Preparing You for What to Expect in a Christian Journey: New Christians

It is important to understand that God loves you and knows you personally. As a new Christian, you should be assured that His love and protection are with you. God understands us in every situation. He is always present to love us, give us hope, and shield us from harm. His love is our guide and our protection.

The Bible reminds us of this truth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV).

Like Jesus Christ, we face trials and tribulations in life. The enemy comes against our soul, mind, heart, and body to weaken our hope, courage, and confidence. These struggles can leave us feeling broken, discouraged, and without purpose. Yet, even in our lowest moments, God gives us hope, peace, and strength to endure.

The enemy seeks to destroy our dignity, steal our goals and dreams, and separate us from God. But the Lord is faithful. He leads us out of hopeless situations and restores our lives. That is why God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ—to bring us eternal life and to teach us how to become more like Him.

The Bible declares: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, KJV).

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

The word atonement means “to make amends” or “to reconcile.” In the scriptures, it refers to Jesus Christ’s suffering for the sins of all mankind. He took upon Himself the penalty for sin, making it possible for every repentant person to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Because of the Atonement:

• All people will be resurrected.

• Those who obey His gospel will receive eternal life with God.

As descendants of Adam and Eve, we too face opposition, temptation, and the consequences of sin. When we yield to temptation, we become alienated from God and experience spiritual death. We are also subject to physical death. The only way to be saved is through someone who could meet the demands of justice on our behalf.

That someone is Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer

Jesus Christ alone had the power to redeem us from our sins. God the Father gave Him this authority because He lived a perfect, sinless life. The scriptures say, “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.” Because He had no debt to justice, He could pay the debt for all who repent.

Therefore, repentance is the path to salvation. When we repent, our lives begin to change, and we grow to become more like Christ. Through Him, we receive strength to overcome trials, temptations, and the burdens of this world.

Repentance brings freedom. Without it, suffering increases, but with it, healing and peace come. The Savior Himself endured unimaginable pain for our sake:

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:18).

Jesus chose to drink the bitter cup so that we would not be left without hope. If He had yielded to temptation, we could never overcome our own, nor could we receive the gift of eternal life.

But because He overcame, we too can overcome. Through His love, His sacrifice, and His resurrection, we are promised everlasting life with Him.