What Happens When You Believe in Jesus Christ

[Christ4Me]

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

You are born again of the Spirit.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

You are saved since believing in him, and you have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

You are a new creature that has been made righteous and thus reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Your physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit for why God is in us & with us always.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

That is the Good News in Jesus Christ as believing the preaching of the cross is how we are saved because that is how and when God has saved us.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God..... 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

[Robert Gwin]

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

You are born again of the Spirit.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

You are saved since believing in him, and you have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

You are a new creature that has been made righteous and thus reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Your physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit for why God is in us & with us always.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

That is the Good News in Jesus Christ as believing the preaching of the cross is how we are saved because that is how and when God has saved us.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God..... 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

When you come to the point of truly believing in Jesus, most begin to grow spiritually, gradually putting on the new personality, leaving their former course of life behind. At some point in the near future for most, they will see the need to become baptized, which is a public display of their faith and dedication. We fully anticipate serving for an eternity, and we will continue to grow in the faith, taking in deeper knowledge, pressing on to maturity. Of course none of us will ever know all that God knows Ecc 3:11, but we will always continue to learn. For the vast majority of Christians who gain life after the millennial reign of Christ Rev 20:5, we will have finally reached perfection, equal to Adam at his creation.

 

[Episkopos]

There is more than one way to believe in Jesus Christ.

The bible records that many believed in Him but later betrayed Him. Even Peter, although he recovered from that, betrayed the Lord.

To ascribe all belief in Jesus to being born again is foolishness.

Here are some of the ways we as humans can believe.

1. Believe ON (epi) Jesus. This is an important distinctive whereby our faith is SUPERIMPOSED on Jesus. That means we line up our lives with His commands. Like a book on biology where pictures of the human body are progressively stacked up on acetates that add in organs and circulatory systems and such as you turn the pages...so our actions begin to line up with His directions.

MOST believers (the good kind) believe in this way.

2. Believe INTO or TO (eis) Jesus. This is that rare kind of faith (the faith OF Jesus) whereby one enters into Christ to abide in His power and life.

Many CLAIM this level of faith...but the proof is in the pudding. The fruit of this kind of faith is a miraculous walk in resurrection life.

The perfection of our faith involves BOTH kinds of faith. It is about what we can do AND what God can do through us.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

So excellent!

 

[Christ4Me]

When you come to the point of truly believing in Jesus, most begin to grow spiritually, gradually putting on the new personality, leaving their former course of life behind. At some point in the near future for most, they will see the need to become baptized, which is a public display of their faith and dedication. We fully anticipate serving for an eternity, and we will continue to grow in the faith, taking in deeper knowledge, pressing on to maturity. Of course none of us will ever know all that God knows Ecc 3:11, but we will always continue to learn. For the vast majority of Christians who gain life after the millennial reign of Christ Rev 20:5, we will have finally reached perfection, equal to Adam at his creation.

Please explain your use of the term dedication.

I understand we can make a decision but there is no power in that decision to do it by a man made bondage when we are to trust Jesus Christ to help us to follow Him. It is the same as saying yes to Jesus that we believe in Him as our Good Shepherd & Friend to help us to follow Him.

Some may confuse dedication with making a commitment or a promise to God, but God is not after us for our sincerity but rather believing in His sincerity to having saved us by just believing in Him and believing in His sincerity in regards to the New Covenant that He will do it; He will help us to follow Him & finish His work in us to His glory.

 

[Robert Gwin]

Please explain your use of the term dedication.

I understand we can make a decision but there is no power in that decision to do it by a man made bondage when we are to trust Jesus Christ to help us to follow Him. It is the same as saying yes to Jesus that we believe in Him as our Good Shepherd & Friend to help us to follow Him.

Some may confuse dedication with making a commitment or a promise to God, but God is not after us for our sincerity but rather believing in His sincerity to having saved us by just believing in Him and believing in His sincerity in regards to the New Covenant that He will do it; He will help us to follow Him & finish His work in us to His glory.

I have never been cornered on this Chris, thanks for asking. Your dedication is basically your vow. Although your personal vow might vary somewhat between individuals, it will be within the guidelines of the Christian laws. One has promised something to God, and of course God will expect them to keep it. So my explanation is quite the opposite of yours, as God has stated what you vow, pay. Ecc 5:4. Belief is fine, and is in fact a requirement, but it is actually the obedience that saves sir. Jas 2:19

 

[Christ4Me]

I have never been cornered on this Chris, thanks for asking. Your dedication is basically your vow. Although your personal vow might vary somewhat between individuals, it will be within the guidelines of the Christian laws. One has promised something to God, and of course God will expect them to keep it. So my explanation is quite the opposite of yours, as God has stated what you vow, pay. Ecc 5:4. Belief is fine, and is in fact a requirement, but it is actually the obedience that saves sir. Jas 2:19

Explain why Jesus spoke against it then when He gave the reason why in verse 36 that we cannot do His work in us by keeping a vow.

Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

And when you consider that a vow is to be finished and not left undone, open ended vows is causing thy flesh to sin for it can never be fully paid.

Your dedication as it is you meaning your vow is a man made bondage that Paul had exhorted believers to stand fast from in our liberty from the law because if one does circumcision which is the smallest letter of the law, and if we do that, we are entitled to do the whole law, then making a vow to finish it is the biggest letter of the law and you are seeking justification by your works.

Either your faith is in Him to finish or we are telling Him to take a backseat and we are going to finish it by the flesh as keeping law of that dedication.

And that also means applying your faith in Jesus Christ that you are saved for believing in Him or you are coming short of that rest provided by Jesus Christ and hardly running that race as a saved believer at all because you are denying Him you are saved when you are saved for believing in Him.

That is the only way you can be in that race in the first place & it is to be run by faith in Him also since it is on Him to finish His work in us to His glory.

 

[Robert Gwin]

Explain why Jesus spoke against it then when He gave the reason why in verse 36 that we cannot do His work in us by keeping a vow.

Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

And when you consider that a vow is to be finished and not left undone, open ended vows is causing thy flesh to sin for it can never be fully paid.

Your dedication as it is you meaning your vow is a man made bondage that Paul had exhorted believers to stand fast from in our liberty from the law because if one does circumcision which is the smallest letter of the law, and if we do that, we are entitled to do the whole law, then making a vow to finish it is the biggest letter of the law and you are seeking justification by your works.

Either your faith is in Him to finish or we are telling Him to take a backseat and we are going to finish it by the flesh as keeping law of that dedication.

And that also means applying your faith in Jesus Christ that you are saved for believing in Him or you are coming short of that rest provided by Jesus Christ and hardly running that race as a saved believer at all because you are denying Him you are saved when you are saved for believing in Him.

That is the only way you can be in that race in the first place & it is to be run by faith in Him also since it is on Him to finish His work in us to His glory.

I guess you simply misunderstand what is being said. Verse 37 clarifies it correct? A prime example is when someone is called to testify in court, they have them "swear" either by raising their right hand, or put on a Bible, or both, to tell the truth, (as if that would matter to a liar) Jesus pointed out that all are to tell the truth at all times down to letting our yes mean yes and our no, no. A Christian does not have to swear on something to do that, they automatically do it. That was the lesson there Chris.

 

[Christ4Me]

I guess you simply misunderstand what is being said.

Possible, just as it is equally as possible that you may be also.

Verse 37 clarifies it correct?

Yes be yes and no be no as not agreeing to an oath but to do something without an oath or even swearing by that oath.

A prime example is when someone is called to testify in court, they have them "swear" either by raising their right hand, or put on a Bible, or both, to tell the truth, (as if that would matter to a liar) Jesus pointed out that all are to tell the truth at all times down to letting our yes mean yes and our no, no. A Christian does not have to swear on something to do that, they automatically do it. That was the lesson there Chris.

I disagree.

By that prime example is a reason why we should not make an oath to tell the truth as it is ended with "so help ye God" when the lawyer demand the witness to answer in a yes or no answer and so it becomes a problem when the whole truth is neither yes or no but both. If you refuse to answer because of that limitation in trying to keep your oath, the lawyer can have the judge threaten you to answer or else be held in contempt of court. So the oath is a lie because God cannot help you keep that oath; only the judge can by reminding the lawyer that the witness has sworn to tell the whole truth, but they do not do that.

Therefore that oath to tell the whole truth has caused that witness to sin by answering in a yes or no answer only.

That is what Jesus is warning us about in Matthew 5:36 because we cannot do God's work in us to make ourselves good or to do good for by that oath is the knowledge of sin. That oath has caused your flesh to sin, for not paying let alone finishing it.

So when a believer makes a commitment to follow Christ or making a dedication of their lives to Christ, they are resorting to their own power in doing it by the flesh by keeping that commitment and dedication TO Christ.

God is not interested in our sincerity in following Him by the deeds of the law, because no matter how much the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak therefore what is impossible with man, is possible with God by living by faith in Jesus Christ to help us follow Him.

As it is, how can you apply these verses to your walk with Him when any man made bondage is to be shunned?

Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

 

[dev553344]

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

You are born again of the Spirit.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

You are saved since believing in him, and you have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

You are a new creature that has been made righteous and thus reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Your physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit for why God is in us & with us always.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

That is the Good News in Jesus Christ as believing the preaching of the cross is how we are saved because that is how and when God has saved us.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God..... 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Born again of the Spirit is something that happens when you've been baptized and receive the Holy Spirit after confirmation and laying on of hands in prayer. You cannot be born again any other way. But it only happens when you follow after Jesus' ways.

 

[Christ4Me]

Born again of the Spirit is something that happens when you've been baptized and receive the Holy Spirit after confirmation and laying on of hands in prayer. You cannot be born again any other way. But it only happens when you follow after Jesus' ways.

The Gentiles got born again of the Spirit before water baptism so you do have a problem rectifying that as a truth in scripture to be taught that way.

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

@Truther Since Peter said to the Gentiles that believing in Him is how they would get the remission of sins and afterwards Peter did command them to be water baptized, but yet Peter did not say anything about the remission of sins by that water baptism at that time either. Care to explain?

 

[dev553344]

The Gentiles got born again of the Spirit before water baptism so you do have a problem rectifying that as a truth in scripture to be taught that way.

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

@Truther Since Peter said to the Gentiles that believing in Him is how they would get the remission of sins and afterwards Peter did command them to be water baptized, but yet Peter did not say anything about the remission of sins by that water baptism at that time either. Care to explain?

The Holy Ghost can speak to anyone, Born again or not. And God does speak to people that are not born again nor of his flock. They had not received a remission of sin. You read that wrong. He commanded them to be baptized to start the process of being in the flock and towards being born again. Read it again.

 

[Christ4Me]

The Holy Ghost can speak to anyone, Born again or not. And God does speak to people that are not born again nor of his flock.

Acts 9:1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

They had not received a remission of sin. You read that wrong. He commanded them to be baptized to start the process of being in the flock and towards being born again. Read it again.

That is not what Peter said to the Gentiles.

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

And when he commanded them to be water baptized in Jesus's name, He did not mention doing it for the remission of sins.

That means you guys are reading Acts 2:38 wrong when it is repenting from unbelief was how the Jews were actually receiving the remission of sins and not by water baptism.

 

[dev553344]

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What Paul said to them was that if they believe they "shall" receive remission of sins. The shall is a future tense. What is required in acts of that belief is baptism and being prayed over for the gift of the Holy Ghost. You can't throw out Acts 2:38 when you read Acts 10:43. You must conform your understanding to be in harmony with both verses. If you can do this then you will draw the conclusion that baptism is a necessary ordinance of salvation.

 

[Christ4Me]

What Paul said to them was that if they believe they "shall" receive remission of sins. The shall is a future tense. What is required in acts of that belief is baptism and being prayed over for the gift of the Holy Ghost. You can't throw out Acts 2:38 when you read Acts 10:43. You must conform your understanding to be in harmony with both verses. If you can do this then you will draw the conclusion that baptism is a necessary ordinance of salvation.

Ask Jesus. I cannot convince you of the truth in His words. Do yourself a favor and ask Jesus if water baptism is necessary for salvation.

 

[farouk]

What Paul said to them was that if they believe they "shall" receive remission of sins. The shall is a future tense. What is required in acts of that belief is baptism and being prayed over for the gift of the Holy Ghost. You can't throw out Acts 2:38 when you read Acts 10:43. You must conform your understanding to be in harmony with both verses. If you can do this then you will draw the conclusion that baptism is a necessary ordinance of salvation.

In Acts 2.41 those who gladly believed his word were baptized. They were baptized because they were believers; they were not baptized in order to become believers.

 

[dev553344]

Ask Jesus. I cannot convince you of the truth in His words. Do yourself a favor and ask Jesus if water baptism is necessary for salvation.

I asked Jesus, he said it was required by believers, as the scriptures indicate.

 

[farouk]

I asked Jesus, he said it was required by believers, as the scriptures indicate.

It seems like in Scripture baptism is expected of believers as a public testimony of the already effected inward change and faith. The water doesn't actually make it happen though; it's more of a symbol of what has already happened.

 

[dev553344]

Ask Jesus. I cannot convince you of the truth in His words. Do yourself a favor and ask Jesus if water baptism is necessary for salvation.

Have you been baptized?

 

[dev553344]

It seems like in Scripture baptism is expected of believers as a public testimony of the already effected inward change and faith. The water doesn't actually make it happen though; it's more of a symbol of what has already happened.

Yes, Elisha made someone wash in the Jordan to be healed of leprosy also (2 Kings 5:10). And there is Moses' serpent staff that had to be looked at to be healed of serpent bites. The bread and wine is not God either. But it is required also. Many times God requires tokens of faith to be saved physically and spiritually.