Everything born-again Christians need to know

The first thing you need to understand is that your life has just changed. Before, you were a sinner, flawed from birth. Now, you are reborn, a new creature who now has access to God's Kingdom ( John 3:1–7 and 1 John 5:11–12).

How did this happen?

Yes, you answered the altar call but best believe your redemption does not come from you. It is all due to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who laid down whilst you were still a sinner.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast."

He did this to demonstrate God's love and so that nothing would be able to keep you away from your Heavenly Father, who cares for you deeply.

Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

ALSO READ: How Yemi Osinbajo became a born-again Christian

Old things have passed away, all things have become new

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!"

Now, that you know about the change in your identity, you have to understand that things are going to be different. Ever seen a vampire movie? One moment the person is a human being, the next he/she is an immortal who will do anything for a taste of blood. The same thing applies to being a born Christian.

You may or may not immediately desire for the Bible or Godly stuff but you definitely need it. So, find a Bible-teaching church and join foundation classes in order to learn all about your new identity.

Understand that you might still struggle with sin but don't be afraid because things are different now. Thanks to your new identity, you now have the Holy Spirit in all His glory living in you, urging and helping you navigate life so you don't have to do this by yourself. It certainly doesn't hurt to have mature Christians who can also help you with this new journey of righteousness (1 John 2:29).

Remember, you are forgiven so don't become a slave to sin's guilt, shame, and regret. It might take some time but trust me, the Holy Spirit is working on the inside renewing you. Hebrews 12:2 urges, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

The Holy Spirit comes bearing gifts like speaking in tongues, healing, prophesy. These are free but you still need to work with Him if you want to yield fruits and character (Galatians 5:22). Don't be afraid to ask Him for His help to pray, study the Bible and to basically live a Godly life.

Note: Before you became a born-again Christian, you did things a certain way. Now, you are a different being who has to learn and practice these new things that may seem foreign at first. It might feel as frustrating as learning a new language or learning how to walk all over again after a terrible accident but trust me, its all worth it.

It might take some time but one day, you will be able to say with John Newton,“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in the eternal world. But still–I am not what I once used to be! By the grace of God, I am what I am.”