Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
Whether you’re just starting your journey with Jesus Christ, are coming back after some time away, or have had a relationship with Jesus for years, using a book—in addition to the Bible—to guide or supplement that relationship can be helpful, comforting, and joyful.
That’s where Steps to Christ comes in.
Steps to Christ is a book by Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In this little book, you’ll find a beautiful, rich description of how much Jesus loves us, how He wants a relationship with us, and how we can cultivate that relationship in our Christian journey.
Want to learn more? Well, in this article, you’ll learn:
- Background information about Steps to Christ
- What Steps to Christ is all about
- Why Steps to Christ is still a relevant book
- Where you can find the book
Let’s start by setting the stage for the writing of Steps to Christ and learning a few more details!
Steps to Christ background information
Steps to Christ was first published in 1892 by a popular Protestant publishing association, Fleming H. Revell, and it was written by Ellen White.
It was originally written when the Adventist Church asked Ellen White to write a book about the Christian experience that could be understood and useful to all people, Adventist or not.
Since then, it has been translated into over 150 languages!
And though Ellen White is known for many of her books and counsels, including The Desire of Ages, she is best known for this 13-chapter book about God’s love for man, the sinner’s need for Christ, and living a Christian life.
This book is small but mighty, so let’s dig a little deeper into what it’s all about.
What is Steps to Christ about?
Photo by Christopher Sardegna on Unsplash
On the whole, Steps to Christ is a book that’s all about developing a personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus. And though we can learn all we need to know about Jesus from God’s Word, books like Steps to Christ can give us new insight into the truths in the Bible.
Each chapter addresses a different part of the Christian journey, and each one is like a “step” toward Jesus:
- “God’s Love for Man”
- “The Sinner’s Need of Christ”
- “Repentance”
- “Confession”
- “Consecration”
- “Faith and Acceptance”
- “The Test of Discipleship”
- “Growing Up Into Christ”
- “The Work and the Life”
- “A Knowledge of God”
- “The Privilege of Prayer”
- “What to Do with Doubt”
- “Rejoicing in the Lord”
Throughout all of these chapters is the theme that God loves us and desires that we would be close to Him. Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s Word, and nature are all evidence of that.
And the more that we study God’s love, the more we desire to be like Him.
When we desire to be like Jesus, we recognize our need for Him. With Him, we can live more free and more joyful lives!
As you continue reading, you’ll find that this book not only talks about desiring to be like Jesus and dedicating our lives to Him, but it also talks about how to live like Jesus.
Jesus can transform our hearts and our lives if we will let Him. This book guides the reader through how one’s habits, goals, and character will be made new out of love for God and wanting to live according to His will.
And when we get to know God through His Word and prayer, the more we desire that other people would know Jesus, too!
But not every part of the Christian journey is easy. Oftentimes, you may feel doubtful. You may wonder what God’s plan is for your life, or you may go through hardship and wonder where God is in all of the pain.
Steps to Christ has a chapter all about “What to Do with Doubt.” Even when we don’t understand this life, we can ultimately trust God and turn to Him for peace.
In the end, this book is transformative. It walks you through every part of being Christ-like, providing examples from the Bible and giving comfort to those that read it.
Through it, we can learn to love Jesus more deeply and rejoice in Him daily.
Is Steps to Christ still relevant today?
Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash
Even though Steps to Christ was written over 100 years ago, its principles are timeless.
Each chapter addresses things that all humans desiring a relationship with Jesus experience, whether that’s learning to deal with doubt, learning how to have the assurance of salvation, or learning how to share the gospel with others.
While it’s a small text, this book should be read carefully and slowly. There is so much to learn from it, no matter where you might be in your journey.
Where can I find Steps to Christ?
Steps to Christ is in the public domain, which means you can read it for free online! However, you can also find it at most Adventist churches, any Adventist bookstore, and online for purchase.
If you let it, this book can help you cultivate a meaningful spiritual relationship. Really, it can make your life richer and more full of joy.
Choose an Online Bible Study
Want to keep learning? Find out more about Jesus, humanity, the plan of salvation, and how God loves you enough to sacrifice everything, just to give you a chance to choose Him.
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, that’s why we offer free, user-friendly, online Bible study options you can do anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.
This online Bible school will take you through the major themes of Scripture, breaking down the Bible’s complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, which can lead you toward the answers of life’s more challenging questions.
Related Articles
More Answers
What Is Salvation, and How Do I Get Saved?
Salvation, or being saved, is what God wants for all of us. And since God created us with free will, this salvation is ultimately our choice. We become “saved” by accepting that Jesus Christ died on the cross, taking the punishment meant for sinners upon Himself.
What Is the 70-Week Prophecy in Daniel 9
Could a prophecy accurately predict an event over 500 years before it was supposed to happen?
The 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 did, culminating in one of the most important events in earth’s history: Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe in Hell?
Seventh-day Adventists believe that any human being who accepts God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus will be given eternal life. But what about the eternal fate of those who choose not to accept Jesus?
Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters
Sola scriptura is a term that originated during the Protestant Reformation. It represents the way many Christians view the Bible and its authority. While the idea is simple enough, there is so much more to sola scriptura than its basic definition.
What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?
In recent years, the age group often classified as “young adults” has been trickier to engage. It’s been a significant concern for Christian churches around the world. Though interestingly enough, similar observations regarding young adults have been coming up in conversations about the economy, the entertainment industry, politics, and more.
King David: How Was He a Man After God’s Own Heart?
War, bloodshed, murder, adultery—all of these crimes overshadowed the life of a biblical Old Testament man named David. Yet he was called a man after God’s own heart, not to mention one of Israel’s greatest heroes and kings.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe in the Secret Rapture
The secret rapture belief asserts that the followers of Jesus will be suddenly and stealthily “raptured” from earth and taken to heaven. Then, any people left on earth will face a period of great difficulty—before Christ’s second coming actually happens.
Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?
The answer to this question is simply, “no.”
When it comes to salvation in Jesus Christ, all that is required of a person is to acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice for us, believe that He has saved us, and claim the free gift of salvation that is always available to us. Salvation is not based on denomination.
Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?
Of course not. Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church has never included any dietary requirements. However, there might be some reasons people might think that. So many Adventists are vegetarians or even vegan, and a plant-based lifestyle has many health benefits.
What Does the Bible Say About the End Times?
First of all, when we say “end times,” this refers to the period of time that precedes the second coming of Jesus—and the end of this sinful world before it’s recreated into the new earth. And several passages of Scripture provide us with clues and guidelines to help us recognize when these times are near, what kinds of things we can expect, and what it might mean for our daily lives and priorities.
All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs
The Seventh-day Adventist Church uses a variety of methods to spread the hope of the gospel to the world. One of these ways is through colporteuring, also called “canvassing” or “literature evangelism.”
How Ellen White Influenced the Adventist Health Message
Seventh-day Adventists are known for their emphasis on healthy living. And Ellen G. White was a significant influence in the development of this priority and practice among Adventists.
Does Prayer Work? If So, How Are Prayers Answered?
Prayer is how human beings reach out to a higher power. For Christians, it’s how we communicate with God. But does it really work? Is it true that God actually intervenes in situations when we call out to Him for help? And why are some prayers answered immediately, while others seem to go unanswered or not get answered for a long time?
What Did Ellen White Teach About Vegetarianism?
One thing you might have heard about Seventh-day Adventists is their emphasis on a vegetarian lifestyle. If you’re wondering why that is, it goes back to our church’s humble beginnings:
What Is an Adventist Book Center (ABC)?
When you walk into any one of the many Adventist Book Center (ABC) locations, chances are you’ll be greeted by pleasant gospel music in the background, friendly employees, and row after row of Christian books, movies, Bibles, study guides, kids’ games, and more.
Prayer—How Do I Do It?
Prayer is intentional communication with God. And the way you go about it is much like how you’d communicate with your best friend. You can reach out anytime and anywhere, in the way that’s most natural between the two of you.
15 Examples of Prayer in the Bible
Prayer is the primary way we maintain our relationship with God. It’s our method of communication, and He miraculously hears every word that comes from our hearts.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Celebrate Holidays?
Wondering whether your Adventist classmate or coworker keeps the same holidays you do? Perhaps you want to include them in some festivities, but you also want to respect their beliefs. Thus, you’re unsure of how to navigate the holiday question. Will they accept your invitation to the office Christmas party?
Ellen White and Adventist Healthcare—Ahead of Their Time
Medical care in the mid-1800s was primitive, to say the least. Basic concepts we take for granted—such as proper handwashing or recognizing the dangers of bloodletting—were nonexistent. And doctors often had little more than nine months of training!
How Ellen White’s Teachings Can Improve Your Health
Healthcare in the nineteenth century was said to leave “more disease than it took away” with its use of bloodletting and “medicines” like mercury and arsenic. As people questioned these methods, new approaches popped up. But which ones were reliable?
Do Adventists Worship Ellen White?
Ellen White was a co-founder and leader in the Seventh-day Adventist Church from its beginning. Adventists believe that she had the prophetic gift (Ephesians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 12:28) and passes the biblical tests of a prophet.
Can I Be an Adventist If I Don’t Believe in Ellen White?
Ellen White is an important part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: she played a significant role in its founding, provided biblical support for several key doctrines, and continues to inspire church members today with her insightful counsel.
The Adventist Haystack (It’s Not What You Think) + 4 Recipes
Haystacks are basically a taco salad—with an Adventist spin on it! Most versions are vegetarian and offer an endless combination of tasty toppings. We eat them often because they’re healthy, scrumptious, and easy to make.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe in Medical Care?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in and supports evidence-based medical care. In fact, medicine has played a significant part in our history, and today we run a major health system with hospitals, medical schools, and clinics throughout the world.
Why do Adventists Emphasize Religious Liberty?
Adventists see religious liberty as an essential human right. After all, God endowed humanity with freedom of choice from the very beginning. So we believe it’s best for governments to also support their citizens’ rights to worship based on their convictions.
All about Adventist Elementary Schools
The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates the largest Protestant education system in the world. A big part of this system is our K-8 elementary schools, or primary schools, as they’re known in other parts of the world.
What Are Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs?
Like the boy or girl scouts, Pathfinders and Adventurers learn about nature and life skills. But what makes these clubs special is their purpose to bring young people closer to Jesus.
13th Sabbath Offering: What It Is and Why It Matters
While the previous 12 Sabbaths of the quarter feature an established Adventist ministry and its current giving needs, the 13th is a rotating spot reserved for current mission projects.
A Look at Adventist Colleges and Universities
On the outside, Seventh-day Adventist universities may not look much different than other college campuses. But the real differences are beneath the surface.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!
We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.