Becoming a Christian: A Biblical Guide to Salvation
The concept of becoming a Christian is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of salvation. The term "salvation" is derived from the Hebrew name "Isaiah," meaning "the salvation of the Lord" [1]. In the New Testament, salvation is described as a gift from God, received through faith in Christ Jesus [2, 3].
According to the apostle Paul, salvation is not earned through human actions, but is a result of God's grace [6]. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it is written that "by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" [5]. This understanding is echoed in Philippians 3:9, where Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by observing the law of Moses [10, 11].
The process of becoming a Christian involves a transformation from an old sinful nature to a new nature in Christ [7]. This is described in Colossians 3:9-10, where believers are exhorted to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" [7]. This transformation is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives believers new life and enables them to live a life pleasing to God [6].
Baptism is also an important aspect of becoming a Christian. In 1 Peter 3:21, it is written that "baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God" [4]. This understanding is supported by the Protestant academic tradition, which emphasizes the spiritual union between Christ and believers [8].
The means of salvation is through hearing the word of God, as stated in Romans 10:17, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" [9]. This highlights the importance of preaching and evangelism in the process of becoming a Christian.
Sources
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Isaiah — the salvation of the Lord”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:15 (BSB) — From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Timothy 3:15 — And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
- I Peter “I Peter 3:21 (DRC) — Whereunto baptism, being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but, the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:5: 3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:9: 3:9-10 your old sinful nature . . . your new nature: Paul contrasts old and new identities (see also Rom 5:12-21; 6:6; Eph 4:22-24). Believers strip off their old life and put on Christ’s new life, allowing him to be Lord and to guide the way they live.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:15: 6:15-17 To be a Christian is to be spiritually joined to Christ in both life and death (cp. Rom 6:3-11). As a result, believers’ bodies have become parts of Christ (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-28; Rom 12:4-5). This spiritual union (cp. John 14:20; 17:21-23) means that they are not free to violate their bodies by physical union with a prostitute.”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing - Preaching the Gospel is the ordinary means of salvation; faith in Christ is the result of hearing the word, the doctrine of God preached. Preaching, God sends; if heard attentively, faith will be produced; and if they believe the report, the arm of the Lord will be revealed in their salvation.”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:9: 3:9 Paul here summarizes the contrast between his understanding of salvation and that of his opponents (3:2). • Believers become one with Christ by trusting him for salvation and sharing his life (cp. John 15:1-5). • We become righteous, not by observing the law of Moses, but through faith in Christ. This is God’s way of making us right with himself: Salvation cannot be earned, but only received as a free gift (see Rom 1:17; 3:21-26; 4:5-8; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:9: 3:9 Paul here summarizes the contrast between his understanding of salvation and that of his opponents (3:2). • Believers become one with Christ by trusting him for salvation and sharing his life (cp. John 15:1-5). • We become righteous, not by observing the law of Moses, but through faith in Christ. This is God’s way of making us right with himself: Salvation cannot be earned, but only received as a free gift (see Rom 1:17; 3:21-26; 4:5-8; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9).”