Why I became a Christian (Part 1)

If you're reading this article, it's likely because I (or someone else) pointed you here following a recent discussion. If that's you, welcome. I'm grateful you're reading this. I can't promise but I'll try my best to make it worthwhile.

Alternatively, if you've found this article via a web search, a warm welcome to you as well. I hope it guides you to uncover the same transformative truth. Above all, I really do hope my story helps you discover the life-changing truth of Jesus Christ.

So, why did I become a Christian? Let me try to answer this in two ways. Part one of this post will focus on the why question. In part two, I describe how events unfolded which ultimately led me to Jesus.

Why I became a Christian

The reason why I became a Christian is best answered this way: God stepped into my life and drew me to Himself. His amazing grace awakened my spiritually lifeless soul.

As I look back, I see less of myself, and more of God at work—placing God as both the initiator and author of my salvation story. I've come to understand that my Christian faith is the result of God's mercy, initiated through His loving nature.

I didn't set out on an epic voyage of spiritual discovery. Ultimately, it was He who began the good work in me. He sought me out by relentlesly pursuing me—a recurring pattern found throughout the Bible. Read Luke 15:3-7, Ezekiel 34:11, Luke 19:10, John 6:44.

I find it incredibly difficult taking any credit for becoming a follower of Christ. This has just not been my experience. The truth of the matter is I did everything in my power to avoid God—like the lost sheep. For some, this may be difficult to understand—let alone accept. Equally, this probably raises many questions. I get it.

We're highly attached to our choices, our preferences, and especially our ability to reason. We like to think we're in the driving seat. It's part and parcel of the human condition—the product of what the Bible calls our sinful nature. In this fallen state, we hate the idea of being told we're lost and in need of help. Instead, we prefer the story to revolve around our efforts of either accepting or rejecting Him.

We love because He first loved us

So, back to the question at hand: why did I become a Christian? What I'm trying to communicate is that God is the initiator of all good things—from the moment of creation (Genesis 1:1) to me becoming a Christian. It's a pattern that seems to emerge from His love. Scripture declares "God is love..." (1 John 4:16) and therefore "We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). He had to be the initiator because I was spiritually lifeless/dead (Ephesians 2:1-5)—and dead people usually don't respond.

And for these reasons—God being good, loving, merciful, and me being spiritually dead and lost like a sheep—God stepped in to save me by revealing His grace to me. It wasn't because He discovered my virtues, merits or credits. I certainly hadn't earned or deserved the gift of salvation. In fact, I think I deserved quite the opposite. Instead, He lavished it upon me as a gift of His grace, for the sake of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25, Romans 5:8, Titus 3:4-7, 2 Corinthians 8:9).

Not convinced? That's okay, look into it for yourself. Here are a few things to help you get started:

1. Read—Start with the Bible. Try to read through the Gospel of John. Next, read the book of Ephesians—pay particular attention to chapter 1, verses 3-14. Lastly, if time permits, read the poem "The Hound of Heaven" by Francis Thompson.

2. Pray—Ask God to reveal Christ to you. Don't worry, it doesn't need to be wordy or elegant; just sincere.

3. Listen—The classic hymn "Amazing Grace" is helpful. Read the words carefully and listen to it. May be even have a go at singing it too.

4. Connect—Reach out to me if you have any questions. I'll try my best to help.

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