One becomes a Christian as the Holy Spirit works God’s Word into one’s heart so that they truly comprehend their sinfulness before the infinite Holy God, and desire to turn from their sin that shamefully nailed Jesus to the cross, and to trust Him alone for His righteousness, salvation, and a transformed life.  All those who have this work of the Holy Spirit and His Word in their lives are to follow Paul’s example when Ananias said, “What are you waiting for?  Arise,be immersed and wash your sins away calling on His name.”  God assures us he will act in accordance with true faith and repentance. He will forgive (Rom 4:5-8) and continue to transform (1 Thess 5:23-24; Heb 7:25; Jn 10:28-29; Is 49:14,15; Ph 2:13).  

 

(The Lord has blessed us to share the good news with lost people of how to be saved through Christ.  Some didn't know much about Jesus, while others thought they were saved but actually were not - depending on their "good" performance, believing and hoping they had been saved because they had previously prayed a scripted prayer to "accept Jesus", or who were trusting in their water baptism.  In each case, precious scriptures where used by the Holy Spirit to bring the person to truly know Christ - His infinite righteousness, sacrifice for their sin, and resurrection power.)