever done, making it possible for you to be forgiven and to enjoy a lasting relationship with God.
According to the Bible all people are separated from God by sin; and no amount of good works or moral behaviour can compensate. However Jesus died to pay the penalty of sin and because He did God offers peace and eternal life.
God offers this as a free gift that may be received by repentance and faith.
Repentance involves being sincerely sorry for the wrong things you have done and being willing to change. Faith is accepting that Jesus is your Saviour and choosing to follow Him. Here is what those people in Antioch did all those years ago. Will you?
If you would like to become a Christian then here is a simple prayer you can pray:
Dear Father God,
Thank You for the good news about Jesus. Thank You that by dying on the cross Jesus paid the penalty for sin.
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done. Please forgive me. I am willing to change and ask your help to turn from everything which I know is wrong.
Here and now I put my faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and choose to follow Him as Lord.
Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me grow in my newfound relationship with You.
Amen
If you prayed that prayer and meant it then you are now a Christian.
Having become a Christian you will want to grow in your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ, so make sure to do the following:
- Talk to God in prayer. Talk to Him at any time, from any place about everything that matters to you.
- Read the Bible. Start with the Gospel according to Mark, followed by Philippians, and progress from there.
- Get involved with a good church that will help you grow in the faith. (For help finding a church near where you live submit a request via the Contact page.)
- Enjoy the fun video below!
