Many people ask an important question: “How do I know if I’m a Christian?” One way to answer that question is to ask, “What did the early church teach/do about becoming a Christian?” Looking back at the early church and the pattern established through the apostles’ teaching (guided by the Holy Spirit) is a great basis for a beginner Bible study. A study of the early church can provide clarity on what the Bible says about becoming a Christian, how the first Christians lived out their faith, and what pattern we should follow today. In this article, we will explore this crucial foundation of Christian life.
What Was the Early Church Like?
The book of Acts provides a clear picture of how the early church began.
Formation & Establishment
In Acts 2, we see the Holy Spirit come upon the apostles, Peter preach the gospel, and thousands respond in baptism. Acts 2:42-47 describes their devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This pattern shows that becoming a Christian led immediately to belonging to a faithful community.
Growth Through Conversion
Examples abound—Jews in Acts 2, the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, Cornelius in Acts 10, and Saul in Acts 9. Each conversion followed the same steps: hearing, believing, repenting, and baptism. In Acts 22:16, Ananias urged Saul, “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins.” There was no long delay between belief and obedience.
Unity and One Church
The church was not many denominations but one body. Ephesians 3:10-11 shows the church as God’s eternal purpose. Acts 2:47 states that believers were “added to the church,” and 1 Corinthians 12:13 teaches that all are baptized into one body. Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ emphasizes this unity as essential to biblical Christianity.
Characteristics and Practices
Early Christians devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. They gathered on the first day of the week for worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2), and they lived transformed lives (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4). Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ strives to model these same practices today.
What Does It Mean to Become a Christian?
The New Testament shows a consistent pattern for how people came to Christ.
- Hearing the Gospel: Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The early church preached Jesus as the risen Lord.
- Believing in Jesus Christ: Jesus said in John 8:24, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Belief in His deity and resurrection is essential (Romans 10:9-10).
- Repentance: Conversion requires a change of heart and life. Acts 2:38 calls us to repent for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance, as well as a subsequent change in behavior to follow the teachings of Jesus from that point on, is often the missing link in modern conversions.
- Confession of Faith: Romans 10:9-10 explains that confessing Jesus as Lord is part of salvation.
- Baptism for the Remission of Sins: Baptism is where sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Acts 2:38 connects baptism with forgiveness and receiving the gift of the Spirit. The early church baptized immediately—there was no extended waiting period. Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ teaches this same biblical model, rejecting unnecessary delays. We also follow the early church’s example of full-immersion baptism as opposed to the sprinkling or pouring of water performed by denominations.
The Best Next Steps if You Are Asking Questions Like These
So, how do I know if I’m a Christian? The early church shows us the path: hearing the gospel, believing in Christ, repenting of sins, confessing faith, and being baptized into His body. Living faithfully afterward is the natural response to God’s grace.
For those beginning a beginner Bible study, the early church provides a simple but powerful example. Becoming a Christian is not about joining a denomination or waiting until you feel ready—it is about trusting God’s Word and obeying His commands.If you are asking, “How do I know if I’m a Christian?” or if you want to study further, Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ welcomes you. It’s okay to ask questions and to seek assurance. The journey begins with an open Bible and a willing heart to follow Christ.