The most natural thing for a new believer is to wonder what comes next. Even to wonder if salvation is permanent. Rest assured, it is. But just as you did not want to remain a newborn baby when you were physically born, you certainly do not want to remain a baby Christian. Do you remember doing something bad as a child and wondering if your mother would still love you? The same thing can happen in your new life of faith. If you are not growing up and maturing in the Christian life, you may find yourself doing things that will make you ask if God will keep you. Satan can never snatch you away from God, but he can certainly steal your joy and your confidence.
Don't let that happen. Find a church where you can worship and learn more about Christ. If you don't own a Bible, get one. Read your Bible. A good way to get started is to get a devotional guide, and most churches have them available for free. Or go online to www.dailytexts.org and buy one of their very inexpensive guides. The important thing is to feed your faith with spiritual food. Discover why God created you. Use the gifts he has given you in service to him.
Being saved is like meeting the best friend you will ever have. Get to know your best friend Jesus, and he will dispell your doubts and fears about staying saved. Blessings,
Katherine
Apr 14, 2008
Are you Saved? by: Karen
Hi Kristen,
It's an interesting question.
If you are a new believer, I can see how you might wonder about "staying saved".
Accepting the Lord into your heart as your savior means you've decided to turn your life over to God. It means you believe that Christ died for your sins and took the punishment that should've been yours.
Because of that amazing and wonderful gift, you are now going to live for Christ every day. That means you'll go around looking for ways to be a blessing, and you'll show love and kindness to people around you.
It means you're embracing the things that Christ teaches.
There are several theological viewpoints about becoming and staying saved. And I'm sure you will probably hear from some of our visitors, but here is my opinion.
While it's true that you are born again when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I believe the second very important component is that the proof of your decision has to come out in your life.
If you say you accept the Lord, but then act as the world acts, and live as the world lives, and nobody can tell that you are a Christian, then have you really accepted Christ?
Christianity is an individual journey. I'm sure you're just like me and every other human being. There are areas in your life that need changing. There are areas where only God can help you change.
I believe the Lord takes you step by step through the issues in your life that you need to face. This is a part of what it means to want to be a Christian and live for Christ.
I know God never expects you to be perfect, but He does expect you to be making progress.
Saying the sinners prayer is a great and wonderful first step, but letting God work in you so the world can see the proof of your decision is another issue entirely.
I strongly recommend you find a Christian church that will help you grow in your faith. Standing with people who can support you and help you grow is a tremendous blessing.
I also suggest you dig into God's Word so you can fill up your mind with all the amazing revelations that you'll find there.
