When someone gets saved by grace through faith, the next question is probably, “What is next?” This is usually where the confusion begins. As believers in Christ, our growth is not guaranteed, as many believe it is. Our salvation is free, but our growth is costly if we want to be disciples of Christ.
Before we dive into learning about our Christian walk, let’s distinguish between salvation and discipleship.
Salvation
Our salvation is by grace through faith alone. This means that we cannot do anything to earn or keep it. It’s God who will keep us until the end.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5
The statement, “ You cannot be a Christian if there is no proof in your life,” is simply wrong. Why? Our salvation is not attached to anything. Our changed life does not back it up because if that is the case, then our salvation is both faith and works. Imagine giving a gift to someone in exchange for a righteous life. It is no longer a gift but a reciprocation.
You may ask me, “So is it okay if I do all the bad things after I get saved?” Well, yes and no. Since our salvation is free, once you believe that your salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, not of good works, not by keeping a righteous life, then you are adopted into God’s family.
Once you are born again, there is nothing you can do to be unborn. Once saved, always saved. Yes, you cannot be unborn, so if you want to live a life apart from God, that is your choice. Your salvation gives you two benefits: Your eternal destiny is Heaven (not hell), and the Holy Spirit can already work in you. No, if you want to live a fruitful and meaningful Christian life.
Where does this righteous life come in? This is where being a disciple or follower of Christ comes in.
The question above is connected to being a disciple of Christ. I mentioned that our salvation is free, but our maturity is costly because our maturity depends on how we follow and obey Christ. So, can you do all the bad things once you are saved? Unfortunately, yes, if that’s your choice. But what happens to you will be the consequence of your disobedience. God desires us to live a righteous life, but He will not force us to obey or love Him. Moreover, our flesh is still alive. Galatians confirmed that by stating, “walk in the Spirit, so you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Thus, if we keep walking in the flesh, we reap the fruit of the flesh; in the same way, if we walk in the Spirit, we reap the fruit of the Spirit. A Christian walking apart from God has three consequences:
- A life of ruin and misery because of sin – like the life of David, Saul, even Samson (David was close to the Lord, but his sin of adultery, murder, nand ot being able to discipline his children brought his life into misery, and Saul, misery, and eventually, death.)
- Sin unto death – like the life of Samson, Ananias, and Saphira
- A life full of discipline and reproof from God and from men, which I believe is exhausting and can lead someone to live an unstable Christian life.
Discipleship and Growth
So, what’s next after we are saved? We grow by learning God’s Word and God’s way.
- Desire to grow or mature in the faith.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
- Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
- Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
- Do not conform to this world and renew our minds.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
- A life of confession and repentance unto maturity, not unto salvation.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1
Remember, our growth is costly, and we have to work for it. Our salvation is purely dependent on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and our righteousness is imputed by Him, too.
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