Becoming a Believer in Christ
Dr. Jove A, Wungow, MD, PhD.
The author Jove A Wungow is an ordained pastor of the Anugerah Bible Church of Indonesia and Things To Come Mission. In 1982 he graduated as a Medical Doctor from Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, and in 1987 he obtained a Clinical Specialist degree in Neurology from Airlangga University, Surabaya. He received a National award in 1998 as a Consultant Neurology Specialist. In 2024 he graduated as a Doctor of Education, PhD, from Liberty University, Virginia, USA.
Step 1
Knowing Christ
We have all sinned and deserve to die. However, through His death on the cross, Christ demonstrated His power to atone for our sins including all the consequences of our sinful transgressions. Why? Because God loves us. The apostle Paul said, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
More than that, through His cross Christ has healed us from the disease of sin so that we hope to live in righteousness. The apostle Peter said, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24).
Therefore, through Christ and His death on the cross, we are given the opportunity and chance to be saved from the penalty of sin and eternal death in hell. The apostle Paul said, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
But how can we be saved from the penalty of sin and eternal death in hell?
Step 2
Understanding the Love of Christ
The LORD Jesus loves you and has a plan for your future! He said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The LORD Jesus also wants you to have a meaningful and abundant life. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Why does God love us?
We humans must realize that there is a big problem between us and God. All humans, including you & me, are judged by God as Sinners. The Apostle Paul said, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). As a result, we humans experience death, which is spiritual death and separation from God. The Apostle Paul said, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
So, the big problem that has separated us from GOD—is our sin. And, we cannot solve the problem of sin, and do not have the power to remove our own sins. There is no other way for us to be saved except through the Lord Jesus who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Step 3
Personal Decision
After knowing Christ, you understand that Christ’s death on the cross is a sacrifice to atone for human sins, including your own. How do you react? Do you promise and decide to accept this gift from GOD?
If so, continue to understand that GOD’s grace has been given to you so that through Christ’s death on the cross, GOD restores your life to a new status—namely as a person who has been redeemed and justified before GOD.
Therefore, you need to make a decision to accept Jesus as LORD and save you. With this decision, you understand and acknowledge that His sacrifice on the cross is the only way for you to be saved from the penalty of sin. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).
In addition, if you decide to believe in Christ, you need to make sure that by believing in Christ, you consciously accept the gift of Eternal Life that the LORD Jesus gives to anyone who believes in Him. Christ said: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24)
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Step 4
Accept Christ
The stages to receive Christ include (1) the Confession Stage, which is to confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD, and (2) the Faith Stage, which is to fully believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. The Apostle Paul said, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10).
Therefore, if you decide to believe and receive Christ, do the following four things:
- Admit that you are a sinner.
- Ask to be freed from the LORD and be willing to be restored from your sins.
- Believe that Christ died on the cross to redeem you
- Tell the LORD Jesus that you accept Him as LORD and your personal commitment.
You can use PRAYER to receive Christ. as exemplified as follows:
“Yes, Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness now. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. I decide to believe and follow You as my God and my promises. Guide my life to do Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus, amen.”
Step 5
Grateful for Christ
After accepting and confessing Christ, express your faith and gratitude every day to the Lord Jesus through the following five expressions of gratitude:
- Be thankful that GOD has loved and saved you. The Bible says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (Ephesians 2:8).
- Be thankful that GOD has forgiven all the punishment for your sins. The Bible says, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24).
- Be thankful that the LORD Jesus has recorded your name in heaven. The LORD Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke 10:20, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
- Be thankful that the LORD Jesus has given Eternal Life to those of you who believe in Him. Christ said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
- Be thankful that the Lord Jesus has given you the right and power to be born again spiritually and become a child of God. The Bible says in John 1:12, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—.”
Step 6
Renew Life
When we accept Christ as our LORD, we receive the Holy Spirit. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we experience spiritual rebirth and our behavior grows and is renewed. The apostle Paul said, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
After becoming believers in Christ, we receive the power of the Holy Spirit who regenerates us spiritually. The apostle Peter said, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).
In addition to being reborn by the Holy Spirit, we are also given the right and power by the Holy Spirit to become children of God. The Bible in John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—.”
For this reason, the Apostle Paul advised:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“Put on the new self, which was created according to the will of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but even though our outer man is degenerating, our inner man is continually being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
As children of God who have been born again, we are exhorted to stop our bad habits and old behavior.
“Therefore, put off your old self, which is perishing through deceitful desires, and be renewed in your spirit and mind” (Ephesians 4:22-23).
“Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:1).
In addition, if our lives grow in the love and holiness of Christ, then we will be ready to be used by God as His workers to carry out God’s glorious mission.
“He who cleanses himself from his wickedness will be a glorious vessel, sanctified, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
In addition, our new life will continue to grow in Christ, and will be directed to become strong and mature in faith toward God.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, in the power of His might, and put on the whole armor of God, so that you can stand against the wiles of the devil; for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this dark world, against evil spirits in the air” (Ephesians 10-12).
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day and remain steadfast, after you have finished all things” (Ephesians 6:13).
step 7
Spread the Light
- Why is it important for us to spread the Word of Christ? This is because the LORD Jesus gave us a mission to act as the ‘Light of the World‘. Christ said: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
The Apostle Paul also said, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in God. Therefore live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
What does it mean that every Believer in Christ is called a ‘child of light’ or ‘light of the world’? This means that Believers in Christ have a noble task from God, namely to bring the Light of the Gospel to others. The Gospel of Christ is the Word of God that has the power to save humans. Therefore the Apostle Paul said: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
So, whoever hears and accepts the Light & Word of Christ, then their faith will grow by itself. And through their faith in Christ, they are saved from sin and death. The Bible says: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). “Faith comes from the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).
However, it is impossible for anyone to be saved if they have never heard about Christ. To overcome this, the Apostle Paul gives Direction by saying: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on the Christ of whom they have not believed? and how can they believe in whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
Therefore, as a solution, every Believer in Christ is called to spread the news of Christ to others around them. The Apostle Paul said: “Preach the word, be ready for good or bad times, make things happen that are wrong, rebuke and exhort with all patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).
The following is an example of Christ’s Word that Believers of Christ can use to share and convey to others:
- Use the Bible verse from Matthew 11:28, which contains the Lord Jesus’ invitation to everyone. The Lord Jesus said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Convey these words of Christ to other people, including family, friends, that with this verse Christ invites them to come and believe in Christ.
- Invite others to believe in Christ and follow Christ’s words in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
- Convince others that if they believe in Christ, they will have eternal life according to Christ’s words in John 5:24, “Truly I say to you, whoever hears My words and believes in Him who sent Me, he has eternal life and will not be condemned, because he has passed from death to life.”
Furthermore, if necessary, you can use other Bible verses available here on the following page in this “Seven Steps to Becoming a Believer in Christ” article.
Four Gifts of God to Believers in Christ
Gift 1
Free from Death
This gift of Freedom from Death is given by the LORD Jesus only to everyone who believes in Christ.
The bestowal of this grace is God’s solution for humans who have sinned and are under the power of death as written in the Bible: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Basically, humans are powerless to erase their sins, and are also unable to save themselves from death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Only the LORD Jesus has the power to save people from death and the power to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. The LORD Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, whoever keeps My word, he will never die.” (John 8:51).
Gift 2
New Birth
This gift of the New Birth is done by the Holy Spirit when a person receives Christ and decides to become a Believer of Christ.
After becoming a Believer of Christ, we receive the power of the Holy Spirit who regenerates us spiritually. The Apostle Peter said, “For you have been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are reborn spiritually, and our lives are renewed. The Apostle Paul said, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
Because of the New Birth we receive from the Holy Spirit, we are adopted as children of God. “But to all who received Christ, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Gift 3
Having Eternal Life
This gift of certainty of Eternal Life was given directly by the LORD Jesus to Christ’s Believers which is in line with the bestowal of the New Birth by the Holy Spirit which makes all Christ’s Believers into children of God. Pay attention to the following words in the words of the LORD Jesus:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who hears My words and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned, because he has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but may have eternal life” (John 3:16).
“My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me, and I give them eternal life and they will never perish and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).
Gift 4
Registered In Heaven
This Gift of Being Registered in Heaven is closely related to the status of ownership of the Guarantee of Eternal Life and the Right to become children of God that is owned by everyone who believes in Christ.
This gift is based on the Word of Christ which says: “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
This joy of faith is also a joy because the Holy Spirit has regenerated us and given us “renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
Likewise, the joy of Being Registered in Heaven is a joy related to the New Birth status that we receive from the Holy Spirit, which makes us “children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
With our names Registered in Heaven, we are automatically called members of the heavenly family, as the Apostle Paul said, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await the Giver, Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20)
Characteristics of Believers in Christ
The character of a Believer of Christ is very different from the character of an anti-Christ. In the following scheme, 4 characters are depicted (A, B, C, D).
Characters A & B are classified as Believers of Christ , while characters C & D are classified as anti-Christ characters. What is the difference?
The position of Believers of Christ is on 2 paths, namely A (Christ) or B (Neighbor Lover), and not on path C or D.
The character of Believers of Christ A & B is the same, namely only focusing on Christ the LORD (see the upper right corner of the scheme).
On the other hand, the characters of Anti-Christ C (Self Lover) and D (Satan Lover) only focus on Satan (see the lower left corner of the scheme). Next, follow the following explanation with the scheme below..
Christ Lover
Character A
Character A is listed as a Lover of Christ. See the path A leading from the point of Christ to the upper right corner of the diagram. With this character, believers in Christ show their activeness in prayer, praying, fellowshipping together in church and spiritual fellowship of believers in Christ.
The Bible reports a model of the worship activity of Believers in Christ in Acts 2:42, “They continued devoted to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, and were continually meeting together in the breaking of bread and in prayers.” Here are some Bible instructions that support the development of the character of a Lover of Christ:
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joy” (Psalm 100:2).
“Exercise yourself in godliness. Physical training is of little value, but godliness is profitable for all things, holding promise for the present life and for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
“Let us not distance ourselves from our meetings for worship, as is the habit of some, but let us exhort one another and strive more diligently as we approach the day of the Lord” (Hebrews 10:25).
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, stand firm, do not be shaken, and always be active in the work of the Lord! For you know that in fellowship with the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
“Pray always in the Spirit. Be watchful in your prayers with unceasing supplications for all the Saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Neighbor Lover
Character B
This B character is called Love of Others. See the B path leading to the Christ point in the upper right corner of the diagram. With this character, Believers in Christ demonstrate the characteristics of new behavioral humanity, which is not self-centered but caring and respectful of others. The behavior of Believers in Christ is based on the Word of Christ in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
The Love of Others character is manifested by the nature and desire to build up, help, and assist others. The following biblical guidelines support the development of mutually upbuilding interpersonal relationships between fellow believers:
“If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion” (Philippians 2:1).
“Therefore, exhort one another, building one another up, just as you are in fact doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“Let us not be unthankful, let us not provoke one another, let us not be envious of one another” (Galatians 5:26).
“Let us therefore pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Let us consider one another, encouraging one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9-10)
Self Lover
Character C
This C character is not a characteristic of a Christian. C characters are called Self-Lovers. See the C path leading to the Satan point in the lower left corner of the diagram.
Self-Lovers or Selfish characters tend to behave as haters of others which is contrary to the Word of Christ which says to “Love your neighbor.”
This character is characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance and is too busy fulfilling their own needs and desires. They often display traits such as arrogance and lack of empathy for the needs of others. They tend to resent criticism or suggestions from others.
This character tends to focus primarily on themselves promising their own abilities with a sense of superiority. They often dominate conversations and discussions, and believe that they are superior to others in some way, whether in skill, intelligence, or achievement.
They have difficulty understanding the feelings of others and do not even value the opinions of others, instead seeking praise or actively seeking reasons to receive praise from others. In addition, the Bible mentions several characteristics of people who love themselves, namely:
“People are lovers of themselves, lovers of money. They are arrogant and boastful. They are slanderers. They are disobedient to their parents. They are ungrateful and refuse to serve God” (2 Timothy 3:2).
“They do not live according to the spiritual, but the desires of the flesh, which are contrary to the Spirit” (Galatians 5:17).
Satan Lover
Character D
Character D is not a characteristic of people who believe in Christ. Character D is called the Satan Lover. See path D leading to Devil’s point in the lower left corner of the schematic.
The Satan Lover character is mentioned in the Bible as a liar, hater, evildoer, mobster, terrorist, and murderer of fellow humans.
The Lord Jesus rebuked the Satanists in Jerusalem who wanted to kill Him, saying in John 8:44, “The devil is your father and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and did not walk in truth, for in him there is no truth. If he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own accord, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Satan Lovers are people who are very active in committing crime, violence and cruelty. The Bible says in 1 John 3:8, “Everyone who continues to sin is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. That is why the Son of God came, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
In addition, the character of the Devil Lover has demonic lust or is possessed by a devil. The Bible says they are controlled by Satan’s desires and fleshly lusts including: fornication, impurity, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, strife, riots, envy, anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, divisions, wickedness, drunkenness, revelries” (Galatians 5:19-21).
Some researchers report that Satan Lovers usually experience the phenomenon and Devil Syndrome, especially after they actively participate in Satanic rituals and séance ceremonies to summon the dead. They like to talk about magic, the supernatural, black magic and witchcraft, and join occult organizations.
They lose self-control, including chaotic thoughts dictated or controlled by evil spirits. Their thoughts are in the form of obsessions, fantasies, hallucinations, panic, and full of negative worries, etc. Their behavior is aggressive, antisocial, accompanied by sudden outbursts of anger, and destroying the environment, cursing, and hurting others. They utter obscene words against religion, which shows an extreme anti-religious reaction that hates, including belittling worship activities & prayer, or mocking the Bible and insulting GOD.
They exhibit psychopathic expressions such as depression and extreme feelings of hopelessness, or experiences of profound inner deprivation. As such, they tend to party, drink, overeat, and use narcotics, psychotropics, and addictive drugs.