Introduction

In the book of Luke Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-30)

The context of this statement has to do with people wanting to become a follower of Christ. Most don’t look at it long-term. They convert with the hope that the world in end in just a couple of years and want to be on “the right side of things”.

What does it cost to become a Christian? It costs nothing and it costs everything! Although they are opposite side of the same coin, we’ll look at why both are true.

It Costs you Nothing!

Becoming a Christian doesn’t cost you a dime! You don’t have to attend a college or seminary school to study the bible. Here’s an example in Matthew 10, These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:5-8)

Notice the last phrase, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ This means that they weren’t to collect any fee for the preaching or miracles. Since Jesus didn’t charge them money, they weren’t supposed to charge others.

Learning how to become a Christian should be free of charge. Just a little of your time each day, or each week. Tracts, bulletin articles, CDs of sermons, and other items should be made available from your local congregation to help you become a student of the bible and then a New Testament Christian.

It Costs you Everything!

On the flip side, the cost is high! It costs us:

• The forsaking of all—Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37) A Christian must give up the focus on material things and worldly friends. As the apostle Paul wrote, Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) Paul also wrote, Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV)

• A denial of self—Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) A Christian puts others before himself/herself. Concern for one another and the congregation as a whole is a greater priority.

• A life of Spiritual Service/Sacrifice—I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) Sacrifice means giving up the worldly pleasures and focus on the spiritual ones (Gal. 5:19-25).

• A life of “work” —For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. (Gal. 5:6) This isn’t earning your way to Heaven. But good works are part of the lifestyle of a Christian. However, everything that is done must be for the benefit of God and the work of the Kingdom. And the work, done, must be according to God’s word (Col. 3:16).

• A life of suffering—Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:16) Striving for the other four elements (listed above) keeps one humble and may result in suffering as the Christian doesn’t do the same things that worldly people do or say. Others will look at you as peculiar (1 Pet. 4:3-4).

Conclusion

Becoming a Christian is a lifelong commitment. Oftentimes, people don’t look that far into the future. They keep hoping for the return of Jesus to be imminent. When you make the decision to become a Christian, make sure you see yourself doing it for decades and pace yourself.

As Jesus stated, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)