I repented, got saved. Now What?

Here are some next steps to help guide you on your journey. Be reminded that this order will appear different for some. And this is OK, no one situation is the same.   

1. Baptism

• Understanding: Baptism is a symbolic act of obedience following the example and command of Jesus. It represents the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
• Scripture:
• Matthew 28:19-20: "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
• Romans 6:3-4: "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
• Action: After professing faith in Jesus, speak with a church leader about baptism. Understand its significance and prepare to publicly declare your faith through this act.

2. Joining a Church Community

• Understanding: The church is the body of Christ, where believers gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, and mutual support.
• Scripture:
• Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
• Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
• Action: Find a local church that aligns with biblical teachings. Attend regularly, engage in activities, and build relationships within the community.

3. Prayer and Devotional Life

• Understanding: Prayer is communicating with God, while devotional life involves studying the Bible and reflecting on its application.
• Scripture:
• Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
• Action: Establish a daily routine of prayer and Bible reading. Use devotionals and study plans to guide your time with God, and incorporate different forms of prayer.

4. Studying the Bible

• Understanding: The Bible is the inspired word of God, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement.
• Scripture:
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
• Joshua 1:8: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
• Action: Study the Bible regularly, using study aids like commentaries and concordances. Join a Bible study group for deeper understanding and fellowship.

5. Developing Spiritual Disciplines

• Understanding: Spiritual disciplines help believers grow closer to God and develop godly character.
• Scripture:
• 1 Timothy 4:7-8: "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
• Matthew 6:16-18: "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."
• Action: Practice disciplines like fasting, meditation, and worship. Set aside time for each discipline, focusing on their spiritual benefits and connection with God.

6. Living Out Faith in Daily Life

• Understanding: Faith should impact every aspect of a believer's life, influencing actions, decisions, and relationships.
• Scripture:
• James 2:17: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
• Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
• Action: Integrate faith into all areas of life. Make decisions based on biblical principles, show Christ's love in interactions, and serve others.

7. Spiritual Growth and Maturity

• Understanding: Spiritual maturity involves growing in knowledge, wisdom, and Christ-like character.
• Scripture:
• Ephesians 4:13-15: "Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
• 2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
• Action: Pursue spiritual growth through study, prayer, and application of scripture. Seek guidance from mature Christians and be open to correction and growth.

8. Serving and Using Spiritual Gifts

• Understanding: Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to edify the church and serve the world.
• Scripture:
• 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
• Action: Identify your spiritual gifts and seek ways to use them in service to the church and community. Be willing to explore different ministries and serve where needed.

9. Sharing the Gospel

• Understanding: The Great Commission calls Christians to share the message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection with others.
• Scripture:
• Matthew 28:19-20: "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
• 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
• Action: Share your faith through personal testimony and gospel presentation. Be prepared to explain the hope you have in Christ and support missionary work.

10. Continual Repentance and Renewal

• Understanding: Even after salvation, believers continue to sin and need to seek God's forgiveness and renewal.
• Scripture:
• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
• Action: Regularly examine your life, confess sins, and seek God's forgiveness. Renew your commitment to living according to His will and rely on the Holy Spirit for transformation.

11. Seeking Accountability and Mentorship

• Understanding: Accountability and mentorship provide guidance, support, and encouragement for spiritual growth.
• Scripture:
• Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
• Hebrews 13:7: "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
• Action: Find a mature Christian mentor for guidance. Join an accountability group where you can share struggles and receive support. Be honest and open in these relationships.

12. Persevering in Faith

• Understanding: Perseverance involves remaining steadfast in faith despite trials, doubts, and challenges.
• Scripture:
• James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
• Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
• Action: Stay grounded in scripture and prayer during difficult times. Trust in God's promises and faithfulness. Seek support from the Christian community and maintain hope.

13. Participating in the Lord’s Supper (Communion)

• Understanding: Communion is a sacrament that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice and reminds believers of their unity in Christ.
• Scripture:
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
• Action: Approach Communion with reverence, reflecting on Christ's sacrifice and your relationship with Him. Confess any sins and participate in this act of remembrance and thanksgiving.

14. Continuing Education and Theological Study

• Understanding: Deepening one's understanding of theology and scripture helps build a solid foundation for faith and equips believers to handle challenges.
• Scripture:
• 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
• Colossians 1:9-10: "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
• Action: Engage in further study through church classes, seminars, or theological courses. Read books and engage in discussions to deepen your understanding of Christian doctrine and scripture.

15. Embracing a Missional Lifestyle

• Understanding: Living missionally means intentionally representing Christ and sharing His love and truth in all aspects of life.
• Scripture:
• Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
• Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
• Action: Be intentional about sharing Christ's love and truth in your daily life. Look for opportunities to serve and witness in your community. Support missions and outreach efforts, both locally and globally.

Each of these steps involves continuous growth and learning, supported by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Christians are encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with God and to live out their faith authentically and passionately.

Thank you for reading,

Rj #rjnmore