Who is a Christian?
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, who has made a verbal covenant to enter a relationship with God based on faith through Jesus Christ as the mediator of that covenant (Hebrews 12:24). For Jesus Loves You (John 3:16).
When do you enter such an Agreement?
This verbal agreement can be entered into when an individual is preached to personally, or publicly in a gathering, program, crusade, or church (Romans 10:13-14).
When the preacher invites the person to accept Jesus after explaining through the word of God the need for all humans to be saved, the person will voluntarily, if convicted of sin, enter into this verbal agreement with God Romans 10:8-10).
Becoming Born-Again
Meaning he or she acknowledges that God, through Jesus Christ, will guide his or her life better. He now decides to live his life following God’s directives and principles in the Bible and submits his or her life to God, through Jesus, who takes over his or her life as Lord and personal Savior.
Once the verbal contract is entered into, the person is said to be “Born-Again” - meaning a re-birth from the old sinful ways of thinking, talking, and behaving to a godly way of life (John 3:3-7 NLT).
What is the Verbal Covenant?
It is a voluntary agreement by such an individual to acknowledge his or her sinfulness by being born through the corrupted bloodline of Adam. Accepting that no good work or behavior by any Man can justify him or her in the sight of God. No one is exempt; everyone is tainted from Adam’s sin (Romans 3:23). Understanding that the periodic sacrifice of animals (Bulls, rams, birds, sheep, etc) cannot wipe away the reproach. Animals are not on the same level as humans.
It required the one-time sacrifice of a sinless man to cleanse humanity of sin. Accepting that there was no sinless man on earth, God had to send His only begotten Son in the person of Jesus to be that sinless sacrifice. Identity and sonship are derived through a father. Humanity came through Adam. So, the Savior had to come through God. Therefore, God’s power overshadowed Mary without human contact to form Jesus in her womb (Luke 1:30-35) - His only begotten Son made flesh.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have Everlasting Life (John 3:16)
What happens when you become Born-Again?
It means in popular parlance that you have given your life to Christ.
This means you forsake your desires and ambitions if they do not reflect God’s plan for you, and ask God for what He wants you to do instead, because He created you for a purpose and has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
You become God’s child with many benefits, some of which are;
- You are now the Child of the Most High God (1 John 3:1; John 3:2; Galatians 3:26)
- You receive the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
- You become a god (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34-36).
- You are a Joint-Heir with the Lord Jesus Christ with access to all spiritual blessings (Romans 8:17).
- You now have supernatural power to do God’s work and live with boldness (Luke 10:18-20).
- You are now royalty with a unique sense of purpose (1 Peter 2:9).
- You become baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire as a soldier of Christ (Acts 1:8; Acts 10:38; John 14:12-14), with the ability to fight and win spiritual battles to remove obstacles from your physical life (2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Ephesians 6:10-18).
Does giving your life to Christ mean living miserably?
No, it does not. Many people think that God is a “spoil sport” or “kill-joy”.
You get the impression that God wants you to go around with a long face, lol. Not at all. Jesus had friends, family, and a social life.
God just wants you to live a full life without sin for your own good. He does not intentionally trouble humans (Lamentations 3:33 KJV).
While the devil gives you a life full of sin, because his purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10a), the Bible says that Jesus came to give you a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10b NLT).
How do you give your life to Christ?
You give your life to Christ through a simple prayer that goes like this;
PRAYER
________________
Dear Lord, have mercy on me
I know that I am a sinner. Please forgive me
I believe you died on the cross and rose to save me
Please wash me clean with your blood and accept me
I submit to You as my Lord and personal Savior
I renounce all my sinful ways today
Please make me your child in Jesus name, Amen!
After this prayer, you are now born again. A child of God and a Christian.
Next Steps after Conversion
After your conversion, please join a Bible-believing church of your choice. Preferably, one closest to you for ease of attendance. You need to be discipled in the new way, taught the principles that will guide your life from henceforth, and be baptized with full immersion in water.
After which, you will continue to fellowship with your new “brothers and sisters” in Christ as one family. As you grow, you will also share your testimony and encounter with others so that they will be saved. Note that everything is voluntary.
The idea is to be transformed daily in your thinking, behavior, talking, and in everything you do to reflect a godliness that will draw people to God. You do not serve God under duress.
He wants you to love him sincerely (Matthew 22:37), like He loves you, and to love others like yourself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31). When we do that, the world will be a better place.
Conclusion
You have made an excellent choice and taken a new direction for your good. Don’t stay static but grow in the faith. Read your bible constantly. Consistently pray to God.
Once you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, continue in prayer always with others and in private. Do not neglect the assembly of your brethren (Hebrews 13:1; 10:25).
Join church groups, become a worker, and later a minister, if you choose.
Welcome to the family of the Most High God 🤗
Please share this message widely with others you know will benefit.
Do you have questions, need counseling, or would you like prayers? Please let me know in the comments section below.
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