A good many people in the United States will tell you they’re Christian. They may attend church or they may not. When they fill out forms which require disclosing their religious preferences, they will automatically check “Christian”. But, what if being a Christian is simply a label distinguishing oneself from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or other religious label? What if attending church is simply a habit or tradition or social necessity? What if choosing to identify as a Christian doesn’t include a relationship with Jesus Christ?

If you have any question as to whether or not you are truly a Christian in the Biblical sense of the word, then take a few moments to read on.  Learn how to stop questioning and know that you are indeed a Christian in every sense of the word.

We talk a lot about our heart and understand that our feelings (our heart) can lead us or motivate us to do good. But, by the very nature of man, the heart tends to resist God and rebel against Him. This is why the Bible tell us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Even though the heart can lead us to do good, it is also very capable to lead us in other directions that offend God. We may claim to love God but all too often our actions, as led by our hearts, reveal something very different. If we are aware of right and wrong based on God’s laws (which, by the way, were given to bless and protect His people), our conscience (our inner voice — I like to call it our “knower”) will cause us pause to consider our actions or words before we act or speak. God created every human being with a God-sensitive conscience.  It might be noted, however, that ignoring our God-sensitive conscience and deliberately rebelling against it will lead to a callousness toward God and eventually we can develop a hard-heartedness toward any sense of self restraint and awareness of a God-sensitive conscience. The Bible calls this condition “reprobate”.

God understands how He made us and He knew we would need a way to rescue us from sin that leads away from Him and toward that reprobate condition. He loves you and me so much that He provided a way to offer us hope through a new life with Him.

Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” He is referring to the gift of salvation — the very specific provision by God to make a way to enjoy a relationship with Him, a way to please Him, and a way to be assured of eternal life. This provision was made through God’s son, Jesus Christ. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Faith is another one of those words we often take for granted. Having faith in God is not simply believing there is a God out there somewhere. Placing faith (or having faith) in Him is like setting a hook deeply in a fish’s mouth, connecting the fish to the fisherman until his catch is reeled in. Placing our faith in God is much like setting a hook in His heart and never letting go, securing that line attaching you to Him as you walk through life adhered securely to Him. Where you go, He goes with you. When you lie down, He is by your side. When you rise, He is ready to walk with you through your day. When you’re in trouble, He’s there with a way through the trouble. When you’re rejoicing, He rejoices with you. When you mourn, He not only mourns with you but comforts you like no other can.

Salvation is received by faith alone: “For by grace you are saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8).

A heart who seeks Him, acknowledges his or her need of a Savior, repents of his or her sin, is given the gift of faith. The anchoring kind of faith. The fish-hook kind of faith, securely set in Him. This gift of faith is not available without making a decision to acknowledge your need for a Savior. Romans 10:9 says, “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.”

So, let’s settle the questions you have in your heart.

Do you trust that Jesus paid a price sufficient for your salvation? Do you want to receive new life through Him? Do you acknowledge your need of a Savior? Are you willing to repent of your sins?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, pray a prayer similar to this. If you can’t come up with your own words, ask the Lord to help you pray these words from a sincere heart:  “Dear Lord, I know I am in need of a Savior. I know that the price Jesus paid is enough to make me acceptable to You. I am sorry for my sins; I am sorry I have neglected to seek You. Please forgive me of all I have done wrong. I accept the precious gift of faith and eternal life through Jesus Christ and declare Him as Lord and Master Controller of my life. Thank You for such a priceless gift, for my new life, and for leading me into knowledge and wisdom through Your Word. I choose to follow You from this day forward. I surrender all I am to You, amen.”

If we can help you get started in your new walk with Jesus Christ, please let us know. To help you understand more about what you just prayed and why, please download the free ebook offered offered above. Learning 2 Live was written to help you get started in your walk with God. If you will share your decision with us, we will be happy to send you a special gift from this ministry.

Please find a local church where you can worship and grow in your faith. Ask a congregational leader about baptism and how you can follow Christ’s example as a public expression of your new faith.

We’re excited to know you’re well on your way to a new life — embarking on an exciting journey of faith is something you will never regret!