God's word is clear in that He provides some very clear promises to His people. As a new believer, I would like to outline 2 key promises of God for you to carefully consider and fully accept.

The Promise of Forgiveness

You will find that learning to live the Christian life is like learning to walk. There will be many ups and downs, especially in the beginning. This is natural, as the Psalmist points out: "The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." (Psalm 37:23-24) The aim of the Devil is to trip you up and cause you to fall. Sin spoils our relationship with God unless it is confessed. Satan aims to keep you in a constant condition of broken fellowship with God, and he never gives up.

When you were learning to walk, you often fell down. Did you stay down long? No, you reached out to the extended hand of your mother and father who put you back on your feet. This happened often until you learned to walk. Learn to walk with God in the same way. When you fall, reach out to God, through prayer, and accept His merciful helping hand.

His promises and assurances are clear: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV).

Whenever you have done something that displeases the Lord, as soon as the Spirit of God has made you aware of it, immediately confess it and seek His forgiveness. In this way, you can know the mercy and forgiveness of God and walk in constant fellowship with Him. Memorize 1 John 1:9 and practice it daily. Take God at His Word and believe Him for forgiveness and cleansing.

The Promise of Victory Over Temptation

If Satan, God's enemy and yours, cannot bring you to doubt your salvation, he will concentrate on some area of weakness in your life or some failure that has been a constant burden on you. It is important to remember that you cannot live the Christian life in your own strength. The Apostle Paul has given us the secret of Christian living in Galatians 2:20 (NIV), "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Learn to take your eyes off your own weakness and put your trust in Jesus Christ who is able to help you.

The next time you are troubled by temptation, remember the Scriptures that say, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB

You may think that you are the only one who is tempted. All believers go through similar tests. The answer is to take the problem to God immediately before it has a chance to take root. Be positive in your prayers. Don't concentrate on your temptations but think on "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8 ESV).

Ask God to bring these thoughts into your life. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:13, and rely on its promises every time you are tempted. Remember, temptation itself is not sin. (see Hebrews 4:15)

God's promises are sure. Rely on them, and live by them each and every day!