When we ask the question, "How does one become a Christian?", we are asking more specifically "How does one receive the forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life?" Simply put, through Jesus Christ alone! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me" (John 14:6). The Bible tells us "all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory" (Rom. 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). But this verse goes on to tell us "but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

The Apostle Paul wrote "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).

When we ask, "What does it mean to be a Christian?", we are asking "How does one demonstrate the realty of faith in Christ in his life?" Simply, by his good works and obedience, not perfection, to God’s Word. Before we became a Christian we may have been capable of kind works, but certainly not righteous deeds to earn God’s forgiveness. We must recognize at the heart of our "good works" is still a sinner in need of a Savior. Our standing before a holy God is completely dependant upon the person and work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross.

The Apostle Paul argued clearly in his writings that faith and works could never save, that is, give a right standing before God. Otherwise he believed Christ died in vain (Gal. 2:21).

We are justified by faith alone in Christ alone, but we show our justification by our works (James 2:18).