“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity…” – Hebrews 6:1 (ESV)
You’ve Accepted Jesus – Now What?
You’ve recently made the most important decision of your life—accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord, Master, and Savior. But you might now be asking:
- What does this mean for my daily life?
- Do I just continue living the same way?
- Is there a specific way to walk this new path?
The answer is: you’ve begun a relationship—not a religion, not a list of rules, but a relationship that is living, active, and transformative. And like all relationships, especially one this vital, it requires intentional steps and a solid foundation.
Repentance: The First Foundation
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:32 (NLT)
Repentance is not just feeling bad or guilty. It’s a complete turning around—a change of heart, mind, and direction. It’s acknowledging our sinful condition, turning from sin, and turning to God.
🪧 Steps of True Repentance:
- Recognize Your Sin
- “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
- Feel Godly Sorrow
- “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10
- Confess Your Sin to God
- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” – 1 John 1:9
- Turn from Sin (Forsake It)
- “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…” – Acts 3:19
- Make Restitution (If Possible)
- Accept God’s Forgiveness and Mercy
- “Restore to me the joy of your salvation…” – Psalm 51:12
- Bear Fruit in Keeping with Repentance
- “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” – Matthew 3:8
Rebirth: The New Beginning
When you repented and believed, something miraculous happened: you were spiritually reborn.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
You are now alive in Christ, filled with His Spirit, and no longer a slave to sin.
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'” – John 3:3
Building on the Rock: Foundations of Faith
Jesus warns that a life not built on the right foundation will fall when storms come (Matthew 7:24-27). He is the Rock, and we must build our lives upon Him through the teachings of His Word.
Hebrews 6:1–2 lists the foundational elements of Christian faith:
- Repentance from Dead Works
(See Hebrews 9:14 – dead works = acts done without faith or apart from God’s will) - Faith Toward God
- “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6
- Instructions About Baptisms (Washings)
- “Believe and be baptized.” – Acts 2:38; Acts 19:4-5
- Laying on of Hands
- Symbolizing impartation of gifts, blessing, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17)
- Resurrection of the Dead
- “I am the resurrection and the life…” – John 11:25
- Eternal Judgment
- “He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world…” – Acts 17:31
The Christian Walk: Daily Life with Jesus
Being a Christian isn’t just about a moment of decision—it’s about a lifelong journey of walking with Jesus, shaped by the Holy Spirit.
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” – Proverbs 4:18
Practical Steps After Conversion:
1. Develop a Personal Relationship with Jesus
- Pray Daily – Speak to Him honestly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Read the Bible – His Word is your foundation and guidance.
- “Your word is a lamp to my feet…” – Psalm 119:105
- Worship Him – Praise aligns your heart with God’s.
2. Grow in Community
- Join a Bible-teaching church.
- Be baptized as a public confession of your faith.
- Build relationships with mature believers (Proverbs 27:17).
3. Allow the Holy Spirit to Transform You
- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2
- Learn to hear and obey His leading.
4. Obey His Word
- “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46
- Obedience builds a life that stands firm through trials (Luke 6:47-49).
5. Maturity in Christ: From Milk to Meat
“You need milk, not solid food… but solid food is for the mature…” – Hebrews 5:12–14
Spiritual growth means moving beyond basics and becoming rooted and mature.
Signs of Growing Maturity:
- You pursue holiness.
- You discern right from wrong.
- You serve others.
- You live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).
“Not that I have already obtained all this… but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12-14
6. The Cost of Discipleship
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost…” – Luke 14:28-29
Following Jesus means surrendering everything, including your old way of life. It’s a daily choice to deny self, pick up your cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
7. Warnings from Scripture
“There are six things the Lord hates… seven that are detestable…” – Proverbs 6:16-19
God takes sin seriously. Our walk must reflect His holiness.
What to Avoid:
- Pride
- Lying
- Hatred and violence
- Scheming
- Loving evil
- False witnessing
- Division among brothers
Instead, walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and pursue righteousness.
8. Treasure His Word
“Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.” – Proverbs 6:20-23
Let Scripture be your guide, counselor, and source of life.
Final Thoughts: Dig Deep
Your relationship with Jesus is like building a house—it must be dug deep and founded on the Rock (Jesus Christ).
“Each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
· Repent from sin: Luke 5:32, Acts 3:19
· Believe in Jesus (Faith): Hebrews 11:6, John 3:16
· Be Baptized: Acts 2:38
· Receive the Holy Spirit: Acts 8:17, Acts 19:6
· Learn and Obey His Teachings: Matthew 7:24-27
· Grow in Fellowship: Hebrews 10:25
· Walk in Holiness: Romans 12:1-2
· Aim for Maturity: Hebrews 6:1, Philippians 3:14
· Endure in Hope: Romans 5:3-5
If you’ve begun this journey or are considering it, know this: God is faithful to complete what He started in you (Philippians 1:6). You’re not alone. The Holy Spirit walks with you, and the Word of God will guide you every step of the way.