What can I expect if I become a Christian?

The Cost of Becoming a Christian

Like anything you do, you should count the costs before you commit to doing it. You should know what to expect if you become a Christian. Now, let me tell you, it isn't always easy. The Lord calls us to integrity, to honesty, faithfulness, truthfulness.

In a world of moral relativism, such absolute qualities do not fit very well, and so it can cost you. Also, if you become a Christian and then continue to live in sinful ways, the Holy Spirit will gently and convincingly prod your heart and bring you to a place of repentance.

He is very persistent. He won't give up, and sometimes that repentance can be quite difficult, especially if He brings you to confess your sins to others and make things right. You must understand that if you become a Christian, you are no longer your own.

You have given yourself to the Lord, and He takes that commitment very seriously. He will not leave you in your sins. He will work in you, and He will gradually bring you to a new place in your life. He will work bad habits out of you, and bad things, He'll take care of them, but He'll take the rest of your life.

Becoming More Like Jesus

Of course, this does not mean that you'll become perfect. It does mean that God will work in your heart to make you more like Jesus. You can expect this, because God is living in the heart of all who have received Christ.

That's John 1 .12, John 14 .23. This is because Christians experience the very presence of God, and God is holy. Being saved is easy. You just trust in what the Lord Christ has done, receive Him as your Savior, ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and trust in nothing else, including your own good works.

You trust Him for your place in heaven. Getting saved is easy. The hard part is what follows after you become a Christian, when the Lord comes to you and lives in you, and then begins to work changes in you.

These changes are for the better. Remember, they're not always all that comfortable, but it's good. But sometimes, these difficult things have their own rewards. God will accept you just as you are, but He will not leave you as you are.

So if you want to become a Christian, expect your life to change. Expect that you will end up with different friends, and be prepared to find that many of your old habits and desires will also change.

This is what you can expect, but it's worth it. There is one final expectation that you should be aware of if you become a Christian. Salvation. In other words, you'll escape the righteous judgment of God.

Eternal hell is what awaits all who fail to trust in what Christ has done on the cross. Being a Christian means that you've escaped that judgment. This, of course, is the greatest benefit for you.