I am Saved. What Next?

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“Now that I am saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, what is next?” You might ask.

I got you, darling.

I know after we get saved. We are often left hanging and wondering what exactly we are supposed to do with our lives now.

And if we are not guided accurately, we begin to copy traditions, rituals, routines, and lifestyles of those we assume are deep and older Christians without accurate knowledge of knowing whether they are worthy of being followed and emulated.

“So what do I do then,” you ask.

Let’s look at the life of my second favorite teacher (The Holy Spirit is my first). You probably know him. He is none other than the amazing Apostle Paul.

I love this dude. He inspires me.

So let’s look at what he did after he got saved.

Read this scripture with me.

GALATIANS 1:11-23.

¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

¹³ For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. ¹⁷ I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus (Emphasis added: Damascus was where he encountered Jesus, was converted and Ananias prayed for him to regain his sight. See Acts 9)

¹⁸ Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas (Peter) and stayed with him for fifteen days. ¹⁹ I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

²¹ Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. ²² I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. ²³ They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they praised God because of me.

Let’s read some more scriptures. 

ACTS 9: 17 – 22

¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. ²⁰ At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. ²¹ All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ²² Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.”

Now, if you had not read Galatians 1:11-23 (the first scripture passage) we just read but you only read Acts 9: 17-22 (the second scripture passage), you would have thought that it was immediately after Paul (Saul) regained his eyesight, was baptized, ate some food and regained his strength that he began to teach in the synagogue at Damascus.

But, No!

Because in Galatians 1:11-23, Paul himself made us understand that immediately after his conversion, he went to Arabia for three years. He did not go around consulting people and asking for their knowledge of God. He personally went to Arabia and we can assume that these secluded and private three years were very instrumental to his ministry. We can assume that he grew in his knowledge of Christ. He knew a lot of the scriptures. He was a solid pharisee, an Israelite, a Jew of Jews from the tribe of Benjamin. He is scripturally founded and zealous. But he needed to come to a renewed knowledge of God so he can be the strong and approved instrument of God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and Jews alike (See Acts 9: 15-16).

So between Acts 9: 19 and Acts 9:20, three years of not hearing anything about Paul had occurred. Immediately after those three years, he went back to Damascus where he had encountered Jesus and began to teach immediately in the synagogue and the people were astonished. Private preparation and spending of time with God was needed for public efficiency.

After spending some time in Damascus, he then went to Jerusalem to see Cephas (Peter) and spent 15 days with him, probably learning, adding and establishing his knowledge of Christ more and more. But before he went to Cephas, who we can consider, a shepherd, a pastor, he went to God. For 3 years, he was in Arabia.

He didn’t run to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion to show himself to the Apostles and beg them to teach him about Christ or to accept him. He went and spent time with the one who called and chose him so he could become an approved and bold preacher and teacher of the gospel.

Galatians 1:11-12

¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

The knowledge of Truth from God, not Man

Why did I just share those two passages from different chapters with you? Because I needed you to see that after one becomes a Christian, one must sit with God. Be like Paul. Now that you are saved, what is next is not for you to be jumping up and down from one church to another, from one Christian friend to another or from one pastor to another. But sit down and allow God to teach you how to live this new life that he has given to you and tell you exactly what he wants you to do with it.

While it is great and a must to belong to a bible-based local church and make great Christian friends, you must first sit with God and allow Him to teach you.

Let God teach you. Then you will be knowledgeable and know which local church to belong to, which preachings and teachings are accurate and who to be friends with.

Let God be first, so he can lead you right because unfortunately there are lots of wolves in sheep clothing’s in the church and family of God.

You need God to teach and lead you.

How?

Get you a Bible.

Get a bible you can easily understand and start to read. Start to pray and spend time with God. Start reading from the new testament and grow in your knowledge and understanding of Christ and your new birth.

The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:4 that, “God desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

He does not want men to be saved but also to know the truth.

The Bible also says that Jesus brought us Grace and Truth (John 1:17).

So you have received Grace, which is Salvation, redemption, righteousness, and forgiveness. Halleluyah!

Now, you need to come to the knowledge of the truth. You can’t just receive one without the other. Both together is the perfect gift and life in abundance.

It’s not enough to just get saved and go about living the same old life and just waiting to die someday and go to heaven.

No!

You ain’t just here on earth to sit, look pretty and “do you” after salvation.

God has more plans for you than that. Salvation was just the beginning and stepping stone to his full purpose and plan for your life while you are on this earth. He wants you to know the truth.

“What is the truth” You may ask.

Well, the right question is, “WHO is the truth.”

For truth is a person.

Truth is Jesus personified.

Just as he is grace personified.

He is our salvation. He is also our truth.

In Him is hidden all the truth, knowledge and wisdom God desires that you possess (Colossians 2:3).

All mysteries have been made plain in the word of God (Bible) for our knowledge. All we need do is open it, read it and know it.

Jesus also gave us the Spirit of Truth who is the Holy Spirit. (John 14:17).

John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Jesus has not left us as orphans, we have all we need and more to come to a deeper and accurate knowledge of Christ and ourselves.

The moment you believed in Jesus Christ and was saved, the Holy Spirit took residence in you. He is a gift to you. Your advocate, comforter and teacher. He helps you to read the Bible. He teaches it to you and he even brings it to your remembrance when you need it. Isn’t that just marvelous!

Hence, after salvation, you must become a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Discipleship is very important in your Christian walk.

You must have a personal relationship with Jesus and follow him each day.

This is not just about going to church every Sunday. Though it is a part of it.

It includes joining a BIBLE based local church (emphasis on BIBLE, not personal opinions) getting baptized by water, filling of the Holy Spirit by laying of hands and prayer, consistent bible study, fervent praying, spiritual growth, teaching others rather than just being a listener Or hearer and fulfilling ministry and purpose.

Whew!  That sounds like a lot of things, doesn’t it?

But you don’t have to worry about checking off a box as you go through life because the Holy Spirit will help you.  He is your teacher, advocate, and comforter. He is for you.

As aforementioned, as a new born again or saved Christian, the best thing you can do is get you a BIBLE and beginning from the New Testament, start reading and studying.

The Bible is called the Word of God. It is also the Word of Truth. Jesus is the Word and in Him is truth contained.

Remember you just got saved.

You just got born again.

Old things have passed away and all things are new.

The Bible says, new born again baby ought to feed on milk to grow.

1 Peter 2:2

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment.

So you’ve gotta feed.

The Bible is food for the new spirit that has been birthed in you.

You just got a new life and you need to know how to live it to the maximum.

The Bible is your guide.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,  17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

It’s the first and most trusted place to hear God speak to you and to get guidance.

A human being should not be your first resource. The Bible should be.

Why do I need to join a bible-based local church?

The benefits are endless.

But the first and most important reason is that of DISCIPLESHIP. The church is meant to equip and prepare you for the ministry of reconciliation (preaching the gospel and reaching out to lost souls), for the edification of the church body and the glorification of God.

The pastor at your local church represents the one good shepherd (Jesus Christ) who is the shepherd and head of the whole church (Christians). So at your local church, you have a local shepherd who ought to disciple you. Who ought to guide, equip, train and prepare you for the good works God has called you to.

Your Pastor should be teaching solely from the Bible. He should be teaching you how to study the Bible. He should be increasing and awakening your appetite for the Bible.

He should be feeding you. You are his entrusted sheep and he must feed you with the right food from God’s word not fluff you up with unhealthy, bad and wrong food. Your pastor is not there to motivate or entertain you but to discipline you spiritually.

If you need motivation, attend a motivational speaker’s seminar or listen to a podcast.

If you need entertainment, attend a comedy show or watch one from the comfort of your home.

You don’t go to church to be fluffed up and entertained. You go there to be built up and equipped for good works. To Grow.

Your pastor ought to care for your spiritual life.

He should direct and focus your attention and heart back to Jesus, the good shepherd and not unto himself.

Another reason to belong to a local church is for FELLOWSHIP. While the pastor represents the head (the good shepherd) the other church members represent the body. You are a part of the body. And the body works and grow best together. Being within, interacting and fellowshipping with your brothers and sisters in the church is important for your growth as a new believer.

Hopefully, you will meet someone who is more spiritually strong and isn’t drinking milk anymore but solid food of the Bible and is now equipped to teach others. Hopefully, you meet at least one person like this whose faith would inspire yours and help you grow faster. This person or group of people aside your pastor serves as guides for you in this Christian walk.

You are to grow daily.

And hopefully, someday you will get off the spiritual milk too, as you should and start feeding on solid food, so you can also become a teacher and guide for someone else.

This is the beauty of Christianity.

We are a family.

We help one another grow.

We encourage one another.

You can read more about why you must belong to a local church and how to find a local church.

To sum this all up, now that you are saved, what is next is for you to get you a Bible and get private with God. Feed and feed and feed. Pray and pray and pray.

As you do this, find a bible-based local church, belong, get baptized and fellowship and continue to grow in your relationship with Jesus as he leads and guides you into his divine purpose for you.

You have an amazing NEW life with NEW and AMAZING plans that God has planned for you.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Take each day at a time.

Be anxious for nothing.

Say no to sin daily.

Die to your flesh daily.

Choose Jesus daily and follow him.

Renew your faith and mind daily.

Hold on to your faith in Christ Jesus no matter what.

You are loved and he who has called you is faithful and able to keep you till the very end.

In the next part, we will talk about how salvation is God’s beautiful gift of rest to his people.

God bless.

You are Eternally Loved.