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I remember basketball on TV and seeing my older siblings play and wanting to emulate them. Then I joined a team and realized how much I had to learn to play with those better than me.   

When we come to faith in God through Jesus Christ, it can look like that. We’re excited about a new life and journey, but also nervous because we think, “I’ve no idea what I am doing.” 

Here are some points from that can give us a good foundation as we begin our new life in Christ: 

Salvation Through Death  

When we repent and follow Christ, we are made safe by Christ’s work on the cross. We were standing in the sights of God’s holy wrath to be punished for sin. But by turning away from our sinful lives to pursue Christ, we are spared that wrath because Jesus took the punishment on the cross.   

New Life Through Resurrection  

Following Christ is following a Savior who is not dead. Through His resurrection, we are alive as well! That means we can live differently while on earth thanks to His Spirit within us, and when we physically die, we will spend eternity with Him.  

Restored Relationship  

We were enemies of God until Christ saved us with His life. Because of this, we are reconciled to God. God is love and holiness. Since the Fall in Genesis 3, sin has separated us from God. The forgiveness of God through Christ and growing in Him brings us closer to how God originally intended things.  

Hope for the Future  

When hope is mentioned in terms of Christ’s work on the cross, it is confident expectation. Jesus died and was raised from the dead as He said He would. So, if He said He will be back again and that in Him we are safe from God’s wrath, we can have confidence that He is bringing it to fruition.   

God sent Christ to die for us so we can worship Him as He deserves and to have fellowship with Him. Sports will one day end. The glory of the Lord, and the joy, peace and hope it brings, will last for all time. Live your life for His glory.