What does it mean to become a Christian? First of all, you need to fully realize that God loves you. And His desire is for youth have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible declares that without exception, “All have have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is is a universal problem as the scripture points out: “None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12). Also, the prophet Isaiah noted: “We have all become as one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away” (Isaiah 64:6).
Sin came into the world by one man’s disobedience. That man was Adam—the very first man God created. The Bible clearly states, “Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). This means that everyone sinned in Adam. The consequence of Adam’s sin was that “many were made sinners” (Romans 3:19). Man is not only a sinner by nature, but he is also a sinner by practice—falling short of God’s glory.
Because God is holy and righteous, He cannot condone sin in any way, shape, or form. He loves us with an eternal love that knows no bounds and He is not willing that any should perish. The Bible says that God “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, He has provided the way and means for sinful man to be reconciled to Himself, through His Son Jesus Christ who came into the world for that purpose. “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16,17).
This is God’s method of salvation. God saves people by His grace. The Bible tells us,”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). In his commentary on this text, Dr. Charles Stanley writes, “If our salvation were dependent on our action—if we could be redeemed by doing good works, keeping the commandments and refraining from sin—we would always be in danger of losing it whenever we stumbled. However, because salvation is a gift given to us freely—and not in exchange for anything we can do—it is completely secure. Our salvation therefore magnifies the awesome love and grace of God alone, since He blesses us not because of our merit but because of His goodness” (Life Principles Bible, p. 1415).
Salvation does not come by works, meaning it cannot be earned. The scripture states: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us , not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy” (Titus 3:4,5). Note the words “according to His own mercy.“ God is not only the “God of grace,” He is also the “God of mercy.” Mercy means that God does not treat us the way we justly deserve to be treated. If He did, man would be lost forever. Therefore, since mercy and grace God
originates with Him, He is willing and able to provide His free salvation to undeserving and unworthy sinners. Mercy and grace are far greater than all our sin and shame.
You can accept this free gift of salvation that Jesus is offering you right now by sincerely doing what God asks you to do, “If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth you confess and are saved. For the scripture says everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 10:9-11). Salvation will only come through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Therefore, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus, who saves you, is Lord and you are now accountable to Him who God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This is the most important decision you will ever make. May God help you to do so.