How to become a Christian

While browsing through the latest Baptist Standard, I came across a boxed item with that title on it.

In six steps, the article tells a reader how to become a Christian using what's known as the "Romans Road to Salvation." It's not exactly Wesleyan, but it is snappy and easy to remember:

1. Romans 3:23-realize you are lost;

2. Romans 6:23-understand that God sent his only son to reconcile us to God;

3. Romans 5:8-know that the sacrifice of Jesus bridges the gap between God and us;

4. Romans 10:9-need to repent, turn from sin and accept Christ's sacrifice;

5. Romans 10:13-know that anyone who accepts Christ will be saved.

And the Baptist tagline: A person who accepts Christ as Savior should by baptized by immersion and join a church.

And I wondered if a United Methodist were asked, "How do I become a Christian?" what would be the response?

A colleague here in the newsroom only half-jokingly commented: "Perhaps that's why we have problems with evangelism."

Any fresh responses out there beyond: "Um, come to church with me?"

Comments

[Spencer]

Boy, I'm wrestling with THIS one!

I've spent most of my life thinking that the definition of evangelism was inviting people to come to church with me so that I could turn them over to the professionals. Quoting your newsroom buddy, "Perhaps that's why we have problems with evangelism."

I don't know how we really evangelize until we are each prepared to share our faith, without adult supervision.

I don't know how we prepare ourselves to evangelize without focusing on the means of grace - Wesley's list isn't the only possible list, but it's a very reasonable list.

I'm remembering being in a Bible study when our senior pastor asked about how our (UMC) church evangelizes, and he got this answer:

"It's easy. We let the Baptists turn them into Christians, and THEN we turn them into Methodists..."

Some people laughed, and others did not...

Thanks for sharing this one!

Spencer

[Becoming a Christian]

Its not easy becoming a Christian. I had a few people who tried to convert me. It didn't quite work but I see the allure of such an offer. The power and feeling of joining such a community must be great.