The Bible teaches that there are certain steps which must be taken in order to become a Christian, a member of the church of Christ (Acts 2:47).
Hearing what the Bible says through preaching, teaching, and personal study is the only way to produce a saving faith (Romans 10:17).
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; Hebrews 11:6).
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).
This is an outward confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10).
Baptism is a commandment of Christ. We are not saved by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9), but by the grace of God, through an obedient faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 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 Peters 3:21).
Proper subjects for baptism are taught persons (Matt. 28:19), believing persons (Mark 16:16), penitent persons (Acts 2:38), and persons who have confessed Jesus (Acts 8:37-38).
Scriptural baptism must be an immersion in water (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).
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.
taken from Saline Church of Christ website