The Bible provides a clear path for how we, as sinners, can be saved and reconciled with God. This journey involves both God's gracious provision and our response. Let's explore the steps of salvation as outlined in Scripture.
Salvation begins with God's love and grace toward us. He has done everything necessary to make salvation possible.
God Sent His Son: God sent Jesus to be our Savior, offering us a way to be forgiven.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)
Jesus Shed His Blood: Jesus died on the cross, shedding His blood to pay for our sins.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”
Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
Spirit Revealed Word: The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible, revealing God's plan of salvation.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
While salvation is a gift from God, we must respond to His grace by taking the steps outlined in Scripture.
Hear the Gospel: We must first hear the message of Jesus and the good news of salvation.
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Believe the Gospel: We must believe in Jesus as the Son of God and trust in His saving power.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16 (NIV)
Repent of Sins: Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Confess Faith in Christ: We must openly confess that Jesus is Lord and our Savior.
“If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
Baptism: Baptism is a necessary part of salvation where we are immersed in water, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As Acts 2:38 says, we first must repent. This requires a educated decision on our part. Therefore, we must be old enough to make that decision. Baptism as a baby, or by any method other than by immersion, is not what the Bible prescribes.
“Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
Acts 2:38 (NIV)
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)
Remain Faithful: After being saved, we are called to live faithfully, continuing to follow Jesus by keeping His commandments and demonstrating our faith through actions.
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
John 14:15 (NIV)
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:26 (NIV)
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.”
Revelation 2:10 (NIV)
If you're asking, "What must I do to be saved?" the Bible's answer is clear: hear the gospel, believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess your faith, be baptized, and remain faithful. This is the path from sinner to saved—a journey made possible by God's love and grace.
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