The Bible teaches that there are certain steps which must be taken in order to become a Christian (Acts 2:47).
Hear the Word: Hearing what the Bible says through preaching and personal study is the only way to have a saving faith (Rom. 10:17).
Faith: One must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 3:16). This results from hearing the Word of God (see above), and is stated as essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; John 8:24; John 20:30-31; Heb. 11:6).
Repentance: This too, is commanded (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19). Repentance is a change of mind which causes one to turn away from sinful practices. It is commanded for everyone (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3).
Confession: This is an outward confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10).
Baptism: Baptism is a command of Christ. We are not saved by our own works (Eph. 2:8-9), but by the grace of God, through an obedient faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1-2; Heb. 5:9; James 2:14-26). The New Testament teaches that baptism is a required act of obedience which is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). Scriptural baptism must be an immersion in water, or a burial (Acts 8:35-39; Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12).
Remain Faithful: Following the obedience of these commands we believe it is important that the Christian live faithfully (Rev. 2:10), because the Bible teaches the possibility of falling from the grace of God.