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                 |    How to Become a Christian    |
                 |    Version 1.01, August, 2004   |
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Introduction
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Some people think a personal relationship with God is something only
theologians can comprehend.  Actually, God's plan of salvation is
simple enough for everyone to understand.  Here are the ABCs of
salvation.  

Admit
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Admit to God that you are a sinner.  All persons need salvation.  Each
of us has a problem that the Bible calls sin.  Sin is a refusal to
acknowledge God's authority over our lives.  Everyone who does not
live a life of perfect obedience to the Lord in guilty of sin.  "For
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Since none of us are perfect, all of us are sinners (Romans 3:10-18).

The result of sin is spiritual death (Romans 6:23).  Spiritual death
means eternal separation from God.  By God's perfect standard we are
guilty of sin and therefore subject to the punishment for sin, which
is separation from God.  Admitting that you are a sinner and separated
from God is the first step of repentance, which is turning from sin
and self and turning toward God.

Believe
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Believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son and receive Jesus' gift of
forgiveness from sin.  God loves each of us.  God offers us salvation.
Although we have done nothing to deserve His love and salvation, God
wants to save us.  In the death of Jesus on the cross, God provided
salvation for all who would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus.
"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so
that everyone who believe in Him will not perish but will have eternal
life" (John 3:16).

Confess
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Confess to others your faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.  After you
have received Him into your life, share your decision with another
person.  Tell your pastor or a Christian friend about your decision.
Following Christ's example, ask for baptism by immersion in your local
church as a public expression of your faith.  "If you confess with
your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised
Him from the dead, you will be saved.  With the heart one believes,
resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses,
resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

Comments concerning this public service announcement will be taken
under advisement via comme...@truthrus.org.