Some basic answers to questions about the meaning of Christianity and how one becomes a Christian.

A,    What is a Christian?

       A Christian is one who believes that Jesus Christ is God-in-the-flesh (incarnation) and has accepted and trusted Jesus Christ as the Lord of their life.

B.    Who is Jesus Christ?

          Jesus Christ was, and is, the Son of God in whom “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.”  (Colossians 1:19-20)

C.    What is sin?

          Sin is rebellion against God, a rebellion that has effected all creation.  All humanity has this ‘bent toward sinning,’ this tendency to rebel against God and God’s will for our lives and God’s will for his creation.

D.    What are the effects of sin?

          Sin leads to humanity’s estrangement from God; to broken relationships between God and between people.  Sin has alienated us from God and corrupted both the individual and society.

E.    What is grace?

          Grace is God’s undeserved gift of love and mercy to all people, even though we live in rebellion against God and in separation from each other.  Grace is initiated by God and given openly and freely to all who wish to accept this gift of love and mercy.

F.    What is Salvation?

          Salvation is the rescue God makes of those when they turn away from their rebellion toward God and place their trust in Jesus Christ.  It is a healing of the soul, and an assurance that we are God’s children.

G.    What is repentance?

          Repentance is our turning away from our sin, or rebellion toward God, and making a total surrender of our life to God, and God’s will for our life.

H.    What is Christian faith?

          Christian faith is a life that is lived in Jesus Christ, a life that is centered on being obedient to Jesus Christ and committed to his church.

I.     What is Conversion?

          Conversion is the turning around, away from our rebellion, our sin, and embracing God’s will.  It is a uniting with a people of kindred spirit and intent.

J.    What is the church?

          The church is the community, the fellowship of like minded believers in Jesus Christ.  It is a people united in worship of God and is a witness to the world of God’s love and mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ.  It is God’s people in both the local setting, and throughout the world.

K.    How can I become a Christian?

          One becomes a Christian by simply confessing our sin and turning toward Jesus Christ.  In doing so we are asking for God’s forgiveness of our rebellion, knowing that he will forgive, and then trusting in Jesus Christ who has opened up for all a new way to live, a life lived in fellowship with God and with others.