We humans can never be perfect. Only Jesus is perfect. So, even after we repent of our sins — that is, stop sinning — how do we stay repented? It’s not easy. Satan’s whole purpose in existing is to tempt us and prevent us from staying repented. Satan will try distracting us so we don’t read the Bible every day. He’ll say to us, “Oh, you’re too tired to go to church on Sunday!” on Saturday night. And it gets way worse. Jesus said…
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10 NLT
The thief is Satan. Then Peter tells us…
15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
1 Peter 1:15 NLT
Huh? How are we supposed to do that?
Strive to be Christlike
We humans, again, can never be perfect — at least not while we’re still here on earth. However, we can strive to be Christlike after we’ve repented of our sins. How do we do that?
It Starts with Baptism…
Baptism as an adult — usually past the age of accountability (around 11 or 12 years old) — is showing yourself and others, that you are dying to your old, sinful self and rising — like Jesus did — to a new life — a holy life. It’s a cleansing. Repentance and Baptism earns forgiveness.
John the Baptist first told us about Baptism…
15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
John 3:15-18 NLT
When does the Holy Spirit Come In?
The Holy Spirit is the completion of your salvation. He is the…
- Helper
- Judge
- Advocate
- Counselor
- Spirit of Truth
- Educator
- Encourager
- Comforter
- Intercessor
- Conscience
- Refining Fire
All that put together is what sanctifies a believer. Each person is different. A friend told me that when she came up out of the water, she felt a warmth in her heart. I didn’t feel a thing. However, the Holy Spirit did convict me of my sinning — trying to still live in the world while belonging to the Kingdom of God. Believe me, it doesn’t work. Jesus tells us all about the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John chapters 14, 15 and 16.
Alone, we humans would never be good enough to get into Heaven. But when we have the Holy Spirit inside of us, that gives us full passage — the one-way, non-stop, ticket to Heaven. Peter told us…
38 “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 NLT
See, anyone can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit! We don’t have to do any works to earn it! That’s God’s Grace!
Living a Sanctified Life
Now, how do you stay sanctified? Study, don’t just read, the Bible daily. Be hungry for the Word. Be hungry and thirsty for the Bread of Life, which is Jesus. Learn how to overcome temptations. Join a Bible-believing church — preferably non-denominational. Join a Bible study group with other born-again Christians that meets regularly. Make friends with some mature Christians — not in age, but mature in faith. They’ll help guide you.
Download the free apps — YouVersion Bible and ThroughTheWord. They make it really easy to get into the habit of ready and studying the Bible every day.
Living in the Kingdom of God
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 NLT
Getting to Know God
The Holy Spirit will help you get to know God’s voice. He unites us with Jesus, who told us…
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.”
John 10:27-30 NLT
The Steps to Salvation
Remember, Jesus is the gate (door). Repentance is the key. Baptism is the dying to your old self and rising to your new life. And, the Holy Spirit is the refining fire that sanctifies you.
This is the Gospel Truth. The only way into the Kingdom of God is through Jesus.
Are you ready to really repent of your sins?
Are you ready to invite Jesus into your heart? Don’t know what to say?
Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly…
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Welcome to the Kingdom of God!
Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory!
