You got saved; now what? To trust in Christ is to be born again, but what does life in Christ mean? Let’s look.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Being saved is all about saving us from an eternity separated from God in hell, and from the pitfalls and hidden snares of this world. The wise will read what God has told the apostle Paul to write and take it to heart. We begin in Romans 6:1-4 with what happens to us spiritually when we are born again (see John 3:3).

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? ² Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? ³ Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? ⁴ For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism [a symbolic act representing what happened to us spiritually]. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives [because of His Spirit now living inside us].

Jesus gives us His Spirit so that we can communicate with Him continuously. He lets us know what is good for us, what is bad for us, what to do to help others, and what to leave to other followers. He literally directs our lives! His desires become our desires as we “delight ourselves in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4). We have His promise that He will give us the desires of our hearts. We want what He wants, which is:

1. The best for us, which may or may not be in this world. We must get used to the idea of thinking eternally rather than just temporally (in this life).
2. Our obedience- It’s how He keeps us “safe” in this world. There’s no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will.
3. Our holiness- God will be changing us from sinful critters to holy children of God. He wants to transform us (2 Corinthians 3:18) and conform us (Romans 8:29) into the image of His Son, which is the exact human representation of Himself (Hebrews 1:3). We are commanded to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16); we do that through obedience to His Spirit.
4. For all to be saved, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

If you’re having trouble generating the motivation to work at being like Christ, then spend more time with Him in prayer and Bible study. Pray that “the eyes of your heart would be enlightened in order that you may:

1. Know the hope to which he has called you,
2. The riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people,
3. and His incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19).

The question is, “If a person is not interested in spending time with Jesus, then why did he get saved?” It’s all we will do in heaven–of course, it’s also far, far greater than we could ever think or imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9). And, because we have His Spirit in us, that eternity is going on right now! He has already begun lavishing us with His love (1 John 3:1). Also, we know that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:39). I’m grateful! How about you?

Abba, I truly am grateful that You live in my heart and have promised that I will never be separated from You. Thank You for not waiting until I die to begin lavishing me with all You have for me, beginning with Your love. Thank You for such a great hope that we have in You: the riches of Your glorious inheritance! I have come to understand that the inheritance is the people of God, my new family. I am also very thankful that the same power You used to raise Christ from the dead has been used on me to give me life in You. I know that I will never truly die, but I will exchange this mortal body for an immortal body, one You have waiting for me. I look forward to it. Amen.