The Gift of Salvation

Salvation isn't something that can be earned with good behavior. We are only made right with God by receiving His gracious gift of salvation, through our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ's.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  Ephesians 2:8

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NLT 

 

Did I Really Change?

The moment we surrender our will to God and commit our lives and heart to Jesus, our spirit is reborn. We are made spiritually right with God. However, this doesn't mean all of our problems disappear. This life we now live for God is a spiritual journey, and even though we are in right standing with God, we need God's help to transform us from the inside out. The Bible teaches us that we are made up of three aspects; our spirit, soul, and body. God starts with our spirit and works from the inside out. 

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

While God has renewed our spirit and made us right with Him, it is our soul that He continues to work on. Our soul is our mind (how we think), our emotions (how we feel), and our will (the choices we make). God's work on our soul is a continual process.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3

  

How Do I Keep Growing in My Faith?

Our spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident; we have to be intentional about it. As we intentionally seek God, He grows our faith through our relationship with Him. God is very relational and wants us to know Him better. As we get to know God, we better understand His plan for us and we can strive to be more like Jesus. Here are a few ways you can grow closer to God and grow in your faith. 

 

01. Read the Bible

The Bible is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. It’s God’s Word written specifically to guide us through life. One of the most easiest and practical ways to get started reading the Bible is to follow a daily devotional or reading plan.  Download the Bible App and find a Bible reading plan to help you make the Bible part of your everyday life.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

Additional resources for understanding the Bible

 

02. Make Prayer Part of Your Day

Prayer is talking to God, and there’s nothing more powerful than asking for God’s help.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT

 

03. Listen

Talking to God isn’t a one-way street – He wants to talk to us, too. Take time to learn His voice and listen to His direction for you. This isn't something spooky or weird. God speaks to us through His Spirit; it's  like a peaceful whisper or impression in our heart.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 NLT

 

what's next?

Water baptism is the next step for those who have commented their life to Christ. Those who are baptized are following Jesus' example and obeying His command.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 NIV