What's Next?
As a new believer in Jesus Christ, or even as a returning believer, you're likely feeling the excitement and joy of making a life changing decision but still may be unsure of what's next or where to begin.
Here are a few things to be rooted in as you begin your new journey in Christ:
Your Salvation is Secure.
As a new believer you can be sure of your salvation because of what scripture says. Having doubts is not a sign of failure, but rather an indication that there's room for growth and understanding.
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14
I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
John 5:24
You Are Loved Unconditionally
In Christ, we are loved by God without conditions. It is a love that is not based upon our goodness, or our deeds, but is a reflection of the nature of God. He doesn't change His mind about us nor is He taken aback by our shortcomings. His love is unfailing and everlasting.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:4-5
You Have a New Life in Christ
No matter what your past may have been like, there's a fresh start and new way of being that is available for every believer in Christ. You won't feel different all at once, instead you'll witness the transformative power of God slowly shape and mold you to be like Christ.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
You Have the Holy Spirit
Hearing about the Holy Spirit may or may not be new to you however He is a person! As part of the trinity, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is the person of God that actually dwells within each believer. The Holy Spirit is our helper, advocate, and the very power and presence of God within us. He empowers us to live out our christian faith, provides spiritual gifting, guides us and produces christ-like character within us.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
1 Corinthians 3:16
While there are many more truths to add to this list, these are just a few to get you started!
I highly recommend finding a local ministry where you can fellowship with others, especially seasoned believers, as that will help to provide the support and encouragement that you need on a more personal level. We aren't meant to go on this journey alone, and you don't have to.
I also encourage you to purchase a study bible if you don't have one already. If you've ever wondered what the differences are in translations, here's a brief overview:
Formal equivalence - Substitutes English words for their Hebrew or greek counterparts. KJV and NKJV falls into this category.
Dynamic equivalence - Focuses on thought for thought translation. NLT falls into this category.
Optimal equivalence - Balance between formal and dynamic. NIV falls into this category.
As a new believer, my personal suggestion is to start with an NIV or NLT study bible as they are easy to read and understand.
For now, here's a reading path to jumpstart your time in the word of God :)
John
This Gospel will help you get to know about Jesus, which will help you establish a relationship with Him.
Fun fact, the original audience was for new christians and those who were searching. In other words, it's meant to make things abundantly clear for you as you begin your journey.
Acts
This book will give you an introduction to the Holy Spirit, which is the person of God that is with us today.
You will also learn about the birth of the church, fellowship with other believers, and how people of that time lived out their faith. It will help identify what following Jesus actually looks like.
Romans
This book will give you a more in depth understanding of the Gospel by breaking down what Jesus did for us and how the Gospel transforms our life.
Not only will this book further strengthen the foundation of your faith, it offers practical guidelines that you can apply to your own life.
Ephesians
This book will help explain living in your new identity in Christ. Just like with Romans, you will receive practical guidance that you can apply right away.
You will also gain insight on unity amongst believers, which is especially important as the body of Christ is to function as one and we all have a role to play in this.