Key Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Walk With Jesus Christ
This is a simple, Bible-based introduction to God and becoming born again!
In this article, I biblically explain the essential truths every new believer needs to know. I share the key foundations I personally wish I had when I began my faith journey. I hope this will be helpful and a blessing to someone!
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
About Jesus
Jesus is the Son of God, who was with the Father from the beginning of creation:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:1-3
+
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Revelation 22:13
Jesus Christ is fully God and He operates in unity with the Father God:
30 I and My Father are one.” John 10:30
God is love, and His love never fails:
8 … God is love.1 John 4:8
+
8 Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8
Jesus is the Light of the world!
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus is the Bread of Life:
35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35
+
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6:51
His Calling
Out of love, God sent Jesus to save us:
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
+
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. John 17:23
Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit — not by human will, but by divine purpose:
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
Giving us an example to follow, Jesus lived a sinless life, marked by compassion, healing, truth, wisdom, and unconditional love:
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Mathew 9:35
+
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
+
13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
Jesus Christ came into the world for sinners:
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15
+
32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:32
It’s important to understand that the penalty of sin is death:
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
All human beings are sinful by nature:
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— Romans 5:12
Jesus died for our sins:
10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Romans 6:10
+
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25
Jesus is the only way to be saved from death and to come to the heavenly Father and His kingdom:
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
+
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
The Cross
Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and rose again on the third day, offering forgiveness of sins, and new and eternal life in the Kingdom of God after physical death:
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
+
11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 1 John 5:11
Through the cross, Jesus Christ conquered death:
9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. Romans 6:9
Through the cross, Jesus’s death defeated the devil and his forces:
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14
+
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
Because Jesus died and rose again, we may enter into a restored relationship with God:
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1
Reconciliation
Coming back to God starts with faith in Jesus Christ:
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10
Repentance is an essential step in turning to God:
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, Acts 3:19-20
+
3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3
Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God:
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:18
+
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:20
The act of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is expressed through baptism:
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21
Invitation
It’s important to note that Jesus Christ is coming back to earth soon:
44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24:44
+
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:12
God calls all people to repent, be baptized, and follow Him (before He returns):
9 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
+
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
+
16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:16
Baptism is…
Baptism into Jesus Christ is the act of going into the water as a symbol of dying to your old self, leaving sin behind, and beginning new life with Christ:
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
+
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
Through baptism into Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins and salvation:
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16
Salvation is God’s gift of grace and cannot be earned:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Baptism is a crucial act in a believer’s life. Through baptism, we become born again. Jesus clearly tells us in John 3:5-7:
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit,he cannot enter the kingdom of God.6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
After Baptism
Believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit:
10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11
+
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
The Spirit of God dwells in us and remains with us:
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:9
+
17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17
Our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit:
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19
+
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
All believers receive the same Spirit of God:
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11
+
6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 1 John 5:6
The Holy Spirit helps us hear God’s voice, guidance, and truth:
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13
The Holy Spirit produces good fruit in our lives:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Change
A new life in Christ calls for transformation:
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
The goal of every believer is to become more like Christ:
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:9-11
+
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27
We no longer live for ourselves, but for God and for serving others in love, following Jesus’ example:
15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15
+
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
+
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
We are given spiritual gifts, to serve God and others:
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10
+
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6
+
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.1 Corinthians 12:8-10
New Life in Christ
Through baptism we are joined together as one body in Christ:
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
+
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6
Through baptism, believers become children of God:
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13
+
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27
Through baptism, we are made ambassadors of Jesus Christ:
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, 2 Corinthians 5:20
His disciples are given responsibilities and authorities:
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18
Believers become soldiers of Jesus Christ:
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4
+
Please read more about spiritual warfare and the armor of God in my article The Spiritual Defence Academy of Christ.
Additional Notes
Baptism may be performed anywhere where a person can be fully immersed in water:
23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. John 3:23
It should be free of charge:
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8
A person may be baptized by an evangelist:
2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), John 4:2
+
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
Thank you!
All Scripture quoted is from the NKJV.
Each artwork in my posts is inspired by God’s creation and made with love and honour for His gifts, giving all glory to Jesus.
With love, Gita Moz | One Voice, One Witness
Written in June 2026