For too many people, the reasons for not becoming a Christian are very clear.

• I don't need God. I am alright as I am. Becoming a Christian may be okay for some, but not for me. I am happy as I am, and Christianity has nothing to offer me. I don't want to be rude, but I believe religion is for weaklings - those who cannot face life without some sort of crutch. I am not like that; I am the master of my own destiny, and I need nothing else.

• I could not imagine anything more miserable than being a Christian. All that hymn singing and listening to sermons - ugh! There are so many things I enjoy in life that Christians frown upon. I can do without that. Christianity is not for me.

• All Christians are hypocrites. They say one thing and do another. I can remember the unkindness done to me over the years by Christians, and I want nothing to do with them.

These are just three of many reasons people give not to become a Christian, reasons which are felt deeply by those who give them. Perhaps you feel the same way and could add other reasons. As far as you are concerned, to be a Christian is not for you. Though these reasons are genuinely held, I wonder how reasonable they are.

Who, for instance, is totally a master of his own destiny? One little virus can shatter all the plans and ambitions of a man. A sudden illness can change the whole course of a person's life. And who, at one time or another, does not need a “crutch”? No one is completely self-sufficient. It is impossible in this life. Would it surprise you to know that Jesus called the religious leaders of His time hypocrites? There will always be some in any walk of life that say one thing and do another, but that does not mean all Christians are hypocrites.

HOPELESS

Let me give you one reason why you should become a Christian:

This means you have broken God's law. Sin is a terrible thing. It is neither a social violation nor a temperamental blemish. It is open rebellion against your Creator. It is a taking up of arms against the Almighty God - and there is no future in that.

Sin leaves you in this world without God and without hope - no hope now and no hope for the future. You probably would not consider yourself to be hopeless, but that is exactly what you are apart from Christ. You may think it insulting to tell you this, but what is it you hope for? Is it not true that most of your hopes are centered on personal ambition or material gain? These hopes are as fragile as a butterfly's wings. You may think you have achieved them for a while, but they are easily snatched from you. And what hope do you have beyond this life? You probably don't think about that and dismiss it as pointless speculation. That is the blindness of sin. It won't let you think beyond this life.

SALVATION

You need to become a Christian because you are a sinner and Christ is God's only remedy to sin. Jesus Christ is our only hope because He is the only Saviour.

What does Christ offer you?

• He offers a full and complete pardon for all sin - past, present and future.

• He offers to fill your life with a purpose and joy that is indescribable.

• He offers to give you a hope that goes beyond the grave so that all fear of death is banished.

All this and much more a Christian has in Christ. His faith is not a crutch but a solid foundation that is not shaken by the circumstances of life.

This is why you need to become a Christian. But you will never become a Christian until you see that you are a sinner who needs salvation and that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour. If you believe this, then confess your sin to Christ. Ask Him for grace and mercy to deal with that sin, and come to Jesus in repentance (turning from your sin) and faith (trusting only Jesus to save you).

Grace is God giving you what you don't deserve. None of us deserves salvation and none of us could ever earn it. Salvation is the free gift of God to sinners who trust only in Jesus to deal with their sin.

you need Jesus Christ to save you from the consequence of that sin.

Whatever reason

you think you have

not to become a Christian,

this cancels them all out.