Becoming a Christian
There are many different routes to faith. The trigger may be an episode in your life that changes your perspectives. It may be sorrow or guilt or gratitude or anger. It may be the example of a person of faith. It may be just a tug at your consciousness that tells you there is more to life. Whatever your reason for reading this the first thing to understand is that your interest is being initiated by God who is trying to attract your attention all the time. So the first thing you need to do is ...
1. Notice God and respond
Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in ..."
(Some people spend years pretending that it isn't happening and resist the tug. But God will keep trying however many excuses and avoidance strategies you employ.)
The second thing to do is take a long hard look at yourself. Lots of people reckon that they are a pretty good person by their own standards but once you start to see yourself from God's point of view it can be quite a shock! But don't despair. There is always step two ...
2. Recognise the behaviours and attitudes that turn you away from God and harm relationships
These are called Sins. Acknowledge that these exist and desire to turn away from them. (To repent is to have a change of mind that results in a change of behaviour.)
Acts 3:19 says: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Then comes the step that our rational scientific brains find hard sometimes ...
3. Seriously acknowledge the possibility of the central claim of Christianity:
That Jesus Christ died on the cross and was raised from the dead to ensure the forgiveness of your sins and give you the chance of eternal life. Ask God for help if you struggle with this. Wanting to believe is half the battle!
The tricky bit to grasp is that to receive faith and the salvation that it brings you don't actually have to DO anything. We could not possibly earn it. The whole point is that there's nothing you did, or ever can do, to deserve it. It's a free gift from God. All you have to do is receive it!
4. Talk to the vicar or another Christian for advice on what to do next
You may wish to learn more about the faith that you are called to. You may decide to formalize your commitment by getting baptised or confirmed. We would be delighted to explain these ceremonies to you in more detail but both involve a personal commitment (within the worshipping community) to growing your faith and building up your relationship with God in Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit.
If you want to discuss coming to faith contact us.