The heart of Christianity is not a set of rules and regulations, but about God's love and a historical event - the violent crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus is a historical figure, accepted by historians and even by theologians of other faiths. It is indisputable that he lived around 2000 years ago. But what did he say about himself?

Jesus said, 'I have come so that they might have life, and have it to the full' (John chapter 10, verse 10). By this he was explaining that, through him, all people are able to find meaning and fulfillment for their lives.

But the good news comes at a price. Jesus continued 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep' (verse 11).

Why did Jesus have to die?

The Bible tells us that we were all made to have a relationship with God, but we have chosen to live our lives our own way rather than in God's way. The Bible calls this sin. Sin has created a barrier between God and his people that makes a relationship impossible. 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans chapter 3, verse 23)

Recognizing our human failures, and the inevitability of death, God provided a solution - he sent his son - Jesus - into the world.

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life' (John 3:16)

Although he lived a perfect life, Jesus became everything that was wrong with this world. he took the punishment for our sin: dying on the cross. 'Christ died for sins once for all ? to bring you to God' (1 Peter 3:18)

But his death was not the end of the story. On the third day after his death, Jesus came to life again. He was seen, heard and touched by many witnesses. Jesus had beaten death and defeated our sin.

How do we receive God's gift of life?

'If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.' (Romans 10:9)

There are three steps to becoming a Christian:

Thanks
Thank God for sending Jesus to earth and dying on the cross for you. Thank him for the offer of complete forgiveness and for a fresh start in life in a new relationship with him.

Sorry
Ask God to forgive you for not living in the way he intended. The Bible uses the word 'repentance' which means to turn away from and renounce everything we know is wrong in our lives. Pause for a moment to consider some specific wrongs. Admit the things that you don't even like to admit to yourself.

Please
God will not force himself on you. His design for us was one of free will. But when you accept God's gift and invite him to come into your life, he will respond to that call. God wants to be number one in your life. And he gives his Holy Spirit to help and guide.

A prayer

You can become a Christian here and now by speaking out a prayer to God. Here is a sample prayer you might like to use:

Father God,
I recognize that in the past I have wanted to run my life in my own way.
I have sinned and not always lived up to your standards.
I am sorry and want to turn away from my old ways (take a moment to ask his forgiveness for anything that comes to mind).
Thank you that you sent Jesus to die on the cross for me, and that through his death and resurrection I can be forgiven and enter into a personal relationship with you.
Please come into my life through your Holy Spirit so that I can live with and for you from now on.
Amen

What next?

If you have just prayed along these lines, something will have happened to you. You've become a Christian! Congratulations! 

You may feel instantly different. You may not. It is a personal relationship, so there are no hard-and-fast rules. But if you prayed the prayer sincerely, this is the beginning of your Christian journey.

There are several things you can do to confirm what has happened:

• Tell someone  - Contact The Salvation Army Corps Officer (Pastor)
  You've just made the biggest decision of your life! This is more important than buying a car or a house. The implications are much greater than getting married! Find someone to share your exciting news with. 
• Find and join a church
  The church is a great place to meet other Christians, who share the same relationship with God. It's hard to 'go it alone'... you'll need support, encouragement and friendship. All churches are not the same, and they can take some getting used to. The important thing is to find a church where you are welcome, and able to take an active part. To give as well as receive.   The Salvation Army is part of the Christian church, and we would love to have you come worship with us.