Discover the Basics of the Christian Faith: A New Believer’s Guide
Introduction: Beginning Your Journey of Faith
Becoming a Christian is an incredibly exciting moment, but it can also feel overwhelming. New believers often have many questions as they begin their walk with Christ: “What does it mean to be born again? How can I live out my faith daily?” These are essential questions, and discovering the basics of the Christian faith is the foundation upon which your relationship with God will grow.
Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This abundant life starts the moment you accept Christ as your Savior. However, it’s a journey—a journey of discovering who God is, what He has done for you, and how you can grow closer to Him each day.
In this post, we’ll explore key foundational beliefs that are vital to your Christian walk. Whether you’ve just accepted Christ or are looking for a deeper understanding of your faith, these basic truths of the Christian faith will guide you on your journey.
What Does It Mean to Be ‘Born Again’?
The phrase “born again” may sound unfamiliar or confusing at first, but it is central to the Christian faith. Being born again isn’t a physical rebirth but a spiritual transformation.
Explanation of Being Born Again
Jesus explains this concept clearly in John 3:3 when He says to Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” To be born again means to experience a spiritual birth through faith in Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ, we are not just turning over a new leaf; we are becoming a new creation in Him. We are born into God’s spiritual family.
Transformation in Christ
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Being born again signifies a radical transformation. Your old way of life, dominated by sin and separation from God, is replaced with a new life marked by your relationship with Jesus. You now have a new identity in Christ.
This transformation doesn’t happen overnight it’s the beginning of a lifelong process. This process involves the Holy Spirit works in your heart, helping you grow to be more like Jesus.
Common Questions
– “Why do I need to be born again?”
– “How does this change my life moving forward?”
Answer: You need to be born again because sin has separated us from God. Only through faith in Christ can we be reconciled with Him. This new life changes everything—from your priorities to your identity—because you are now a child of God (John 1:12).
Understanding Salvation: God’s Gift of Grace
One of the most beautiful truths in the Christian faith is the concept of salvation. But what exactly does it mean to be “saved,” and how does grace fit into the picture?
What is Salvation?
Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences of eternal separation from God. God offered salvation to humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9-10 outlines how salvation works: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Grace as Unmerited Favor
Salvation is not something we can earn (Romans 11:6). It is a free gift from God, offered to us out of His great love. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Grace means that even though we don’t deserve it, God offers us forgiveness, eternal life, and a relationship with Him. Grace is often defined as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”
Grace is central to the Christian life. It’s what enables us to live free from the power of sin, knowing that God loves us not because of what we do, but because of who He is.
Common Questions
– “Can I earn my salvation?”
– “How do I know I’m saved?”
Answer: No, salvation cannot be earned. It is the gift of God, freely given through grace. You can be assured of your salvation if you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ and confessed Him as Lord (Romans 10:9). The Bible clearly states that salvation “is the gift of God, not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Trinity: Understanding God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The doctrine of the Trinity is a core belief of Christianity, but it can be difficult to understand. The Trinity means that God is one in essence, yet exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity plays a vital role in our faith and salvation.
Introducing the Trinity
Matthew 28:19 speaks of the Trinity, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The Trinity represents God’s fullness and power at work in our lives.
God the Father
God the Father is our Creator and Sustainer. He is the One who made the universe and holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). As a loving Father, He desires a personal relationship with us. He invites us to approach Him with our needs and concerns.
Jesus the Son
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Savior of the world. He came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, providing a way for reconciliation with God (John 1:14). Jesus is our Redeemer, and through Him, we have eternal life.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and He is actively at work in every believer’s life. John 14:26 says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and comforts us, helping us live the Christian life.
Common Questions
– “What is the Trinity?”
– “How do I relate to God as Father, Son, and Spirit?”
Answer: The Trinity is one God in three persons, each equally God, but distinct in role. We relate to God as our Father, Jesus as our Savior, and the Holy Spirit as our guide and comforter. One analogy that has proved helpful is an egg. An egg has three parts (shell, albumen, yolk), each with their own characteristics, but is still one egg. Similarly, God has three distinct part (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), each with their own characteristics, but is still one God.
Living as a Christian Every Day
Once you’ve accepted Christ, how do you live out your faith in your everyday life?
Daily Walk with Christ
Living the Christian life is about following Jesus daily. Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This means Christ called to surrender our own desires and seek to live as He taught us.
Growing in Grace
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent time spent in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking God’s will. 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Each day, we should aim to become more like Jesus by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us.
The Importance of Christian Community
One of the best ways to grow in your faith is by being part of a church community. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Other believers encourage you, strengthen your faith, and provide accountability. In addition, you encourage others and strengthen their faith.
Common Questions
– “How do I grow spiritually?”
– “What does following Christ look like in my daily life?”
Answer: Spiritual growth happens through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Following Christ daily means seeking to live in a way that honors Him, relying on His grace and guidance.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey of Faith
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of an incredible journey—a journey filled with growth, discovery, and a deepening relationship with God. Understanding the basics of the Christian faith is the foundation of that journey. As you grow in your understanding of what it means to be born again, the gift of salvation, the nature of the Trinity, and how to live as a Christian daily, remember that God is with you every step of the way.
Philippians 1:6 gives us this beautiful promise: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God is continually working in your heart and life, and He will continue to transform you as you walk with Him.
Take your time to explore these foundational truths. You don’t have to have all the answers right away—what matters most is your desire to seek God and grow in your relationship with Him. As you continue to learn, ask questions, pray, and read Scripture, your faith will deepen, and your life will reflect the amazing work that God is doing in you.
Remember, the Christian life is not about perfection but about a relationship with Jesus, who offers us grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. So embrace the journey, stay connected to a community of believers, and keep your eyes fixed on Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
