You’ve made the most important decision of your life by putting your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is an exciting new chapter as you embark on your journey with God. However, you may be wondering “now what?” Here’s an overview of what the Bible says about next steps after salvation:
1. Get baptized
Baptism is an outward display of the inward commitment you’ve made to follow Christ. It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and your identification with that. Although baptism doesn’t save you, Jesus commanded his disciples to be baptized in Matthew 28:19. Baptism is a step of obedience that publicly declares your new life in Christ.
Romans 6:3-4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
2. Join a Bible-believing church
God did not intend for us to walk this Christian life alone. The church community provides fellowship, accountability, and opportunities to use your gifts to serve others. Church is where you can grow in your faith through Bible teaching, find support through relationships, and reach out to the lost. The book of Hebrews instructs us not to neglect gathering together (Hebrews 10:25). Pray for the Lord to direct you to a Biblically-sound church in your area.
Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
3. Read God’s Word
The Bible is our instruction manual for the Christian life. Reading it helps you build a closer relationship with God as He speaks to you through His word. Set aside consistent time each day to read the Bible so you can grow in your understanding of biblical truths. Pray before you read and ask God to reveal Himself to you. Start with the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to read about Jesus’ life and teachings.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
4. Pray continually
Prayer is your life-line to God. Through prayer you can praise Him, thank Him for blessings, confess your sins, ask for help or guidance, and intercede for others. Jesus modeled a consistent prayer life, often retreating to quiet places to talk with His Heavenly Father. Set aside time each day to speak with God through prayer and maintain an attitude of prayer throughout your day.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit
When you trusted in Christ, God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in you and empower you to live the Christian life. Yield yourself to His control and draw on His power and guidance each day. The Spirit helps you put sin to death, produces spiritual fruit in your life, guides you into truth, and gives you gifts for ministry. Walking in step with the Spirit is essential to following Christ.
Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
6. Share your faith
Part of being a disciple of Christ is telling others about Him. You don’t need to feel pressured to preach on street corners, but look for natural opportunities to share with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors what God has done in your life. Your story combined with the gospel message can impact people for eternity. Ask the Spirit for boldness and look for open doors to talk about Jesus.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
7. Find healthy fellowship
God created us for community with other believers. Seek out mature Christians who can serve as mentors and join a small group Bible study for fellowship and accountability. Make sure those you spend time with are people who will encourage your walk with Christ, not hinder it. Together you can study God’s word, pray, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
8. Discover your gifts
The Holy Spirit has given you spiritual gifts to serve others and strengthen the body of Christ. As you walk with God, discover and develop your gifts through serving at church, small groups, and ministry opportunities. God uniquely wired you with passion, talent, and experiences that make you perfectly suited for certain roles in the kingdom. Yield yourself as a vessel for His use.
1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
9. Deal with temptation
Although you are a new creation in Christ, you still live in a fallen world and battle against your old sinful nature. Expect to face temptation and trials. When you stumble into sin, quickly repent, ask God???s forgiveness, and through the Spirit???s power walk in freedom from temptation’s grip. God provides the way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).
James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
10. Trust God???s faithfulness
This new life with God will involve mountain tops and deep valleys. No matter what happens, cling to the truth of God’s goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness. He promises never to leave you or forsake you, and to work all things for your good because you love Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus and trust His steadfast love guides you through every season.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
The Christian life is an incredible journey with God that requires commitment and perseverance, but yields blessings beyond what you can imagine. Following Christ day by day through obedience to His word, prayer, fellowship, and sharing with others is the path to abundant life now and eternally. God gives you everything you need to walk faithfully with Him.
