24 Jan How to Become a Christian: Understanding the Gospel Through the Roman Road
Introduction: A Question That Matters Eternally
Few questions are more important than this one: How do I become a Christian?
People ask it for many reasons. Some are searching for meaning. Others are burdened by guilt, fear, or regret. Some sense that there must be more to life than what they see. Others simply want to know God but are unsure where to begin.
Christianity is not about joining a church, adopting moral behavior, or inheriting a religious tradition. At its core, Christianity is about a restored relationship with God made possible through Jesus Christ.
The Bible provides a clear explanation of this message, often summarized in what is known as the Roman Road—a series of passages from the book of Romans that explain humanity’s problem, God’s solution, and our response.
This article will walk through that road carefully, using Scripture itself as our guide.
The Roman Road: God’s Clear Message of Salvation
The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul to explain the gospel plainly and thoroughly. The Roman Road uses several verses from Romans to outline the message of salvation in a logical sequence.
1. Humanity’s Condition: Everyone Has Sinned
The first step is understanding our condition before God.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This verse makes a universal statement: all have sinned. Sin is not just wrongdoing or immoral behavior; it is falling short of God’s perfect standard. It includes actions, thoughts, attitudes, and motives that are contrary to God’s holiness.
Sin separates us from God. Even what we consider “small” sins reveal that we are not morally perfect. No one is exempt. This includes religious people, moral people, and irreligious people alike.
The Bible is clear that we cannot fix this problem ourselves.
2. The Consequence of Sin: Spiritual Death
Sin is not only a moral issue; it has consequences.
Romans 6:23a
“For the wages of sin is death…”
A wage is something earned. According to Scripture, the result of sin is death—not merely physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God. This separation begins now and extends into eternity if unresolved.
This is not arbitrary punishment. God is holy and just. Sin cannot exist unaddressed in His presence. The seriousness of sin explains why the gospel matters so deeply.
But Romans 6:23 does not end with death.
3. God’s Gift: Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ
Romans 6:23b
“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Here the message turns from despair to hope. What we earned through sin is death, but what God offers is a gift. A gift is not earned, deserved, or achieved. It is received.
That gift is eternal life, and it comes through Jesus Christ.
Christianity centers on the person and work of Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection.
4. God’s Love Demonstrated at the Cross
Why would God offer such a gift to sinners?
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God did not wait for humanity to improve itself. Christ did not die for righteous people, but for sinners. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love.
Jesus lived a sinless life, fulfilling God’s law perfectly. On the cross, He took upon Himself the penalty that sin deserves. He died in our place. This is called substitution—Christ suffered so that sinners could be forgiven.
Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that sin and death had been defeated.
5. Salvation Comes by Faith, Not Works
Many people believe they must earn God’s favor. The Bible says otherwise.
Romans 3:28
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”
To be “justified” means to be declared righteous before God. This happens not through religious performance or moral effort, but through faith—trusting in what Christ has done.
Faith is not blind optimism. It is trusting the promise of God based on the work of Jesus.
6. Responding to the Gospel: Confession and Belief
The gospel calls for a response.
Romans 10:9–10
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Salvation involves both belief and confession. Belief is internal trust; confession is outward acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord.
Calling Jesus “Lord” means recognizing His authority and surrendering to Him as King—not merely accepting Him as a helper, but as the rightful ruler of your life.
7. God’s Promise Is Available to All Who Call
Romans 10:13
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This promise is inclusive. Whoever calls—regardless of background, past mistakes, or current circumstances—can be saved.
Salvation is not about cleaning up your life first. It is about coming honestly to God, trusting Christ, and receiving forgiveness.
What It Means to Become a Christian
To become a Christian means:
- Acknowledging that you are a sinner separated from God
- Believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again
- Turning from self-rule and trusting Christ as Lord
- Receiving God’s forgiveness and new life by faith
This is often expressed through prayer—not as a formula, but as a genuine response of the heart.
A Simple Prayer of Faith
If you understand and believe the gospel, you may choose to pray something like this:
“God, I know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sin and place my trust in Jesus alone for salvation. I receive Your gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus, You are my Lord. Amen.”
The power is not in the words, but in the faith behind them.
What Happens When You Become a Christian
The Bible teaches that when someone places their faith in Christ:
Their sins are forgiven
They are declared righteous before God
They receive eternal life
They are adopted into God’s family
The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them
This marks the beginning of a new life—not perfection, but transformation.
Growing in Faith as a New Christian
Becoming a Christian is the beginning, not the end. Spiritual growth happens intentionally over time. Here are essential next steps:
1. Tell Someone Close to You About Your Decision
Sharing your decision is an act of obedience and encouragement. It is a way of bearing witness to Christ and what He has done in your life. Speaking your faith aloud strengthens it.
2. Read the Bible and Pray Daily
God speaks through His Word. Begin reading the Bible regularly, starting with the Gospel of John or the book of Romans. Prayer is simply talking with God—honestly and consistently.
3. Find a Bible-Teaching Church
Look for a church that teaches through the Bible systematically, where the main point of the pastor’s message comes from the main point of the biblical text. Faith grows best where Scripture is taught clearly and faithfully.
4. Get Connected With Other Believers
Christianity was never meant to be lived alone. Seek relationships with believers who want to grow spiritually and make a difference in the world. Community provides encouragement, accountability, and support.
5. Tell Others About Christ
As you grow, look for opportunities to share what God has done in your life. You do not need to have all the answers—just a willingness to point others to Christ.
We Would Love to Hear From You
If you have made a decision to follow Jesus, or if you are processing what this means, we would love to hear from you.
Please email us at:
Tell us about your decision and what is happening in your life. You are not alone, and we would be honored to walk alongside you.
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