“Now that I am saved, what should I do?”

May 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

QUESTION: Now that I am saved, what should I do?

ANSWER: Your recent confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior has brought joy to our hearts and to the angels in heaven (Lk. 15:7). The Bible refers to conversion as “new birth.” You are therefore now an infant in Christ. The Lord wants you to grow into a mature Christian, and to assist in that process He has provided “the sincere milk of the word,” which is the Bible (1 Pet. 2:2).

While your conversion might not have been as dramatic as that of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9), it was just as effective. As a work of the Spirit it may be likened to the activity of the wind (Jn. 3:8), which sometimes comes in the form of a hurricane and sometimes as a gentle breeze.

Let’s look at some of the things that followed the conversion of Saul, who was later called Paul.

• He was no longer able to act in his own power. Someone had to lead him (Acts 9:8).
• He prayed (v.11). This activity is going to be as important to you as it was to Paul. Be a praying Christian. While Paul was praying the Lord directed Ananias to him (v.12). You will find that the blessings and effectiveness of a life of prayer are amazing and wonderful! For some examples, read Acts 4:31, 12:5-11 and 16:25-29.
• Paul needed spiritual help from one who was more mature in the faith. God provided this through Ananias. Perhaps you too will have questions concerning the Bible and the Christian life. Do not hesitate to ask someone wise in the faith.
• Because of Paul’s past conduct, others doubted the reality of his conversion (v.13). This could also be your experience. If this happens do not become discouraged and give up. Paul did not. In fact, like him you are a chosen vessel (Eph. 1:4). All you need to do now is to show by the way you live that you are a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).
• Notice that the Christian experience is not without suffering (Acts 9:16).
• Paul’s baptism is mentioned in Acts 9:18. You too should get baptized. It is both a testimony and act of obedience.
• He needed Christian fellowship. That is why he found himself in the company of other believers (v.19). It is very important that you find others with whom you can enjoy times of fellowship. This will help to strengthen you spiritually.
• Later, when he returned to Jerusalem, he did not seek the company of religious leaders or the high priest but of the true followers of Jesus Christ, His disciples (v.26). Always make an effort to seek the fellowship of other believers.
• Acts 9:20 tells of Saul’s preaching the Word of God at Damascus. This was quite a change for a man who had set out for Damascus to persecute any who followed Christ. You too are encouraged to share with others the fact that you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. It could mean hardships, but the Lord will help you (v.25).
• Paul returned to his home at Tarsus (v.30). This is sometimes a big challenge: to return to your own home and family and to witness to them (Mk. 5:18-19). It takes a lot of courage since we are often fearful of the reactions from those who know us best. It is true that some will ridicule and maybe ostracize you, but make a start. These difficulties will soon disappear or be reduced to a point where you can handle them. This is a part of the growth process.

The Lord bless you. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

Answered by H. Kempton Smalling
(adapted from Drawing Near Publications, Barbados)

Writing to young Christians at Philippi, the apostle Paul said, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). When we are converted, we begin to experience this inward working of God in our lives and we rejoice. — Grant Steidl