How do I become a follower of Jesus Christ?

First you must understand God loves you and has designed you to be in an abundant and everlasting relationship with Him. The Bible says: “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 | Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 | “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 | Jesus also said, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23

God wants us to have this beautiful relationship with Him. But we have a problem…Our Sinfulness (Rebellion) separates us from God. Both in our nature and in our choices we have shown ourselves to be sinners. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 | The Bible teaches that our sin separates us from God and deserves death and hell. “For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23 | We cannot save ourselves from our sin. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:9

Jesus came to save us from the sin (rebellion) that separates us from God. The Bible teaches that Jesus is God and became man. We deserved death for our sin, but Jesus, God’s perfect Son, shed His blood and died in our place and then rose from the dead having paid for our sins in full. He is the only way to God. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’” Romans 5:8 | “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Romans 4:25 | “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

To become a follower of Christ, a Christian, we must receive Christ as our Savior and Lord. “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

How do you do this?

Turn from your Sin. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

Place your trust in Christ. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Ephesians 2:8

Invite Christ to be Lord of your Life. “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.” Romans 10:9

You can receive Christ now.

If you are ready to receive Christ as your Savior you can repent of your sin, place your trust in Jesus and invite Him into your life by praying a prayer like this: Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness of sin. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sin and that He rose from the dead. I accept Christ as my Savior and invite Him to become my Lord. I give you the control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and coming into my life. Make me into the person you desire for me to be. In Jesus Name. Amen.

If you sincerely prayed this prayer: You have become a child of God, a Christian. Your sins are forgiven and God has come to dwell in your life forever. You have just begun your journey as a follower of Christ. The question is, what is the next step?

Profess your new faith in baptism.

The Bible teaches that new believers show they have given their lives to Christ by being baptized.

“Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

If you have given your life to Christ you will want to show others that you have by requesting baptism. Baptism is a public celebration of your salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a special and important moment in the life of the believer. Although some churches today baptize by sprinkling or pouring water over a person, Bellevue Baptist Church practices complete immersion baptism, exactly the way Jesus was baptized.

How do I make a profession of faith and be baptized?

Simply come to the front of the worship center during the “invitation” time of the service and speak to one of our pastors. This is usually toward the end of the service when the congregation sings and the Pastors stand at the front. You will be presented to the congregation as one who is professing their faith and requesting baptism at Bellevue.

After making this public profession of faith, a time for your baptism will be arranged. You will receive a letter detailing what you will need to bring to your baptism (extra clothes, towels, etc.).

Your baptism will be a special time. You will want to invite family and friends to this wonderful occasion!

This is only the beginning of your walk with God. The adventure has just begun…

For more information on your next step as a child of God, please refer to our Discipleship ministry.