Why should a Buddhist consider becoming a Christian?
As a Buddhist, you understand the importance of living a noble life. You desire to live peacefully and to help others. Yet it is also important to place your faith in beliefs that are accurate and true.
For example, how can anyone know what will happen after you die? Will you reincarnate into another life form, will your spirit simply cease to exist, or is there a heaven or hell awaiting? This important question is worthy of attention, as the consequences affect this life and could be eternal.
Where can we look to find answers to our important questions about life and the afterlife? Buddhist teachings often focus on meditation to achieve an enlightened state to discover the answer within you. Yet the teachings found in the Bible claim to be revelation given by the God who created you and the entire universe. Let us consider its teachings for a moment on the question of what happens after we die.
First, the Bible is clear that every person dies once and then there is judgment. In Hebrews 9:27 we read, "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment."
If the Bible is right, on what basis does this judgment take place? Many religions teach that a person must follow certain rules or rituals to achieve God's favor. However, the Bible is clear that every person has sinned or done wrong things and is therefore imperfect and separated from God. Romans 3:23 notes, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory [or perfection] of God."
Further, the Bible teaches that these imperfections deserve a spiritual death that separates us from God forever: "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
What is this free gift of God? It is eternal life. The Bible offers a perfect eternity with God after this life, but it is not automatic. To receive this eternal life, we must believe in God's Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16 teaches, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus came to earth as God incarnate, lived a perfect life, died as a sacrifice for our sins, and resurrected from the dead.
How can you believe in Jesus and receive this eternal life? It is not based on any works you do, but by faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." God's grace, or undeserved favor, changes our lives when we believe in Jesus by faith. Not only will we go to Heaven when we die, we experience meaning and purpose in life on earth. And all of this is a free gift, based on the work of Jesus and not on our works!
Are you willing to place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive this free gift of eternal life? You can do so right now. There is no special prayer or formula to follow. In fact, all that is required is that "you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, [and] you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). If you believe in Jesus, you can confess this to Him through prayer. The following is a sample of how you might pray to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior:
"Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son who died in my place rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life."
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