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If you have repented "sincerely"-- acknowledging the sin in your life and have accepted Jesus as your savior you are going to experience some heart felt changes. Each of us approach changes and issues differently. You may be one who is feeling a new freedom that brings tears and joy; or you maybe experiencing a more mental commitment of resolve. You may even be thinking, "Is this all there is to it?"
In either case God knows our hearts and the Scriptures teach us we are saved by faith not by emotion. Even the emotional ones of us have to face the “faith experience” at some point. That is when we acknowledge we are now children of God - not because we “feel” like children of God but because we know we are.
The real foundation is laid in the beginning in the heart. If you or I were, and are sincere, when we asked forgiveness of our transgressions against God and sincerely repented (made a 180 degree turn from our ways) then we are saved and we can rely on Gods Word (a Heavenly Contract) which He does not break. However that is a change of heart; it is much more than a verbal confession we recite as one does the pledge to the American Flag.
Most of what we learn in the first half of the Bible (the Old Testament) is the history of God and His relationship with those He called to be His children. We see from history that God is faithful to His word and will not fail to honor it. We learn that man cannot save himself no matter how many sacrifices he makes. The last half (the New Testament ) show us how Jesus came to be the ultimate sacrifice and make a way for us where there was no way before.
So when we read in the book of John, Chapter 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life;" whether we are at first emotional or not we must not doubt - if we “Believe in Him, We will not perish, but have (from that moment on) eternal life.
We must commit to our minds as well as our hearts John 1:12-13: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Realize, this whole emotional/intellectual thing works in reverse on use also. If you happen to be a more intellectual type as you read, study, and learn of Jesus you will find tears in your eyes and experience waves of emotions flooding your body and soul. So whether in the beginning or later down the road we will all experience both emotion and the need to hang tough mentally just because the Word says it is so.
There are two main areas that are going to become the biggest hindrances to your new life. One is ignorance of its nature, its laws and workings. That is why we must start immediately to study His Word and find a good Bible believing church where we can get answers and support.
It is all about the mind. We immediately began to develop and design in our own thoughts how to serve and to please God - how we are going to make this work. Unfortunately what comes with that is all the reasons why it is not going to work. What we have been molded into by ancestry, family, and peers, (what we do, what we are) is so deeply rooted, that, although we think that we understand and receive God's word, still, we are thinking humanly and carnally about spiritual things.
In one way (even those who have be in Jesus a long time) we must cherish our ignorance to the extent that in our learning and growth we remain humble and meek. Not thinking we have “got it.” Jesus admonished us that we must be like a child if we wish to gain entrance into heaven.
In the book of Matt. 16:23 Jesus chastised even Peter, telling him, “Get behind Me, Satan!” Jesus did that because Peter was thinking with his natural mind and believing he knew a better way than Jesus.
God’s provisions for you and me are totally complete. He not only gives us salvation and New Life; but, He also gives us the Holy Spirit to teach us what He has given us. God not only points the way through His Son, but He sends His Spirit to be our constant guide.
A second hindrance in the way of faith is emotion and feelings. In the life of every plant and every animal and every child there lies sufficient power by which it can grow to size and maturity. God has provided the power for His children that enables them to grow and become all that they must be. The power of Christ Himself is in this New Life. Scripture teaches every man has received the same measure or equal amount of faith.
The following verses are confirmations of your new life and promises of salvation and protections. Read them.
Psalms 18:2 The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower
Psalms 27:1 THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?
John 14:19 Just a little while now, and the world will not see Me any more, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Col. 3:3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.
Yet, because this “life” is not visible, or cannot be felt, the young Christian often becomes doubtful. As with any new born walking becomes difficult. There is a lot of stumbling and falling which becomes discouraging.
A new child does not understand that this New Life is based on faith in the guarantees of God’s word and not in his ability to maneuver through the trials and frustrations. As one learns to float in the water the New Life is very similar in that we must learn to do the unnatural; we must release everything to Jesus and just float in Him. The first time you float in a pool or lake it is by faith. You have been told it works - you have seen others doing it - you try it and find it does work. The more experience (the more times) you float the more your doubts go away and though you are still “trusting” the water you have developed a relationship with it so that you can just dive in without fear of it.
The following verses reinforce or reinstate God’s commitment to our new life. He sees us as new children, even as babies. Babies are far from being self-sufficient but we see them as family and to us they are beautiful and perfect.
Romans 1:17 For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith (not by ones works or merits) is just and upright (is clean of sin and is seen by God as a perfect child) shall live and shall live by that faith (he places in God’s word).
Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no person is justified (declared righteous and brought into right standing with God) through the Law, for the Scripture says, The man in right standing with God [the just, the righteous] shall live by and out of faith - and he who through and by faith - is declared righteous and in right standing with God - shall live (have eternal life).
Hebrews 10:38 But the just shall live by faith [My righteous servant shall live by his conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it]; and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him. Here we see that the only time we disappoint our heavenly Father (as our children disappoint us) is when we stop wanting to learn and accept His guidence. When we turn back to our own selfish ways.
Let every one that has received this new life, strengthen the conviction: It is eternal life that works in me: it works with Divine power: I can and shall become what God will have me be: Christ is my life: I have to start each day with this assurance that He is my Shepherd, I shall not want; and He will never leave me; even to the end of the age.
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