HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN (2)

Acts 2:37–38 KJV (WS)

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN

Introduction

The inquirers were sinners and wanted to become Christians. They asked how they might become Christians, and Peter answered their question.

I. One Must Believe That God Is

Hebrews 11:6 KJV (WS)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1. That is, believe there is a God.

2. Believe that He will reward a sinner, forgive him.

3. One must believe the Bible is God’s Word.

4. These inquiring Jews believed in God and the Bible.

II. One Must Be Convicted of His Sins.

1. The Holy Ghost convicts of sin.

John 16:7–8 KJV (WS)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

2. God draws men toward Christ.

John 6:44 KJV (WS)

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

3. The inquiring Jews were deadly convicted.

4. The Gospel had reached their hearts.

5. God had spoken to them by the Gospel and Spirit.

III. Repentance Is the Next Step.

1. Except you repent you shall perish

Luke 13:3 KJV (WS)

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

2. Repentance is a command of God

Acts 17:30 KJV (WS)

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

3. John demanded it of his converts

Matthew 3:5–8 KJV (WS)

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

4. Christ preached on the subject of “Repentance”

Mark 1:15 KJV (WS)

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

IV. Accept Christ by Faith

1. Must by faith accept the free gift.

2. If offered a gift, you would not receive it unless you accepted it.

3. Christ offers pardon after you have met conditions, but you must accept to receive.

V. God’s Part in Our Redemption.

1. To provide the atonement. He did in Christ.

2. To convict or draw the sinner. This He is doing.

3. When you fully decide, confessing your sins in faith, He will forgive.

1 John 1:9 KJV (WS)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Conclusion

Why be lost?

God will do all of His part and help you to do yours.