Submitted by Matthew on 2009-06-01:
Question: I am a new Christian. Could you please explain to me the basics of the Christian life? Also, please tell me how to grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Answer: Let’s start with 2 Tim. 3:15: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures (that’s the Bible – the Old Testament primarily), which are able (now watch the power system here to guarantee a fruitful, effective, mature Christian life) to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
This is a genuine Bible indoctrination that leads to a true understanding of God’s plan of salvation through Christ Jesus the Savior.
Now, what part does the Bible have in our Christian life and growth? Listen to the next verse.
“All scripture (that’s all 66 books of the Bible) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).
Reproof means we need to be confronted, we need to be corrected, we need to be helped.
The purpose of all of this is: "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:17).
Now what are some of the good works which a God-honoring Christian experiences? Not only a living faith, but believing prayer.
Jesus said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13; cf. 15:16).
We must pray in His name and for His glory.
All this means that we are ready to believe and obey God’s precious Word and to show our faith in Jesus by obeying Him with God-honoring works and believing prayer.
God will show you who to reach - your loved ones, your neighbors, your friends, perhaps through an outreach, a witness to the ends of the earth - through effectual fervent prayer.
Look at those basics – a living faith that results in solid teaching of the Word and in fellowship with others of God’s people.
Obey that Word and tell people about Jesus.
God-honoring works will show the whole world – your family, your neighbors, your friends – that you are serious about having a Savior who loves you and teaches you, confronts you and guides and helps you and protects you.
Something that is especially important to mention in all of this is that you must go to an assembly of God’s people – a church – which really teaches the Bible.
Those are some of the basics of the Christian life and the guarantee of genuine Christian growth in the Lord.

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