© 2009 Ninevah Christian Church, Lawrenceburg, KY

Becoming a Christian

Becoming a Christ-follower is a lifelong process, which begins with belief (or faith), is sealed by baptism, and continues toward being remade in the image of Christ. It is not profitable or fruitful to argue at which point a person is "saved." Instead we encourage people to believe, repent, confess, and be immersed.

We do not judge people who follow a different pattern; we allow God to be the judge (Romans 12:4, 8-12). Belief, repentance, confession and baptism are immovable elements. Trying to remove one element is like trying to remove flour from an apple pie. All elements are part of the process.

But this is not the end of the journey toward Christ. Christ-followers are expected to present themselves as alive from the dead, no longer allowing sin to reign over them, but becoming slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:12-22). Believers are also created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2:10) as a means of expressing our relationship with Christ.

If you still have specific questions about the process of becoming a Christ-follower as practiced here at Ninevah Christian Church just call 502-680-1955

Baptism

The immersion of the sinner (Romans 6:2-6) into the grave of water for the forgiveness of all sins and the gifts of salvation and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)  The Greek word for baptism (baptidzo) is defined with many theological meanings and interpretations. What we seek to help you understand is what we believe the New Testament teaches about this important action.  In the accounts of conversion, or becoming a Christian, in the book of Acts the place of immersion is prominent.  Examine the following Scriptures and you will see this importance:

 Acts 2:38-47 - forgiveness and gift of the Holy Spirit

 Acts 8:34-39 - follows confession of belief

 Acts 9:10-19 - after regaining his sight from the confrontation with Christ

 Acts 10:34-47 - first Gentiles who were accepted into the faith

 Acts 16:31-34 - follows confession of belief

 Acts 18:8 - follows belief in the Lord

 Acts 19:1-7 - people hear the gospel, trust in Christ, then are baptized

Paul describes baptism as the burial of the sinner into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-7). When you come out of the water you are alive in Christ (Romans 8:10 and Galatians 3:27). Peter uses baptism as part for the whole (2 Peter 3:9), where one action represents the whole process of becoming a Christian. In 1 Peter 3:21 he points to baptism as a "cleansing of a guilty conscience" a "washing away" through the resurrection of Christ.

What saves is the faithful obedience of individuals to the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism demonstrates the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and a willingness to make a commitment following everything He asks of us.
 

Here at Ninevah Christian Church we seek to restore the New Testament purpose for immersion as part of the process of becoming a Christ-follower, a moment when the covenant is sealed