Before one can begin a Christian walk, they first must be born into the Christian family, as Jesus stated in John 3:5 (see "What We Believe Concerning Salvation"). Logically, in the natural sense, before a person can begin living their life, they first must be born into the world. This basic physical principle is also a very real spiritual principle.

But what happens after we've obeyed what the scriptures say concerning salvation? Is there anything left to do? The answer to this question is an emphatic, "YES"! The biblical plan of salvation is just the first event in your new life. The initial outward sign of receiving the infilling of the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues (an unlearned language to the speaker as the Spirit gives utterance), but that is definitely not the only sign. If a person claims to have received the Holy Ghost yet never shows any type of change in his treatment toward people, in his actions, or in his responses to life's circumstances, then one would have to wonder if he truly has received God's Spirit! Jesus stated:

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:35

Jesus does not intend for us to go around hugging and kissing everyone, but He does expect us to exhibit a loving and compassionate spirit toward mankind, as He does! It doesn't end there, however. Many people today have a kind spirit and are what we would consider "good people" because they exhibit some of Christ's attributes, but that doesn't mean that they are any more of a Christian than Adolf Hitler. The true test that a person is living the Christian life is based on whether or not they do as Jesus has commanded.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15

The only way that we can expect to follow Jesus' commands is to live a life connected to Jesus, through prayer, fasting, and the studying of His word. When we do these things, we build ourselves up in the Spirit and we deny the carnality of our flesh. Once we are strengthened in the Spirit, it becomes easier to withstand an attack from the enemy. It is inevitable as a Christian that we are going to have to endure persecution from Satan and this world. Jesus said:

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Luke 21:17

and...

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Knowing that Jesus has overcome this world and everything in it should give us great excitement. Even though Jesus has ultimately won the war however, we must fight spiritual battles on a daily basis. Paul put in this way:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:10-18

While the thought of these things may scare some, it should be noted that the fruit of the Spirit offers a Christian all of the benefits that this world cannot offer them. The fruit of the Spirit should become evident in a Christian's life as he develops a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. The fruit of the Spirit, according to Galatians 5:22-23, is:

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance

The ultimate goal of any Christian believer is to be with the Lord forever and in working toward that goal there is one thing that every Christian needs to achieve, and that is endurance! No Christian is saved until he is called home to be with the Lord. That is why Jesus said:

...but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 10:22

The false teaching of "once saved, always saved", or "eternal security", is very dangerous for this very reason. If the teaching were true, it would nullify the vast majority of scripture! It is contrary to the apostles teachings, and to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact of the matter is that we must endure to the end! As Paul has said:

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8

Let us be so in love with the Lord Jesus Christ that we look for His appearing on a daily basis!

What We Believe Concerning...

• Salvation


• God


• The Bible


• Eternity


• Christian Living


• Worship

*NOTE: While this is a good introductory lesson on Christian living, it is not intended to be a complete Bible study. If you have questions concerning this material, or are interested in a more complete Bible study, click here.