6 Things a New Believer Should Know
If you are a new believer in Christ, what are the top six things that you should know? Or maybe you want to give advice to a friend who just put their belief in Jesus— what should you tell them?
1.You cannot lose your salvation.
The moment you put your faith in Jesus, you are sealed forever. There’s mothing you can or cannot do that will cast you away from Him. Once you know that this is your identity, you can begin to walk boldly in your faith. You are God’s child forever and He will never “un-adopt” you.
Ephesians 4:30 — “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
John 10:28 — “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
Romans 8:15 — “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
2. Focus on Jesus, not yourself.
If you go into this new life with the mindset that you have to change yourself, then you will likely fail and feel frustrated. Instead, focus on spending time with Jesus through” prayer and studying the Bible. Then, bring Him into every situation and let His Spirit inside of you guide you to change.
Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
2 Corinthians 3:8 — “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
3. Life doesn’t get easier, but it does get more joyful.
Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that life suddenly starts to go your way. In fact, it might get harder in different ways as your faith gets tested. But, we have access to joy that surpasses our understanding even amidst the lowest points in our lives because we have our hope in Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
John 16:33 — “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
4. Pray, pray, pray.
Praying might not feel natural at first, but it’s part of your relationship with God and He is listening. Transform your thoughts into prayers; have a continual conversation in your mind with God. This is how you learn to lean on and depend on Him through every moment in life.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
5. Find Christian community.
The Bible refers to believers as His body because we are all members of one functioning unit. Living the Christian life is not meant to be done alone. We need other Christians to encourage us, correct us, pray with us, and enjoy life with us. Everyone has something valuable to contribute.
1 Corinthians 12:27 — “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 — “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
6. Read the Bible.
The Bible is referred to as a sword because it truly is your ultimate weapon as you navigate life here on earth. This is the primary way that God will speak to you. Knowing what God’s Word says will help you discern between lies and truth in this broken world. It might seem daunting to start reading the Bible and sometimes difficult to understand what it is saying. Always pray to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and then find other resources that will help you study it. One great website is blueletterbible.org.
Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
What other tips or advice would you give to a new believer or even a veteran believer? God bless and live by faith!
-Alina and Matt