Becoming a Christian is really the beginning
of a new life. One filled with countless blessings
and opportunities to grow and become closer to God. Our salvation
is the greatest blessing that anyone can ever receive from the hand
of God. When we are saved, we are saved from God's wrath. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects
the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1.
We can live the rest of our lives with the blessed assurance that
our salvation is secured. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth,
whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life
and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24. Our salvation is something we have right now and
something we can never lose! "My sheep listen to my voice; I
know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John
10:27-28. Our salvation is perfect and complete, "Because by
one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made
holy." Hebrews 10:14.
When you accept Jesus
Christ as your personal savior and make Him the Lord of your life,
you become born again. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no
one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John
3:3. Through God's grace and power, we become something new. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In
his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ" 1 Peter 1:3. We are like spiritual
infants in need of nourishment for growth. "Like newborn babies,
crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:2-3. Our Heavenly Father provides us with many blessings from which we
may grow as Christians.
One of the most
incredible blessings that the Lord provides for us is the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you
another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth." John
14:16-17. "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the
name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you
will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38. The Bible
teaches that the Holy Spirit actually lives within every true believer
of Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide you, strengthen you in
your times of need and teach you. "But the Counselor, the Holy
Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things
and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26. As Christians, we live Spirit-led lives. When we honestly seek
God's will for our lives, we can have faith in the knowledge that
the Holy Spirit will lead us in the right direction. When we
seek knowledge, the Holy Spirit will open our hearts and our minds
to understand God's Word. When we need comfort and strength,
the Holy Spirit will be there to hold us up. "Praise be to the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so
that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves
have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Learn to depend
on the Holy Spirit for strength, comfort, guidance and knowledge.
God also speaks to us through His Word. The Bible is another
one of God's great gifts to all of us. It is the inspired Word
of God. Besides teaching us about the Good News of salvation
through Jesus Christ, it will also answer many of the questions you
will have as you begin your new walk with God. "All scripture
is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly
equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible
gives you the equipment you need to live your life as a child of God.
It is your instruction manual for life! "Your word is a lamp
to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105.
One of the best ways to get to know someone is to spend time
talking with that person. The same thing is true in our relationship
with God. We talk to God through prayer. God desires our
fellowship. The more we pray to God, the more our knowledge
of Him will increase. It also brings us closer to God.
We can pray to the Lord about anything, anytime. "And pray in
the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
Ephesians 6:18. We can pray and thank God for who He is and
what He has done for us, make our requests of Him, admit our sins
and pray for others that need to be saved. God is always there
to help us through difficult times as well. "Humble yourselves,
therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due
time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from
me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls." Matthew 11:28-29. Pray often. Get to
know your Heavenly Father. Learn to, "Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him" Psalms 37:7.
When Christ enters our life and we become a child of God, we also
become part of the family of God, the church. The Bible teaches
us that the Church is the body of Christ. "Christ is the head
of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." Ephesians
5:23. Attending church regularly is one of the best things you
can do to help you grow as a Christian. It doesn't matter if
you have never attended a church before or if you have attended
in the past. Going to church can now become a rich and rewarding
experience for you! "Let us not give up meeting together, as
some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another"
Hebrews 10:25. When you attend church, you will grow in
understanding by hearing God's Word preached and taught.
You can ask questions and discuss Scripture with others.
You will experience worship in the House of the Lord through prayer,
preaching, teaching, praise and song. God has given us
each other to find strength, encouragement and love. "Therefore,
encourage one another and build each other up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11. The friendships you make in church will literally last for all
eternity. We attend church not only to have fellowship
with other Christians but to learn, worship, praise and have
fellowship in the presence of God. Jesus said, "For where
two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20.
Reading the Bible, learning
to live a Spirit-led life, praying to God and attending church are
just a few of the things that will allow you to grow in knowledge
and bring you closer to your Heavenly Father. As you continue
in your walk with the Lord you will understand more and more what
a privilege it is to be a child of God. You have been chosen
by God Himself and He will give you a life full of purpose and
joy. "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world
to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined
us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance
with his pleasure and will" Ephesians 1:4-5.
"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with
joy in your presence." Acts 2:28.
