After you've accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, what should you do next? All living things need nourishment to grow. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). Newborns feed on milk, not meat. Learn basic truths about your new life as a Christian. Do not become overwhelmed-spiritual growth will come over time. (Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18)
Study the Bible and pray for God's help. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Begin a habit of daily Bible reading. (Joshua 1:8) It is helpful to start reading the book of John and then the book of Romans.
How has God enabled us to grow as newborn Christians? Here are some answers from the Bible that you can take time to read and study for yourself.
Who is God? Love (1 John 4:8-11; Romans 5:8) Eternal (Revelation 1:8; Exodus 3:14) Holy (Psalm 99:9; Exodus 15:11) All-Powerful (Job 42:2; Isaiah 44:24) All-Knowing (Job 37:16; Matthew 10:30) Everywhere Present (Psalm 139:7-12) Righteous (Psalm 71:19; Psalm 119:142) Sovereign (1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Psalm 115:3) Unchanging (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) Merciful (Eph. 2:4-9; Lamentations 3:22-23) Creator of the Universe (Genesis 1:1-31)
Three in One-The Trinity: God The Father, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit God The Father: He is all of the above. He hears our prayers as our loving Father. He is the absolute ruler and his throne is in Heaven. Jesus Christ: Because our sin brought the curse of death, God sent His only Son to be our Savior. Born of a virgin, Jesus was fully God and fully man. (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-21) He lived a sinless life. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He performed many wonderful miracles. (John 2:23; John 21:25) He is our perfect Substitute. In fulfillment of prophecy, God laid all of our sin on Jesus—He shed His blood on the cross and died in our place. (Isaiah 53:5-6; John 19:1-37; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 3:18) Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. (John 20:1-20; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) If we have sincerely asked God for forgiveness for our sin, and by faith trusted in Jesus for salvation, God eternally forgives our penalty of hell. (John 5:24) Because of the forgiveness Jesus provided, we have direct access to God the Father in prayer. (John 14:6; Hebrews 4:14-16) Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 12:2) He is preparing Heaven and is coming again for us. (John 14:1-3) The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit convicts our hearts of sin and draws us to God. When we accept God's gift of salvation, God gives us the Holy Spirit to live within us. (Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16) The Holy Spirit guides us, teaches us God's truths, and is our Comforter. (John 16:13; John 14:16) As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He produces fruit of "love, joy, peace.." in our lives. (Galatians 5:22-23) When our needs are overwhelming, the Holy Spirit urgently pleads to God on our behalf. (Romans 8:26)
What happens when we are saved? God sees us as guiltless (Romans 5:1-2) We are born again (John 3:1-7; 1 Peter 1:23) God adopts us as His child (Ephesians 1:5-6) Saved from eternity in Hell (Romans 8:1) Heaven is our forever home (John 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 21:1-25) Our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; Revelation 21:27) He never leaves us (John 6:37; John 10:27-29)
Does God want us to pray? As God's child, He wants us to come to Him for wisdom, direction, and help. Always be reverent and thankful. Praise Him. (Matthew 6:9-13) Make a list of requests for yourself and others. (Philippians 4:6) Seek to know His will for your life. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:2) Pray for strength during trials and temptations. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 26:41) God will equip you to fight your spiritual battles. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Your relationship with God is grounded in a sincere prayer life. (Psalm 145:18-19)
If I am saved, do I still need forgiveness? God knows our hearts even better than we do. (Psalm 139:1-4) Be honest before Him. When we accept God's gift of salvation, our eternal penalty for sin is removed. But we still make daily choices that harm our fellowship with God. (Psalm 66:18) Ask Him to show you areas of sin in your life that need forgiveness. (Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9) Be sensitive to His leading. (Psalm 119:9-11)
Should I be involved in a church? God's plan for us after salvation is to become a member of a local Bible believing church. (Hebrews 10:25) Preaching will help you understand God's Word and His will for your life. (Romans 10:17) You can attend classes intended for your spiritual growth. Church is the primary place where you will find fellowship with other Christians. It is a body of believers who use their God given gifts to work together for His purposes. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) It is a family. No church member is perfect—only forgiven. You can help evangelize the world through church missionary support. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Do I need to be baptized? God instructs us to be baptized as the primary way to identify with Him. (Acts 8:36-38) Baptism is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and shows that you have become a disciple of Christ. (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 18:8) Even Jesus was baptized. (Matthew 3:13-17) Baptism demonstrates our gratitude and our obedience to God. (Acts 8:12)
What about taking communion? Communion is a time of remembrance and reflection. Believers remember the body and blood of Christ at the time of His sacrificial death on the cross. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) It is a time to consider what Christ suffered to provide your own salvation. It is also a time to reflect on your personal relationship with the Lord and ask for forgiveness for sin. (1 Corinthians 11:27-30)
How do I share God's gift with others? You are God's light in a dark world of hurting people who need Him. (Acts 26:18) Memorize salvation verses. (1 Peter 3:15) Remember how God forgave you. Pray for God to lead you as you share gospel tracts with a clear salvation message. Be friendly and genuine. Witnessing is simply sharing with others what God has done for you.