How to Become a Follower of Jesus Christ

Are you interested in becoming a follower of Jesus Christ? The following section is intended to provide a basic overview of our spiritual condition, what Jesus has done for us, and how we can respond to this “good news,” what is referred to as the Gospel message. Jesus taught that we should take the decision to follow him seriously (Luke 14:28). For this reason, you are encouraged to read or listen through the linked scripture references as you go, praying for God to reveal himself to you.

The Message

God is the creator of all things, including us. Humanity was intended as the crown jewel of creation. As the Bible teaches, we were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7). This idea extends beyond physical dimensions. It means that we were set apart to be like God, relational, loving, creative, thinking beings: Living expressions of his glory. We were created with the purpose of honoring and glorifying him, but we fell short of that mission when sin entered the world. Because God is completely holy and without sin, we no longer completely reflected his image. Because of our sin, we stand eternally separated from God (Genesis 3:1-24; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 1:16; James 2:10).

In order to reconcile with God, a price has to be paid for our sin. Because God loves us, he paid that price himself (Mark 10:45; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:19). God sent his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to live among us and share in all of our struggles, yet without sin (1 Peter 2:22-23; Hebrews 4:15). He lived a perfect life, was wrongly accused, and died a sinner’s death by hanging on a cross. He was buried in a tomb and rose gloriously from the dead three days later (Luke 24:6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Now he sits at the right hand of God, serving as an intercessor for us (Acts 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20). His death paid the heavy price for our sin, and now Jesus offers us forgiveness for our sins and the gift of eternal life (Romans 5:7-8; Psalm 103:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

How to Respond

So how do we respond to this wonderful message of hope? Jesus taught that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). This refers to a spiritual rebirth, a fresh start, where we are raised to walk in newness of life, just as he rose from the dead. This is what is meant by the common phrase, “to be saved.” While our sins condemn us to death, Jesus offers salvation to those who repent, or turn away from their sins, and believe in him (Mark 8:34; John 3:16; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-9). The apostle Paul wrote about what this looks like rather practically.

“…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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

If you are ready to turn from your sins, and you believe that Jesus is who the Bible says that he is, then you can be saved today (John 11:25-26; John 14:6). It is common in the Christian tradition to begin this journey in prayer. Call out to Jesus, seek forgiveness of your sin, and ask him to be Lord of your life.

What’s Next?

If you have decided to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior, perhaps the best place to start is to celebrate! Join in the heavenly celebration yourself (Luke 15:10), thanking God for what he has done, then invite others to join the celebration. If you have any Christians in your life or people you know have been praying for you, tell them the good news. The next step is to get connected with a body of believers in your local community, and allow them to help guide you as you grow in your faith.