Explained simply, for anyone

Christianity for Beginners: I Know Nothing, Where Do I Start?

If you know nothing about Christianity and want to know where to start, here is the short answer: start with Jesus. Not with rules, not with a denomination, not with figuring everything out first, but with the Person at the center of it all. Christianity, boiled down, is the good news that God loves you and came as Jesus to rescue you, and that you are invited to know him. So the first step is not to become religious; it is to get to know Jesus and decide what you think of him. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. That invitation is the doorway, and it is open to you right now, exactly as you are, with all your questions.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”John 6:35

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”Revelation 3:20

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”Romans 10:9

In plain words

Here is a simple path for a total beginner. First, read about Jesus for yourself. Pick up one of the four Gospels in the Bible, John or Mark are gentle places to begin, and read a little at a time, asking, Who is this man, and could his claims be true? Second, talk to God honestly, even if you are unsure he is there. A simple prayer like God, if you are real, help me find you is a real place to start. Third, deal with the central question: was Jesus who he said he was, and did he really rise from the dead? Everything hangs on that. Fourth, when you are ready, respond. Becoming a Christian is as simple as turning from your own way and trusting Jesus, often in a plain prayer admitting your need, thanking him for dying and rising for you, and asking him to lead your life. Fifth, do not walk alone: find other Christians, a good local church, who can help you grow.

A little deeper

A few things will ease the pressure as you begin. You do not have to understand everything, or believe perfectly, or clean up your life first. Faith grows as you walk; it does not have to be complete before you take the first step. You will have doubts, and that is normal; you can bring them honestly to God rather than hiding them. You do not need special words, a religious background, or a sense that you are good enough, because Christianity is for people who know they are not, and it offers a rescue you receive rather than earn. And you are not being asked to sign up for a set of rules, but to begin a relationship with a Person who already loves you. The whole thing is summed up in one promise you can lean on from the very start: whoever comes to Jesus, he will never turn away. That means whatever your past, whatever your doubts, you are genuinely welcome.