The term Christian as used in scripture refers to individuals identified by their behavior and conversations as being disciplined and committed to following Jesus Christ.  This commitment begins when we acknowledge and accept Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. The result is us being saved from the penalty of sin.

Salvation is for everyone.  Even now you can confess and ask the Lord to forgive you of all your sins, accept you as His own and write your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life and you will be saved. Even though you are saved from the time you confess your sin and believe, we invite you to participate in the next available altar call so someone can join you in this prayer for your life, and commit to assisting you in becoming a disciplined follower of Christ.

What does being saved from the penalty of sin mean? Regeneration by the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential for personal salvation.  To be saved from the penalty of sin is to have personal salvation.  To have personal salvation is to have eternal life.  In St. John 3:6-7 KJV Jesus said “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”  In St. John 3:16-17 Jesus said “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

What is the first step to being saved and becoming a Christian? The only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance, and faith in the precious Blood of Jesus Christ. In Romans 10:8-13 (NIV) the Apostle Paul said “But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That 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 that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”