Beginnings
What exactly happened when you became a born again, born into the family of God, person? Listed below are statements of fact with the corresponding verse(s). Yes, they are facts, not opinions and not theories. They are what the Scripture says happened. And since God said them they can be trusted. So, trust them. Cling to them. Memorize them.It is my suggestion that you don't rush through the list, but take some time to think about their significance in your own life. And by all means, please look up the Scripture passages. Ask yourself, do I really believe this? What does it mean for me? Does my life reflect this truth? You get the idea. Ask God to help you with this! That may seem silly to say, but you aren't going to get very far trying to do it on your own.
You may ask why I have done this. It is quite simple. Paul said it in his letter to the Ephesians, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (1:17-19a) Enough said. This is what happened at your new birth and who you became.
The Holy Spirit came in and washed you clean, making you presentable to God. - Titus 3:5,6 The Holy Spirit then took up permanent residence in you as a deposit, guaranteeing your salvation. - Ephesians 1:13b,14
You now are holy in God's eyes. - Colossians 1:22, 1 Peter 2:9
You are without blemish. - Colossians 1:22
Every requirement of the law has been met. - Romans 8:1-4
Every sin; past, present, future is forgiven. - Psalm 103:11-13, Jeremiah 31:34, Colossians 2:13
You are new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Your old sinful nature died. - Romans 6:3-7, 2 Peter 1:3, 4
You are free to not sin. - Romans 6:6-10, 14
When you are tempted, there is now a way out. - 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 4:14-16
You no longer have to be afraid of God. - Romans 8:15
You are fully equipped to handle Satan's attacks. - Ephesians 6:10-18
You are God's child. - John 1:12, Romans 8:16
God hears your prayers. - Jeremiah 29:12
God will provide for your physical needs. - Matthew 6:25-33
Since you are God's child, you are an heir entitled to your inheritance. - Galatians 4:4-7
You are Jesus' friend. - John 15:15
You are a citizen of heaven. - Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:6
You are the salt of the earth. - Matthew 5:13
You are the light of the world. - Matthew 5:14
You are Jesus' ambassador. - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
I realize this is only a short list and that not every aspect of being a child of God was covered, but this should get you started on the right path. Remember, cling to the truth and discard the lies.
© 1997 Patricia K. Holder