Next Steps After Receiving Jesus
You have prayed to God with a sincere heart, asking for His forgiveness and inviting Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of your life. Congratulations—you are saved! Your sins are forgiven, and today marks the beginning of your new journey with God. By giving your life to Jesus Christ, you’ve chosen to let Him guide and lead you every step of the way. Here are your next steps after receiving Jesus.
Key Verse
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)
Find a Church Home
Finding a church home is an essential step in your Christian walk. A local church is where you can worship God, grow in your faith, and be surrounded by other believers who will encourage and support you. Look for a church that teaches the Bible, offers opportunities for fellowship, and provides ways for you to serve others. Being part of a church family helps you grow spiritually and receive biblical teaching.
Key Verse:
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Baptism
As a new Christian, be water baptized to publicly proclaim your commitment to Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolizes your new life in Christ and demonstrates your obedience to His example and command. Jesus Himself was baptized, and He calls His followers to do the same. Baptism was practiced by the first Christians and continues today as a vital step of faith. Though not required for salvation, baptism is an outward sign of your inward transformation. A local church pastor or leader can guide you through this meaningful act, celebrating your new identity as a follower of Christ.
Key Verses
"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:41)
"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." (Matthew 28:19)
Develop the habit of reading the Bible daily to grow closer to Christ and understand God’s will for your life. The Bible is God’s Word, offering guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. It reveals God’s desires for you and shows how to live a life that honors Him. As you spend time in Scripture, you’ll learn more about God’s character, promises, and purposes.
Key Verse
"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." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Prayer is an essential part of your relationship with God. It’s how you communicate with Him, share your heart, and grow closer to Him. God longs to hear from you and desires fellowship with you. You don’t need fancy words or to be someone you’re not—God knows your heart and wants you to speak to Him as you would a dear friend. Prayer is a safe space to share your thoughts, struggles, joys, and requests. God is your loving heavenly Father, and He desires a personal relationship with you.
A Simple Guide to Prayer: The ACTS Method
Adoration
Praise and worship God for His goodness and greatness.
Confession
Humbly admit your sins and ask for His forgiveness.
Thanksgiving
Express gratitude for your life, blessings, and the people around you.
Supplication
Bring your needs and the needs of others before God.
Key Verse
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2)
Fellowship
Christian fellowship is vital for spiritual growth and support. God created us to live in community, helping one another on our faith journey. When we fellowship with other believers, we encourage each other in times of need and grow spiritually. Fellowship provides space to pray together, learn from each other, and offer support. It also helps us build relationships that reflect love, good deeds, and accountability.
Key Verses
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Serve
As you begin your new life as a Christian, you will experience a newfound love and compassion driven by the Holy Spirit. This love will inspire you to serve others in meaningful ways. Whether it’s helping the poor in your community, assisting a neighbor, or visiting a sick friend in the hospital, you will find yourself eager to make a difference. The Holy Spirit will guide you to identify opportunities to love and serve those around you. Through these acts of kindness, you reflect the heart of Christ and grow in your faith and purpose.
Key Verse
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:35-40)
Tell Others About Christ
Becoming a Christian is not a secret; it’s a celebration! You’ve experienced the transforming power of Christ, and now it’s time to share that with others. Telling others about Christ is a vital part of the Christian life. It’s our responsibility to spread the Good News and invite others to experience God’s love and salvation. You may know someone close to you who doesn’t yet know Christ. Share your story and what God has done in your life. If they realize their need for a Savior, you can guide them in prayer or let them pray on their own. Your words could lead someone to a life-changing decision, helping them to trust Christ as their Savior and begin their own journey of faith.
Key Verses
"He said unto them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)