New Church Foundation

We were born not just for life in this world but for eternal life. This is clear from the idea that we were created by God so that He could bless us, not just for a time, but forever.

Readings

The question then is asked: how is one to repent? The answer is, in deed; that is, by examining oneself, recognizing and acknowledging one’s sins, praying to the Lord, and starting a new life. Repentance is impossible without self-examination. But what purpose does self-examination serve, but to enable us to recognize our sins? Or what purpose does their recognition serve, unless we acknowledge their presence in us? Or what purpose would these three actions serve, if not to enable us to confess them before the Lord, to appeal for His help, and from this point on to start a new life, which is the end in view? This is real repentance. (True Christianity 530)

For there are both evil and good spirits with every person; the evil spirits are in your evils, and the good spirits in your goods. When the evil spirits approach they draw forth your evils, while the good spirits, on the contrary, draw forth your goods; whence arise collision and combat, from which the person has interior anxiety, which is temptation. (The New Jerusalem 188)

Unless a person is born again and as it were created anew, he or she cannot enter the kingdom of God. (True Christianity 572)

Everyone has an internal level and an external level; the internal is what is called the spiritual level, and the external is what is called the natural level, and each is to be regenerated, that the man may be regenerated. With the person who is not regenerated, the external or natural level rules, and the internal serves; but with the person who is regenerated, the internal or spiritual level rules, and the external serves. (The New Jerusalem 179)

Sacraments of the New Church

Baptism

Baptism is a sign that a person is a follower of the Lord God Jesus Christ – that they are a Christian. Baptism can be observed by parents on behalf of a child or as an adult choice. Baptism does not transfer faith or "save" you. Baptism is a promise made between an individual and the Lord. It is often done in public because there is value in recognizing that our efforts to live this way are best achieved with the support and accountability of a community. Baptism is an introduction into the church, not a confirmation that one believes everything of the church. It is a sign of intention to learn about the Lord and His Word and to follow Him.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. Is there any way for a person to know for sure that they will go to heaven?
A. We can get a sense that we are on the path to heaven when we are doing what is right. It is difficult to go to hell. In order to do so, one has to 1) deny God, and 2) pervert or falsify the Truth (Word) at every opportunity. It is easier to live the life of heaven than many believe. The Lord created us for heaven. It is necessary that when anything we know to be unjust or dishonest presents itself we turn away from it, not participate in it, and say: "I will not do that, because it is opposed to the Lord’s Commandments." By establishing this habit, it is easier and easier to deal with temptations.

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