The most important question anyone can ask is, "What must I do to be saved?" The Bible answers it plainly. Salvation is not earned by good works or church membership; it is the free gift of God received by faith in Jesus Christ. Below is the plan of salvation laid out step by step, in the words of Scripture.
Step 1: We Are All Sinners
Before we can understand salvation, we must see our need for it. No one is excluded, and no one can claim to be good enough on their own.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."Romans 3:23
Step 2: Sin Has a Penalty
Sin separates us from a holy God, but notice that the same verse that announces the penalty also points to the remedy: a gift.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."Romans 6:23
Step 3: God Loves Us and Provided a Saviour
Christ died in our place, shed His blood for our sins, and rose again, because God's love for us is greater than our sin.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."John 3:16
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."Hebrews 9:22
Step 4: Salvation Comes by Grace Through Faith
Salvation is entirely the gift of God, received by faith alone, not by any good deed of our own.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."Ephesians 2:8-9
Step 5: Call Upon the Lord
This promise is open to every person. If you believe in your heart and confess Him as Lord, you can be saved today.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."Romans 10:13
In review:
Before you call upon the Lord, pause and be honest with yourself:
- You know you are a sinner.
- You realize there is a penalty for that sin, and you cannot pay it yourself.
- You believe Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed His blood for your sins, and that He was buried and rose again the third day.
- You understand that eternal life is the free gift of God, received by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
Completing this checklist is not salvation; trusting Jesus Christ is.
If that is where your heart is, the Bible says you may call upon Him.
Ready to Trust Christ?
If you are ready, you can pray in your own words, admitting you are a sinner, believing Jesus died and rose for you, and asking Him to save you. We would count it a joy to pray with you.