Whoever Calls

How Do I Become a Christian?

I have a wonderful message for you: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). In other words, salvation is just for the asking! Allow me to explain this wonderful offer. I only ask you to think seriously about it.

“Whoever”

God makes no distinction between different kinds of sinners. Romans 10:12 says, “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek (Gentiles), for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” There is no racial distinction: whether you are black or white, African, European, Asian, American – salvation is offered to all.

Neither is there any discrimination based on religious background. “Jew” refers to a person with a proper religious upbringing. “Greek” (Gentile) refers to a person without such training. Whether you belong to the very worst of sinners or the best of sinners, or you call yourself an atheist or an agnostic (a free thinker), it makes no difference: salvation is for you too.

So remember: “whoever” makes clear that anyone can be saved regardless of age, education, sex, race, religious background or social status.

“Calls”

God is not asking you to do something difficult to be saved. He is not demanding that you go on a pilgrimage, pay money, fast, or even turn over a new leaf. All He requires is that you call on the Lord for salvation. Yes, repentance is necessary, but the starting point is to call on the Lord.

You may have no desire for God or His Word. You may be addicted to alcohol or drugs, or be sexually immoral. But there is one things you can do – open your mouth and call on the Lord!

When you call on the Lord you are exercising faith in Him; you are believing in Him. Romans 10:14 asks the question: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?” To “believe” on Christ means to trust Him to save your soul, just as you trust your doctor by following his drug prescriptions. If you trust your religion, baptism, church attendance, tithing, fasting, pilgrimages or anything else for salvation – you will not go to heaven. You will end up in hell! Only Jesus Christ can save you because He suffered and died to take away your sins.

“Name”

The “name of the Lord” refers to His character. At His birth the angel announced, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The name “Jesus” means “the Lord saves”. You can ask the Lord for mercy, forgiveness and a new life. You can say, “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of salvation. I have broken your holy law many times. Have mercy on me, forgive my sins and give me a change of heart. Amen.”

“Saved”

The salvation which God offers is full and complete. It means being delivered from the guilt of sin. It means the Divine cancellation of your sins. Isn’t that wonderful? But it means even more than that; it is to be delivered from a sinful lifestyle. God not only gives us a new nature but He also puts the Holy Spirit in you to enable you to live from and for Him. This salvation also means that you are delivered from the power of Satan. He no longer has authority over you.

A Personal Matter

Friend, the decision is yours. You are duty-bound to personally call on the name of the Lord. No one can do it for you. This is how the Christian life begins. You are not a Christian by virture of being born into a Christian family. You must ask the Lord to save your soul and change your heart. Won't you take this simple step now?

-- Obialor Umozurike, edited

Scriptures from The New King James Version, © 1994, Thomas Nelson, Inc. By permission.