From the above passages we learn that to be saved we must believe on
Jesus Christ the Son of God. All that is required is to believe on Jesus.
This believing happens in the heart i.e. in the spirit of a man.
Acts 16:30-31 asks "What must I do to be saved?" and the answer "Believe
on Jesus Christ." You may make a public confession of your new found
faith in Jesus Christ by publicly saying a prayer of accepting Jesus
Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Scripture does not require this act
but I believe it helps in making a commitment to Jesus.
Now that the vital step of being saved has occured what now?
We begin our life journey as Christians. A journey to the "Promised
Land". A journey to a new city of God
Hebrews 11:16 and
12:22. We are of
heaven and of the spirit. We are in the earth but not of the earth or
flesh.
2 Corinthians 5:1-7 The Holy Spirit is within our spirit.We are a
tabernacle. We have a house in heaven. See verse 2 and Revelation 21. We
are part of the New Jerusalem, the very stones of the temple.
See 1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1 Corinthians 3:16 and
6:19.
We are going to heaven to live with Jesus.
It is at this point that we "Repent" which comes from the Greek word
METANDEO (Strong's GK 3340) meaning "To think differently". This means
that we think differently about our way of living in sin. We determine to
change and live as Jesus Christ teaches. We make a confession to the
world of our changing attitude and way of living. This is our confession
of faith. In Romans 10:9-10 we believe with our heart and confess with
our mouth our new allegiance to Christ. See Philippians 2:11 and 1
Corinthians 12:3. We confess Jesus before men and he confesses us before
the Father in heaven. See Matthew 10:32-33. Luke 12:8-9 and 2 Timothy
2:11-13. We confess Jesus and live by his teachings and ways.
Relationship has begun.
We decide to follow his examples - the first of these being Water Baptism.
Romans 6:1-18 shows the necessity of Water Baptism as a process where
through obedience (note verse 17) we have joined to Jesus in death (see
verses 5 and 6) so as he is risen up in new life we too rise up in new
life. We are made one with Jesus. See John 17:1-26 with a special note of
verse 21. We have followed his example of Water Baptism. We have died with
him and risen with him.
He now gives us the Gift of the Holy Spirit as a comforter. See John 14:16
and 26. The Holy Spirit is to nuture and live with the believer forever.
The Holy Spirit continues the work for Jesus of comforting us. He gives
us gifts
(1 Corinthians 12) to operate in the body (Church) of Jesus
Christ. These gifts are for the body of Christ not the individual. Each
of us has a place to function in the body (Church) of Jesus Christ. Our
giftings help in finding our place. Through interaction with the Holy
Spirit we find our place. Some are Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers
and Evangelists (Ephesians 4:11) often referred to as
"The Fivefold
Ministry" because they are like a guiding hand in ministry. There are
other ministries like exhortation (Romans 12:3-17), giving, administration
etc. Why all these gifts, ministries and offices? So that we would bear
much fruit (Galatians 5:22-24).
The Holy Spirit also gives us protection (Ephesians
6:10-18) against
satan and his demons. Overall we are nurtured or comforted for Jesus said
(Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world.) Matthew 28:20
So the Christian process is a continual one of line upon line and precept
upon precept, none teaching us(giving revelation) except the Holy Spirit
living in us.
Getting married is instant but being a family takes a lot longer and must
wait for fruit to bear. Salvation is instant. Spiritual growth bearing
fruit is a long process with the Holy Spirit digging the fallow ground of
our heart to plant seed that we might be trees of righteouness (Isaiah
61:3) the planting of the Lord that he might be glorified and enjoy the
fruit of our branches the rest and shade for many.