You’ve Accepted Christ — Now What?
By Will Graham
"And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek,’ of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:9-14).
There’s still work to be done after someone has accepted Christ. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association works hard to follow up with each new believer, plug them into a local church, and help them grow—from “baby” believers to strong Christians as they apply Scripture to their faith.
We must passionately and deliberately pursue our Savior and the wisdom He has given us.
Some, however, simply choose not to develop their new walk with Christ.
In Hebrews 5:11-14, we see characteristics of believers who are not maturing in their faith:
Lazy or Dull—A person’s faith is immature because they are lazy or “dull of hearing” (verse 11). They listened but were not paying attention and applying God’s Word.
Refusal to Grow—These people were refusing to grow (verse 12). They had a knowledge of Jesus and identified with Him but refused to mature in their faith. They had not progressed from “milk” (basics) to “solid food” (applying Scripture).
Unskilled—Some people are spiritually underdeveloped because they are inexperienced in the Word (verse 13). By this time, they should have been teaching but could not because they had refused to be trained in spiritual matters.
Do Not Exercise Discernment—Some believers remain spiritually immature because they do not exercise their mental and spiritual senses (verse 14) and therefore cannot discern between good and evil.
So how can we become mature Christians? The following verses offer guidance:
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits” (Hebrews 6:1-3).
First, we must build on the teachings we know (verse 1). The foundation has been laid. We need to develop our spiritual structure, adding depth and understanding.
Second, we must set our minds to grow (verse 3). “This we will do” shows the determination required.
Third, we must realize that we are totally dependent upon God for growth. “If God permits” shows that we cannot grow apart from His strength.
We must passionately and deliberately pursue our Savior and the wisdom He has given us. This will strengthen your walk and prepare you to impact the world for the Kingdom.
Originally published at BillyGraham.org.
William Franklin Graham IV (Will) is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). The grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham, Will has shared the hope of Jesus Christ with more than 1 million people across six continents since beginning his evangelistic ministry in 2006.
“I’m not trying to be the next Billy Graham; I’m just Will Graham,” says the ordained minister. “I have a burden in my heart to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If that’s to an arena full of people or one person on the street, I will do whatever God is calling me to do.” READ MORE
Are you living a life that is pleasing to God, or are you following your own path? Perhaps now is the time to return to Him. Begin or rekindle your relationship with Jesus today. [Peace with God]