What Happens After Salvation?
THE TIME TO RECEIVE SALVATION
This is an opportunity of a lifetime. There will never be a better time than today. We can think there will be a better time to follow Jesus, perhaps when we make more money, stop living with our girlfriend, the children are grown or we settle in retirement. In
2 Corinthians 6:2b the Bible says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of Salvation." None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow.
To accept God's love and offer to eternal life is as simple as saying this prayer from the heart for Salvation:
PRAYER FOR SALVATION
Heavenly Father, You said in Your Word that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Father, I am calling on Jesus right now. I believe He died on the cross for my sins, He was raised from the dead on the third day, and He is alive right now. Lord Jesus, I am asking You to now come into my life and heart and be my Lord and Savior. Father, I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I thank you Father that I am now saved, in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ I pray.
AFTER RECEIVING SALVATION
When you receive Salvation, the Lord starts you on a journey resolving your past and ungodly ways bringing you into the knowledge of who Christ is and who you are in Him. This path is a step by step process which helps us eliminate old bad habits, baggage and behaviors and brings us in line with Jesus and God's Word ultimately bringing liberation, fulfillment, peace and joy.
1. FIND A CHURCH
Look for a church that will feed you the Bible based on a loving, good God and where the pastor is led by the Holy Spirit. That is, do not choose a church because it is convenient to home, your family and friends go there, or you like the pastor. Let the Spirit of God lead you to the right church. It may take visits to several churches to find the correct one but it will be where you will find maximum spiritual growth. Make going to church on Sunday mornings non-negotiable. It is not something you ask yourself if you want to do. You go regardless of how you think or feel.
2. OBTAIN A BIBLE
The Bible is God's Word to mankind. You want to know what God has to say so choose a translation that helps you understand the Scriptures. I recommend the KJV (King James Version), NKJV (New King James Version), NIV (New International Version), AMP (Amplified Version).
3. READ THE BIBLE DAILY
Start reading the Bible daily by beginning with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you do not understand all that you read, that's all right. Keep reading daily. Over time the Scriptures will bring understanding and revelation.
You do not have to read much everyday to make headway. The important thing is to be consistent and read everyday even if it is a few verses or one chapter.
4. RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES
If the great men and women in the New Testament could not further their spiritual growth and the new church without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit then we cannot either. Peter, Paul, the apostles and disciples of Christ were all filled with the Holy Spirit. If Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit then certainly we must need it too! The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is considered the second most vital experience after Salvation.
5. PRAYING IN TONGUES
Once you receive tongues start praying daily in your new heavenly language (tongues). Pray for at least a short period everyday, such as five or ten minutes. You want to develop your new language. Praying in tongues lays out the spiritual groundwork for progress. Although you may not understand what you are speaking, know that your prayer is having significant spiritual impact.
6. RECEIVE THE WATER BAPTISM
While some may believe water baptism is an unnecessary ritual, it is demonstrated by both Jesus and the Apostles multiple times in the New Testament. In scriptural readings, water baptism always immediately follows salvation. As new Christians we are to follow in their steps.
WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?
Water baptism is being briefly submerged in water. It is an outward sign of our old life being dead and buried and us rising to a new life in Christ. It is symbolic of when Jesus died, was buried in a tomb and rose again three days later. Water baptism does not save us, Jesus saved us. It is an action with symbolic connotations. Do not underestimate its power in your life as a new Christian.
7. PRAYING
Prayer is how we communicate with God. It is also how we express our hearts to Him. Prayer is simply talking to God with a sincere heart. God is your Father and wants to hear from you personally. You are His child. Just talk to Him as you would a good friend. God knows you and made you, there is nothing you could say that would surprise or shock Him.
You can pray wherever you are whether it be at your desk at work, washing clothes, driving your car or anywhere at anytime. You don't have to be in church to pray and prayers do not have to be rote or somebody else's. God cares about the details of your life as well as the big things. He wants to hear from you personally and is willing and able to help and guide.
8. OBEY THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT
Generally, shortly after we receive Salvation the Spirit of God begins dealing with us to change in certain areas of our lives. Be open to the direction of the Spirit. What do you sense you need to start working on to change? It could be something like the need to stop hanging around certain people, complaining or lying. However the Lord is leading you, ask Him to help you do it and He will.
9. PROGRESS IS FOUND IN CONSISTENCY
You are embarking on a new life in Jesus Christ. As with anything new, there is adversity and it takes time to learn a new discipline. The important point is to continue to do what the Word says and not give up or quit when the going gets tough. As the saying goes, "Keep on, keeping on."
If you do these things God will move you forward along a definite path. If we don't give God quality time by doing the things outlined, we don't give Him much to work with. The more time we give to God, the quicker God can move us along spiritually.