Search this guide
Chapter Summary
A NEW BEGINNING
Billy Graham discusses the transformative power of committing one's life to Jesus Christ, illustrating diverse conversion stories leading to rebirth in Christ and introducing seven gifts from God that change a believer's life.
Different Ways, the Same Reality
Graham acknowledges various paths to faith, stressing the importance of making a commitment to Christ immediately as emphasized in the Bible.
Is Anything Different?
He addresses post-conversion feelings like uncertainty, attributing them to spiritual attacks, yet reassures that true change accompanies acceptance of Christ, marking believers as new creations.
Seven Gifts
from God A New Relationship: Reconciliation with God as friends and children. A New Citizenship: Membership in God's kingdom with allegiance to Him. A New Family: Supportive community among believers, known as the church. A New Purpose: Focusing on serving others and living for Christ. A New Power: The Holy Spirit empowering believers to follow God's will. A New Destiny: Change from separation from God to eternal life with Him. A New Journey: Commitment to Christ as the start of an ongoing spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Graham encourages gratitude for the gifts of salvation and emphasizes the Christian life as a continuous growth journey guided by Jesus.
In this chapter, Billy Graham emphasizes the transformative power of committing one’s life to Jesus Christ. He reflects on his own experience of salvation, highlighting how diverse conversion stories can be yet still lead to the same reality of being reborn in Christ. The chapter outlines seven gifts God provides upon such a commitment, fundamentally altering the believer's life. Different Ways, the Same Reality Graham acknowledges that individuals come to faith in various ways. Whether through a dramatic encounter like Saul of Tarsus or a gradual understanding like that of Peter, the essence lies in the resulting relationship with Christ. The urgency of making a commitment is stressed, as the Bible emphasizes the importance of the present moment for salvation.
Graham touches on common feelings post-conversion, such as uncertainty or emotional ups and downs, attributing these to spiritual attacks. However, he reassures readers that genuine change occurs upon accepting Christ, reinforcing the notion that believers are new creations, regardless of their feelings.
Seven Gifts from God:
1. Install Bookey App to Unlock Full Text and
Audio
Discussion Questions
1What does it mean to experience a 'new beginning' in Christ?
Experiencing a new beginning in Christ signifies a transformative moment where an individual transitions from being an enemy of God to becoming His friend and child. This transformation ensures the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and an entry into a new spiritual family where one is supported and loved.
2How does Billy Graham describe the process of coming to Christ?
Billy Graham describes coming to Christ as a diverse and personal experience that varies from person to person. Some have dramatic conversions, while others have gradual realizations of faith. What unites these experiences is the essence of truly coming to Christ and the importance of being certain in one's commitment to Him.
3What seven gifts does God give us upon committing our lives to Christ?
1. A new relationship with God, as His beloved child. 2. A new citizenship in the kingdom of God. 3. A new family, the spiritual family of believers. 4. A new purpose in life, to live for Christ and serve others. 5. A new power through the Holy Spirit residing within us. 6. A new destiny, assured eternal life in heaven. 7. A new journey, a lifelong path of faith intertwined with Christ.
4What is the significance of being a 'new creation' in Christ?
Being a new creation means that one's past mistakes and sins are erased, and a fresh start is granted. This change often instills a sense of hope and a foundation for a new identity, allowing believers to embrace their new life in Christ despite doubts or feelings to the contrary.
5Why is it important to have certainty in your commitment to Christ?
Certainty in one's commitment to Christ is vital as there are no second chances after death, and only through a clear decision can an individual experience the full assurance of salvation and the transformative love of God.
6How does the Holy Spirit play a role in the life of a believer?
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within believers, guiding, empowering, and providing strength in their spiritual journey. He reassures believers of their identity in Christ and helps them live according to God's will.
7What is the essence of the 'new journey' mentioned by Billy Graham?
The 'new journey' is the ongoing process of living out faith in Christ, marked by continual growth, learning, and deepening of one’s relationship with God, all while being assured that He walks alongside the believer every step of the way.
8What encouragement does Billy Graham offer regarding feelings of doubt after committing to Christ?
Billy Graham acknowledges that feelings of doubt are common but emphasizes that one's faith does not rely on emotions. Instead, he encourages believers to focus on the promises of God and the truth of being a new creation, regardless of fluctuating feelings.
9What does it mean to have 'dual citizenship' as a believer?
Having dual citizenship means that while one is a citizen of a particular earthly nation, they are also a citizen of the kingdom of God. This dual allegiance calls for believers to prioritize their heavenly citizenship while engaging responsibly in earthly responsibilities.
Quick Self-Check
Test your understanding — decide whether each statement is true or false based on this chapter, then check your answers against the summary above.
- Billy Graham emphasizes that committing one's life to Jesus Christ leads to a transformative power.
- According to Graham, there is only one correct way to come to faith in Jesus Christ.
- Believers experience immediate emotional stability and certainty after conversion, according to Graham.
Memorable Quotes
- If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
- You are forgiven!
- We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
- If you have given your life to Christ, you are a new creation—whether you feel like it or not.
- Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
- The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
- God has given us a new purpose.