The New Things in the Life of a New Christian

Author: Michael Gott

We have to ask, what caused my conversion? Only one answer is possible. What should stand out is this—we did not “decide for Christ.” That is too simple. No, rather Christ lovingly intervened in our lives. Rather, Christ was seeking us; God always makes the first move! His loving call enabled us to respond. I was imprisoned by sin, but amazing love liberated me to respond. God enabled us by His Spirit to turn in repentance and to believe in Jesus. He came after us in love and drew us to Himself. Grace means undeserved love, and that is what caused my salvation.

Now that we have come to Christ—enormous blessings await us. We have a new life, we have a new status, we have a new heart, and we have a new family. Everything is new. The Bible is plain enough.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!    II Corinthians 5:17

If you look for more about this, the little book of I John is just full of helps. One person called it “a gold mine.” That is—not John, the Gospel, but the little book of I John, the letter. Look at it.

We have a new sense of belonging

Many people say that you cannot know and that the whole idea is arrogant. Well, it is if you are the cause or reason for salvation. But that is not the case—He is. Our confidence is in His promise. John is very clear:

I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.    I John 5:13

Underline in your mind the word “know”—not think, not assume, not hope. But why? The answer is just as plain, “he who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Nail it down—you know you belong; what joy and confidence. You have believed, you are “in Christ,” you stand in Him. This is not brashness; rather, it is attractive confidence which the Bible tells you is right and proper.

We have a new sense of forgiveness

A deep confidence that we are pure and clean before Him. A wholesome sense of pardon.

If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. He is the anointed sacrifice for our sins.    I John 2:1-2

We have a new desire to please God

At one point we could not have cared less about pleasing God, but now a miracle, we care very much. Love causes me to desire to honor and please Him.

This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to love him must walk as Jesus did.    I John 2:5-6

We have a new attitude toward people

God has put love into our hearts. We are no longer selfish people; other people matter!

. . . if anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on his, how can the love of God be in him?    I John 3:17

But more, the Bible is so clear about love from the heart. It’s not just a beguiling kind act because of sympathy but love in action.

Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.    I John 3:10

We have power to resist evil

We must no longer say, “I cannot help it—I can’t resist,” for God’s Spirit empowers us. Because of that we can!

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.    I John 3:6

So what is the logic behind this? How do we say no to evil? Because,

the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.    I John 4:4

We have a new joy that is complete

John says,

We write this to make our joy complete.    I John 1:4

What does this mean? It means there is a deep, underlying joy which cannot be taken away by pain and sorrow. It is not a promise that we will not have problems or sadness; it is that these things do not shatter our peace. It’s supernatural! Our confidence is in Him.

We have a new love for other Christians

That is, others like ourselves who have come to love Jesus.

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers.    I John 3:14

Maybe once people who loved Jesus were strange to you; now something says, “They are family.” So it’s a new appreciation for the fellowship we know in Christ with others who love Him.

We have a new desire to pray with great assurance that God is listening

Prayer was a pretense. It was almost talking to yourself, or you remember when it was just mere ritual and rather meaningless words. But now it’s real conversation with God based on His promise. For example,

this is the confidence we have in approaching God that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us . . .    I John 5:14

Now, that does not mean that He always does exactly what we ask—notice the words “according to his will”—but we know He hears us. His answers are determined by His wisdom which is greater than our wants! When we pray, we have confidence that He listens.

That’s the new life with many wonderful features—enjoy it, but beware! Let me explain. Most people think that it is very wrong to say, “I know.” Of course, it is not, but they see in such statements spiritual arrogance. They see cockiness, and they become suspicious of such claims. They think you can never know for sure, so be careful. Tenderly explain that your confidence is in Christ’s promises. There is nothing to boast about but Him. Admit that you are not perfect and often you face spiritual battles and struggles.

Yes, you have confidence, but confidence is not arrogance. Show them why from the Bible. Here are a few good verses. Jesus said,

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.    John 10:28-30

We rest in that promise. That is why we are confident.

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