Many times new believers have asked the same questions involving their standing in God’s family as children of God. There is no understanding of His power, His mercy, His grace and forgiveness or His promise of eternal life but perhaps scriptural answers to some of the questions may help:
How can I know if I’m a born again Christian?
The basic term “Born again” comes from John 3 in a discussion Jesus has with a very righteous seeker, Nicodemus. In John 4 Jesus talks with a hardened sinner at the well of Samaria about the same issue. You may wish to review these 2 conversations.
Let’s look at the basics of the GOSPEL message and the personal choice & decision.
1. Is there a time in your life that you recognized your need for a relationship with your holy, creator God because of the separation from Him caused by your sinful condition? Romans 3:10, 3:23 and 5:12
2. Did you realize and acknowledge what God provided through Jesus Christ, God the Son, and what he did for you (already paid for your sins by His death, burial and resurrection? Romans 5:8, 6:23 and John 14:6 and John 3:16-18, I Cor. 15:3-4
3. Did you receive God’s gift of salvation, trusting ONLY in what Jesus did for you? (Like a commitment when joining an army, your life belongs to Jesus, forever) Romans 10:9, 13, John 1:12, John 3:15
At that point in time, a transaction took place and God the Holy Spirit sealed you as part of the family of God until you the day you get to heaven. He will indwell you as a born-again Christian based only on the mercy of God. Ephesians 2:8,Titus 3:5,Eph 1:13-
Who is this Spirit?
Jesus Speaks about the Holy Spirit but also about deceiving spirits. Just as there are several kinds of angels (good and bad) so are there different spirits (one from God and others from Satan) It is important to know which is which. The WORD of God can separate them since the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible. John 7:39 , John 14:15-17 ,I Timothy 4:1
What does the Holy Spirit do?
Lives in Us: We are clean inside but helps us while we are here on earth to grow more Christ like. We will never be perfect until we get to heaven because we still have the sinful blood and body we started with. The flesh will struggle against Spirit daily.We have the power to overcome with Holy Spirit's help day but day. 1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 8:14
Comfort and assurance to child of God: I John 4:13
Helps us to obey and guides in truth (Word of God) for He is the author 2 Peter 1:20- , I Timothy 3:16
Corrects the child of God and convicts of sin. What do I do when I sin again?
The book of I John is written to the child of God and clearly shows we are saved by grace and kept saved by God’s grace. We will sin again but not habitually since we have the power of Holy Spirit to help us overcome. But when we fall, God will not hear our prayers until we confess our sins and start again. The relationship remains but the communication lines are down. So he provides a cleansing mechanism by telling on ourselves and asking for forgiveness as we walk through this life on earth. The good news is when we get to heaven either by death or rapture we get a new body just like Jesus without the sinful blood we are born with and will be sin-less. John 16, I John1:8
Provides the Peace of God when we are in His will as a child of God. Colossians 3:15
Evidence of being yielded to the Holy Spirit that indwells the believer: Changed lives and promises of God that provide assurance by:
Daily living and encouragement of others in our communication Ephesians 4:29-32
Evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit in growing in the child of God Galatians 5:22-23
FINAL note: The child of God is a saved sinner, NOT perfect or holy, and will not be perfected until he/she reaches his/her home in heaven, but has God’s Holy Spirit to encourage, forgive, empower and grant the peace that passes all understanding while here on earth. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy who provides the “peace that passes all understanding” to His children.
If you have questions, please contact Dr. Nancy Shields direct at: [email protected]