How to Become a Christian and What Happens Next:
 
  1. Admit that you have sinned. No one is perfect, and each one of us has made choices to do things in our life that God tells us not to.

 

“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God . . . If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8

Because God is perfect and without sin, our sin separates us from a relationship with the Creator

 “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

“For the wages of sin is death . . .” Romans 6:23

Realize that no one will ever be “good” enough to get to Heaven by themselves because no one is perfect like God and we’re all broken people.

 “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” Titus 3:5
 
 
  1. Believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who can save you from your sins.

 

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Even though we have sinned, God loves us so much and still desires to be in relationship with us that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to come down to earth, live a sinless life, and be the Savior for all who have faith in Him by dying on the cross for all our sins

 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

Jesus not only died on the cross for our sins, but three days later, God raised Him to life again to prove that death was defeated. The penalty for all our sins was paid in full that day, and the opportunity to have a relationship with God and one day spend eternity with Him was made possible through what Jesus did for us.

“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures . . . he was buried . . . he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scripture” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“. . . death no longer has dominion over him.” Romans 6:9
 
  1. Jesus tells us that all our sins will be forgiven if we have faith in Him, turn away from all our sins and commit to following Him for our lives.

 

 “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43 “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24

 “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

  • Jesus never promises us that our lives now will be perfect or that we will never make a mistake again, but He promises us that no matter what happens in our life, His spirit will be there with us. He will give us love, joy, and a peace that surpasses all understanding in any situation that we are in if we look to Him and trust in Him. All He asks of us if that we make a commitment to do our best to follow Him each day, acknowledging that He is our Lord and Savior.

If you are ready to full surrender your life to Jesus by asking Him to save you from your sins and be the Lord of your life, you can simply pray to Him something like this:

Jesus, I admit that I have sinned. I believe you are the Son of God and came to earth to take the punishment I deserve on the cross, and save me from my sins. I know you raised from the grave three days later and are alive today. I want to fully surrender my life to you. I turn now from my sins and ask You to forgive me. Please come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. In your name Lord, Jesus, amen.
 
 

What’s Next?……………

If you’ve just invited Christ into your life, here are some things you can do to grow in your relationship with Him:

  • Let someone know – We’d love to celebrate with you and help you with your new walk with Jesus. If you have a church home, we encourage you to talk with someone in your church, but if you do not attend a church, please reach out to us! Also, if you still have questions, we’d love to assist you the best way we can, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Bradley (Next Generation Pastor) : bradley@laguardobaptist.org

James Stophel (Senior Pastor) : pastor@laguardobaptist.org

  • Lets talk about becoming Baptized – This is a representation to the community around you that you have committed to following Jesus and you have been born again. The being immersed in water and then coming out represents you leaving your old life behind and starting your new life as a follower of Christ.

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life”

 – Romans 6:3-4

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life”

 – Colossians 2:12-13

  • Get Plugged in – You are now a member of the body of Christ and God wants to use your gifts for His glory. We encourage you to get plugged into a local church and serve in some capacity. We all have different gifts and we encourage you to use the gifts God has given you to serve Him through the Church. When the body of Christ comes together and we all use our gifts to serve Him, the body becomes stronger and can truly fulfill God’s calling for the Church and the Great Commission.

 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 – Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

 – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

  • Read the Bible to learn more about God and His plan for your life.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

  • Be in prayer with God daily, sharing your joys, struggles, temptations, and to confess your sins.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

  • Ephesians 6:18
  • Share your faith. You have just received a wonderful gift. Jesus tells us to share that gift with others. Make it a habit to seek out opportunities daily to share your faith with others.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

 – Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission