How to become a Christian Lesson 5

The devastating effects of sin on the human race has made it impossible for man, in his own strength, to escape the power of evil. But Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, came to earth to break the chains of sin and restore us to the family of God. Becoming a member of the human race, He sacriﬁced His life as a clear demonstration of God’s love and justice, tasting death for all mankind and providing restoration from sin for all who will accept Him.

Many people do not know how to approach God. Some think they must make changes in their lives before they try to come to Him. Others ﬁnd it hard to understand how Jesus could love them when other people don’t seem to. But the Bible has great news for you! God DOES love you! More than you can ever imagine! And there’s nothing you can do to make Him stop loving you! Yes, your sins demand punishment, and cause you to be separated from God. But, because of His great love, God sent His only Son Jesus to die for your sins. And that is the Good News of the Gospel!

How can God take a rebellious sinner and restore that person to an obedient son or daughter of God? This lesson will help you settle that question in your mind.

Questions

Click on the question to reveal the answer:

1. What changes are necessary to enter God’s new world? John 3:3-7

The Bible answer is: We must be born again

Jesus was emphatic that no one could enter His kingdom unless he/she was born again. Even a brilliant teacher like Nicodemus, who was so knowledgeable in the Scriptures, had to experience the new birth. The sinful nature has been passed down from generation to generation. A new birth, the creation of a new nature, is necessary to experience a restored relationship with God.
2. Why is the new birth essential to live in God’s kingdom? Romans 8:5-8
3. What miracle occurs in man’s nature at the new birth? Ephesians 4:22-24

The Bible answer is: We become a new person in Christ

A new self or nature is introduced into our lives. It is often called a new heart or mind (Ezekiel 36:26-27). It is not a modiﬁcation of the old, sinful nature, or simply a renovation of the old life, but rather a brand-new nature or creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is called a new birth because growth must take place for it to become mature. It is a new start in a different direction.
4. What is different about the new nature or mind God gives us? Jeremiah 24:7
5. How is the new birth accomplished in our lives? Titus 3:3-7

The Bible answer is: By the Holy Spirit

The new birth is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, and is symbolized by the washing away of sin through water baptism (Acts 22:16). A person cannot bring about the new birth by his own efforts any more than he can change his life through his own efforts.
6. Is it possible to really experience this change? 2 Peter 1:3-4
7. How can we experience the new birth? John 1:12
8. How do these changes take place? Philippians 2:13

The Bible answer is: Through God working in us

With our permission, God works in us “to will” (make the right decisions) and “to do” according to “His good purpose” (to do what is right). It is important each day to ask Him to work in us to accomplish His will, since He alone can change us.
9. What motivates us to receive Jesus as our Saviour? 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
10. When is Jesus willing to give us this new birth? Revelation 3:20

The Bible answer is: When we invite Him in

Jesus is always waiting just outside the door of our heart, gently knocking, hoping we will hear and open the door for Him to come in and stay with us. When we receive Jesus, we immediately experience the new birth and all that it signiﬁes. There is no required waiting period.

Response questions:

Have you seen the love of God in this lesson?

Would you like to give your heart to Jesus, and be born again?