We believe that the split second that a person receives Jesus Christ, several wonderful things happen.  He or she is justified before God.  Sins are forgiven, and it is as if he or she had never sinned, standing before the Judge without any guilt.  He or she is also regenerated, or born again, in that moment.  Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, now comes to live within.  A change has happened.  He or she is a new person, and never has to go back to the former life.  The Holy Spirit now lives within to break old patterns and free him or her to live the way in which God designed.  That person is now also adopted, part of the family of God.  The new Christian is a joint heir with Jesus Christ, who is the firstborn among many brethren.  He or she can approach God the Father with boldness, knowing Him as Father instead of Judge.