Becoming a Beliver in Jesus Christ

The apostle John lays out the steps for coming to Christ, leading one to be a believer. The King James version uses the word “except” in these verses. But some modern versions use the word “unless.” The better word “unless” strongly implies there are conditions to be met which are very important.

1. “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3. (Water Baptism at least is the minimum requirement)

2. “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5. (Again baptism of the water is declared essential and the blessing of the the Holy Spirit by having hands laid upon their head).

3.“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” John 6:53.

(Partaking of the Communion bread and wine, known as the Lord’s Supper,

is an important part of Christianity, often overlooked).

4. “Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24. (Believe that Jesus is who He claims to be, the Son of God; confess it; and keep His commandments).                 

5. “Verily truly I tell you truly,  Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.” (outside the kingdom of God)

“but if it die, (Buried in the waters of baptism. Read Romans 6:4-6).

“it bringeth forth much fruit.” John 12:24. 
(Having Love for one another, being of one heart and mind in unity. Unity means the abscence of exclusiveness, contentions and allowing division over doctrine to take precidence over loving your neighbor).

6. “Unless I wash you, you have no part in me.” John 13:8.

(Does this refer the simple task of washing of Peter’s feet?  Or being washed in the Blood of Christ?).

“Whoever has my commands (see above) and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21).