How to become a Christian
Something in you is being drawn toward God. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for a long time, or maybe it started tonight. You don’t have to clean up first or have it all figured out. You can start right where you are.
You become a Christian by trusting Jesus: believing He is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again, turning from your sin toward Him, and receiving Him as your Lord. The Bible puts it simply: “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” (Romans 10:9). It is not about earning anything. It is a gift you receive (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Ready, or close? We’ll walk with you. Take the first step →
A thief on a cross
Two criminals were crucified beside Jesus. One mocked Him. The other said, “We are punished justly… but this man has done nothing wrong,” and then, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:40–43). He had no time to fix his life, no good works, no religion. He simply turned to Jesus. It is still that simple.
Three simple steps
Admit. We have all sinned and fallen short of God (Romans 3:23). Being honest about that is the starting point.
Believe. Jesus died in your place and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Trust that what He did is enough.
Confess and follow. Tell God, and someone else, that Jesus is your Lord, and begin following Him (Romans 10:9–10).
A prayer you can pray
“Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and I turn to You. I receive Your forgiveness and Your life. Be my Lord. Lead me from today. Amen.”
The words don’t save you; Jesus does. But if that prayer is honestly yours, welcome to the family of God.
What to do next
Tell someone. Start reading the Gospel of John. Talk to God every day. Find people to grow with. Ask about baptism, the public step Jesus asked His followers to take (Matthew 28:19).
What the Bible says
- 01
Confess and believe.
“that 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. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.”
Romans 10:9–10 - 02
Why He came.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 - 03
A gift, not earned.
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8–9 - 04
- 05
A new creation.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 - 06
The right to become children of God.
“But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—”
John 1:12
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
If you prayed that prayer, don’t keep it to yourself. Tell one person today, and let us walk with you: tap below and we’ll help you take your first steps.
Common questions
Do I have to go to church to become a Christian?
No. You become a Christian by trusting Jesus, wherever you are. But you weren’t meant to follow Him alone; growing with other believers is part of the life He gives.
What if I don’t feel different?
Salvation rests on God’s promise, not a feeling. Some people feel a lot; others feel little at first. Keep reading, praying and following.
Do I need to get baptized?
Jesus told His followers to be baptized as a public sign of their faith. It doesn’t earn salvation, but it’s an important step of obedience.
Can I become a Christian if I have done terrible things?
Yes. Paul persecuted Christians before he met Jesus. Every sin can be forgiven for anyone who turns to Him.
Take your first step with us.
If you prayed today, or you’re close, Become will walk with you: your first days with Jesus, step by step, with people praying for you.