Becoming a Christian is not simply about joining a religious group or agreeing to a set of beliefs. It is not like becoming a member of a club, where the decision rests entirely on your own choice, or through meeting some kind of criteria.
To become a Christian is to be rescued from a terrible situation and condition. The Bible calls this rescue salvation. Salvation means being freed from our sin and its consequences, being brought into a relationship with God, and receiving a new and eternal life from him.
Salvation is something God does for us. It is not something we achieve by our own efforts. This is what the Bible means when it says:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Grace is the love of God poured out on us even though we have done nothing to deserve it. God takes the first step. Our part is simply to respond to this saving love – to trust him and receive what he freely offers.
The New Testament describes several dimensions to this salvation. Each one shows a different aspect of what God has done for us. (This will introduce you to some words that are perhaps unfamiliar and maybe a little daunting. But stick with it because they are not too difficult to understand and represent some wonderful truths!)
1. Forgiveness – our sins are forgiven
The first dimension of salvation is forgiveness. Because Jesus died on the cross, our sin is dealt with and our guilt is removed.
‘He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:7)
Forgiveness wipes our slate clean and sets us free to be able to become the people God created us to be. We do not earn this forgiveness by trying harder or by improving ourselves. We receive it simply by trusting in what Christ has done.
“everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” (Acts 10:43)
2. Justification — our guilt is removed
Justification means being made right with God. It is pictured in the Bible as both a legal and relational declaration: God announces that we are no longer guilty, no longer condemned, and are now accepted fully in Christ.
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Paul explain this further in his letter to the Romans:
‘Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (Romans 5:1)
Justification is a once-for-all declaration based entirely on Christ’s death for us. We are brought from a place of condemnation – like a prisoner on death row – into a place of peace with God.
3. Regeneration — we are given new life
Regeneration means being made spiritually alive. The Bible describes this as being “born again.” Jesus told a religious leader:
“You must be born again.” (John 3:7)
This is referred to later in the New Testament:
‘He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.’ (Titus 3:5)
The Christian life is not about self-improvement. It is about God making us new:
‘…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Paul reminds us that we were spiritually dead because of our sins, but God made us alive through Christ’s resurrection:
‘God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (Ephesians 2:4)
We cannot generate this new life ourselves. We receive it by trusting Christ. The Holy Spirit begins to work within us, enabling us to live in a new way. God’s way.
4. Adoption – brought into God’s family
Alongside forgiveness, justification, and regeneration, the New Testament also describes salvation as adoption.
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12)
When we become Christians, God welcomes us into his family and becomes our Father.
‘See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!’ (1 John 1:3)
We are sons and daughters of the living God! One of the Holy Spirit’s main works within us is to remind us of this identity.
You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16)
God’s Initiative and Our Response
Although salvation is initiated by God, it still calls for a response from us (see the post Becoming a Christian – what we do). But even our response is made possible by God’s work in our hearts.
‘no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them,’ ” (John 6:44)
The initiative always belongs to God.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
- Which aspect of salvation (forgiveness, justification, regeneration, adoption) do you find the most encouraging? Are there any that you struggle to believe?
- Why do you think the New Testament uses different words and images to describe salvation?
- How does it change your understanding of becoming a Christian to see salvation as something God does rather than something we achieve?
Putting It Into Practice
- Reflect on what God has done for you
Read Ephesians 2:1–10 slowly and thank God for each aspect of salvation described there. - Pray a simple response of trust
“Lord, I receive your forgiveness, your new life, and your grace. Help me to trust you fully.” - Begin to live from your new identity
When you feel guilt or failure, remind yourself:- I am forgiven
- I am justified in Christ
- I have been made new
- I am a child of God
From the Bible
Memorise this verse:
‘Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (Romans 5:1)
Remember this:
“The gospel is not what we do for God, but what God has done for us.” (Martin Luther)
Recommended Resources:
See the partner post for this one – Becoming a Christian – What You Did
See also the post on Knowing Who You Are In Christ.
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