What is a Christian?
A Christian is a person who has repented of their sin and has received Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Mark 1: 14-15; 8:34-38; John 3; 36

Why is it so important?
Because we are accountable to God who owns us and the world.
The world and all that exists were made by God, and he has full authority and right over all that he has make. Human life owes its existence to God. Genesis 1

God made humans with a dignity and responsibility beyond anything else in the creation. He made them and us "in his own image and likeness". He gave people a task: to populate the world, develop its potential and superintend it on behalf of God. Genesis 1 and 2

People were made accountable to God. He made a prohibition and gave a warning. Genesis 2: 15-17

Because we have failed God.
The whole human race has rejected God and gone after self-rule. Genesis 3; Romans 3: 23; 5: 12-14

Because he has provided the only way back.
God sent his only Son to take our punishment and to call us back. Mark 10: 45; John 3: 16

Because there will be a final judgment.
Christ will return to establish a new cosmic order. God has set the date on which he will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus and has given proof of his word by raising Jesus from the dead. Acts 17: 30-31

Because God has shown us how to receive forgiveness and release.
He has told us to repent of our sin (rebellion against God) and to put our trust in Jesus as Lord of our life. Acts 2: 38-9

Because eternal life is awesome and precious beyond imagination.
Jesus came to give us abundant life. We are promised a perfect eternity in heaven and the help of the Holy Spirit while we are still on this earth. John 10: 10; 14: 15-21

How to become a Christian

Ask God to forgive all your sins, known and unknown.

Tell God you decide to follow his direction for your life from now on.

Ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit to help and empower you.

(You could use the "Prayer of Commitment" below.)

Prayer of Commitment

Lord Jesus Christ,

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. (Take a few moments to ask the Lord for forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience.) Please forgive me. I now turn from everything which I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.

Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift.

Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.

I want Jesus Christ to lead me as one of his followers all of my life.

Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen