“The Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Sam. 16:7

When a person sincerely invites Christ into his or her life, remarkable things take place right away. Some components are visible, some are not., There are two sides to the story: That which is on the outside, and that which only God sees on the inside. When anyone receives Christ as Savior, several amazing things take place that can be observed on the outside.

First, there is relief and peace because we are forgiven. Every honest person recognizes the reality of sin. But when Christ comes in, and we trust Him, His death results in the forgiveness of every sin of those who believe. Paul wrote that in Christ, ”we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Eph. 1: 7

Then there is a new interest in the Bible and fellowship with God’s people. That’s because after conversion, a new Christian develops a new, keen interest in the Bible. “desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby”. I Peter 1:2:2

This is accompanied by a desire to fellowship other Christians, because we are in the same family-God’s family. “forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.”
This is followed by a desire to communicate with God in prayer. We find ourselves drawn to the Lord to thank Him for saving us and to ask Him for strength, help. “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do…”

Then gradually there comes a change in our lifestyle. As we begin to grow, we begin to change how we think, how we see things, and the way we act.

When these changes take place, others also notice it too. This is called our “testimony” or “witness.” When folks came to Christ in the early days of the church, we read the reaction of observers- “And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

While we can only see and experience what is visible, God, who is all knowing can see what is going on beneath the surface, in our lives. He sees that we have become a part of His family. I Cor. 12:13 reveals to us a wonderful secret about something that happens invisibly when we come to know Christ as our Savior. It says ,“for by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”

When we become part of God’s family, our names are written in what is called “the book of life” or the” Lamb’s book of life.” It is that which confirms forever that we are Christians, part of the great family of God.- “sinners saved by grace.” Our Heavenly Father also sees that our eternal destiny has been confirmed or sealed by God. When someone truly, sincerely comes to know Christ as Savior, it is natural to want to know if it will last. The answer is that it will last forever. God “seals” those who trust Him, and He will never cast us out.” Eph. 4:30 speaks of the Holy Spirit for whom we “ are sealed for the day of redemption.” If we invite Christ into our lives, when we come to the end of our days, we will be “absent from the body and present with the Lord.”

So now, having seen what happens outwardly and inwardly to all who receive Christ as Savior, the big question which sincere seeking people ask is – How do I become a child of God?

The Bible gives us four simple steps.

First- By admitting our true spiritual condition.
“all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“there is none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10

Second- By honestly admitting we cannot help ourselves.
“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5

Third-by honestly asking God for His help. Isaiah urged-
“seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6

Fourth- By inviting Jesus Christ into our lives as Savior and Lord. Jesus promised “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” Revelation 3:20