Going to church is a Good Thing, but does going to church make you a Christian?

Does going to the garage make you a mechanic?

Does going to the hospital make you a doctor?

Hmmm; probably not.

If your parents were Christians, would that make you one?

Well, if they were doctors, would that make you a doctor?

Kinda' shoots that theory, doesn't it?

So now what do we do?

"Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father, who is in heaven.

Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name cast out demons? And in your name done many wonderful works?

And then will I say to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you that work evil.' "

Matthew 7:21-23

Is Christianity something that you earn?

Something you acquire by study or diligent effort?

Is salvation something God gives you because of what you do or don't do? Like keeping the Ten Commandments or something?

By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God-not of works-lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

"But if the good that I do balances out more than the sins that I commit, isn't that good enough?" Nope; not even close.

"Won't God reward me if I'm good enough?" No, no; it's a gift.

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

"Let me get this straight; The Bible says that everyone has sinned and missed the mark, right?" Yep, that's right.

"And the Bible also says that there is nothing that I can do to earn God's approval, or balance out my sins by doing good things, and please God that way?" Yep, that's right too.

"So unless God does everything I need for salvation, I am helpless and hopeless because of my sin?" You got it.

"And the Bible says that God will give me salvation, simply by believing that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and by receiving Him as Savior?" I think that covers it real well.

When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commended His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

"And that's all? Thats what it takes to be a Christian?"

Read the verse to the right. Think about it. Take it seriously. What does it say? What does it mean? Is it true of you?

Jesus Christ is the Savior, but is He your Savior?

That's where and how the Christian life starts. It's that simple.

If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

Romans 10:9