“Okay, I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I believe in His finished work on the cross, that it was a sacrificial act performed once, for all. So, now what do I do?”
In that one moment in time, when you accepted Christ as your personal Savior, your sins were forgiven and instantly the Holy Spirit sealed you into an eternal union with Christ, You a member in the “body of Christ.” You are a member of the royal family of God (1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13, 22; 4:30).
The instant you were saved, you were given a special gift(s) by the Holy Spirit so that (here’s the reason) you could/can execute God’s plan for your life as a member in the body of Christ. God has a plan and a purpose for calling you, and saving you. Live for Christ!
God’s Plan for you personally is that you learn His Word (the Bible). To do this you need to buy a “Study Bible” KJ, NKJ, NASB or NIV. Next, start your search for a Bible-teaching church in your area. (For assistance on what to look for in a Church, see our Study entitled “Spiritual Authority,” which directs Deacons and Church leadership on how to select a Pastor/Teacher, but the same directives are valid for you as a new believer when searching for the right church. Exposition of Scripture is imperative.
God has a Personal Predesigned Plan of Grace (PPPG) – designed just for you, by Him, in eternity past. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 1: 3-23). Fulfill your personal destiny (the PPPG). Study and live God’s Word daily. Your goal should be to glorify Christ by becoming a mature believer, living for Christ as an ambassador to the world.
Life after salvation is designed by God for your benefit and His glorification (John 15:8, 16; 2 Corinthians 5:15). Hebrews 4:15: “for we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Live in Christ, and for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Peter 4:2).
Please turn in your Study Bible (if you do not have a “Study” Bible, please get one) and read the following: Romans 8:38,39; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 2:9. God has called you personally out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Now that you are saved eternally, learn Bible Doctrine so you can tell others and defend what you believe. After salvation, God leaves us on earth to tell the “good news: salvation through Christ Jesus.” Remember, your faith is new and must be nourished, else you fall back into doubt. Faith comes (strengthened) by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
God the Holy Spirit now permanently indwells you. You are the temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). You now have wonderful reasons to be a productive person … you have a destiny, and a mansion in the Kingdom of God. Give your faith to others. Live like you believe in Christ — by living what you believe so others can see Christ in your heart-life and actions. Be a living witness for the Lord. People need Christ and they will be watching how you behave as a new believer.
Many people out there are without Christ, without hope, and without eternal life. The way you conduct yourself, and the way you present the Gospel (when appropriate) can and will have tremendous impact upon others. And you may just end up leading them to the Lord as well.
“Ultimate reality lies within all the unseen things around, above, and within us.” — G. W. Craig
Happy Studying in Fields of Grace. Congratulations! Amen.