Why do new Christians fall away? Why do so many new Christians never achieve success as a Christian? I think it is because they were never given the opportunity to learn the basics of the Christian life. Church, basic principles are needed.

Our preparations for our new life in Christ begin the moment we obey the gospel and submit to Him in baptism (Gal. 3:27). Becoming a Christian is a beginning; a commitment to follow Him, but it is not the end of our journey. That is why it is so important for every church member to gain a thorough and practical knowledge of how to live this new life.

The Bible will be our guidebook and our companion in this new journey. It will fill our hearts and minds with the revealed will of God and the practical knowledge needed to live this new life.

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

It is a real tragedy when new Christians fail to endure in their new life. This life is a glorious calling but it is also a difficult life. Far too often, new Christians are abandoned (lack of teaching and support) before they have a chance to learn and grow. They are not given the opportunity or training needed for them to stand strong in the faith so the inevitable happens. They fall away from Jesus before their new life has a chance to take root in their life (Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23). This is a tragedy that happens far too often. This happens because the process of being saved is not a one-time action, it is not complete the moment we arise from the waters of baptism. The new life begins when we are raised with Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4) but it continues throughout the rest of our life here on earth. With this new life comes new duties and dangers that can be overcome, but they must be overcome with patience, grace, courage, and training (Matt. 28:18-20).

When a new Christian is baptized and never taught how to mature in Christ, they cannot reach the victorious Christian life Jesus promises (John 10:10). Jesus warned us about this failure when he said that many are called but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14). In other words, many hear the gospel, respond in faith, but are left to die alone.

This is the reason for this series of articles. We planned these lessons so that the new Christian can grow, be encouraged, and admonished to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). With each new article, we hope and pray that you will learn, grow, and reach your fullest potential as a Christian.

Do not leave anything undone but strive to do everything the Lord requires. Don’t take anything for granted especially when eternity hangs in the balance (1 Peter 4:17-18).

Jeff Arnette