How to Become a Christian
The sermon outlines the steps to becoming a Christian: admitting sin, believing in Jesus, and inviting Him into your life.
Tom Macartney preaches on the essential steps to salvation: admitting our sins, believing in Jesus Christ as the only Savior, and turning from our sins to invite Christ into our lives. He emphasizes the universal truth that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, highlighting the need for repentance and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice for forgiveness and eternal life.
Text
1. Admit that you have sinned.
"For all have sinned." "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8
Your sin separates you from God and leads to death. "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
You cannot get rid of your sin on your own. "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy." Titus 3:5
2. 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
Jesus Christ, God's Son, led a sinless life, yet chose to be punished in our place. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:18
He died on a cross and was buried. Three days later, God raised Him to life again to prove that death was defeated. "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures ... He was buried, He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures ... death no longer has dominion over Him." 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 6:9
God offers to forgive our sins and invites us to spend eternity in heaven with Him if we accept Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. "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
3. Turn from your sins and invite Christ into your life.
"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
If you are ready to take this important step, talk to God right now and say something like this: "Dear God, I admit that I have sinned. I believe that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to take the punishment I deserve. Then You raised Him to life again, so that I may have eternal life. I turn now from my sins and ask You to forgive me. Please come into my life and be my Saviour and Lord. In Jesus' name, 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.
Read the Bible to learn more about God and His plan for your life.
Pray to God often to share your joys and problems and to confess your sins.
Attend a Bible-teaching church where you can worship God and get to know other Christians.
Share your faith. You have just received a wonderful gift. Tell someone!
Ask other Christians who follow the Lord to help you find literature to help you get started.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Admit that you have sinned. - Understand the consequences of sin. - Recognize the inability to remove sin on your own.
- II points: - Believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who can save you. - Acknowledge Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. - Accept God's offer of forgiveness.
- III points: - Turn from your sins. - Invite Christ into your life. - Confess your faith in Jesus.
- IV points: - What to do after accepting Christ. - Read the Bible. - Pray and attend church.
Key Quotes
“For all have sinned.” — Tom Macartney
“Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” — Tom Macartney
“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.” — Tom Macartney
Application Points
- Start reading the Bible daily to deepen your understanding of God's word.
- Make prayer a regular part of your life to maintain your relationship with God.
- Engage with a local church community to grow in faith and fellowship.