How do I convert to Christianity?

Answer

A man in the Greek city of Philippi posed a very similar question to Paul and Silas. We know at least three things about this man: he was a jailer, he was a pagan, and he was desperate. He had been on the brink of suicide when Paul intervened. It was at that moment the man inquired, “What must I do to be saved?” «and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? », (Acts 16:30).

The mere act of posing the question indicated that the man acknowledged his need for salvation—he saw only death ahead, and he understood he required assistance. By directing his question to Paul and Silas, he demonstrated his belief that they held the solution.

The response was prompt and straightforward: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved” (verse 31). The narrative proceeds to illustrate how the man did believe and underwent a transformation. His life began to exhibit a change from that day onward.

It is noteworthy that the man’s conversion was rooted in faith (“Believe”). He had to place his trust in Jesus and nothing else. The man believed in Jesus as the Son of God (“Lord”) and the Messiah who fulfilled the scriptures (“Christ”). His faith also encompassed a belief in Jesus’ death for sin and resurrection, as this was the message preached by Paul and Silas (see Romans 10:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

To “convert” literally means “to turn.” When we turn towards one thing, we inevitably turn away from something else. Turning to Jesus implies turning away from sin. The Bible defines “repentance” as a change of mind regarding sin and a change of miAnd about Jesus, and then a turning to Jesus in “faith.” Therefore, repentance and faith are complementary. Both repentance and faith are indicated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9—“You turned to God from idols.” A Christian will leave behind his former ways and anything pertaining to false religion as the result of a genuine conversion to Christianity.

To put it simply, to convert to Christianity, you must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sin and rose again. You must agree with God that you are a sinner in need of salvation, and you must trust in Jesus alone to save you. When you do this, God promises to save you and give you the Holy Spirit, who will make you a new creature.

Christianity, in its true form, is not a religion. Christianity, according to the Bible, is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Christianity is God offering salvation to anyone who believes and trusts the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. A person who converts to Christianity is not leaving one religion for another religion. Converting to Christianity is receiving the gift that God offers and beginning a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that results in the forgiveness of sins and eternity in Heaven after death.

Do you desire to convert to Christianity because of what you have read in this article? If your answer is yes, here is a simple prayer you can offer to God. Saying this prayer, or any other prayer, will not save you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. “God, I know that I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness – the gift of eternal life! Amen!”