From Adam and Eve to the Israelites, the Old Testament has documented many instances where man has fallen short and failed to follow God’s commands and laws (Sin).
The New Testament teaches that we have all followed after the precedent of Adam (Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14). We have willingly sinned against God by transgressing his law, and spiritual death is the consequence of our actions (Rom. 6:23).
We can’t save ourselves from the consequences of Sin!
1. Understand that You Cannot Save Yourself on Your Own.
The first step to salvation is acknowledging that you cannot save yourself by your own effort. All humans have sinned, so no one can save themselves. Everyone is meant to pay for the wages of sin, which is death alone (Romans 6:23).
2. Know that Good Works Cannot Save You.
Some religions will emphasize the need to work for salvation by displaying penitence, good works, and donations to the church. However, the Bible tells us that salvation is not our own doing—not a result of works—but instead, it is a GIFT of God acquired through faith alone.
God’s Part in Salvation
Despite man’s rebellion, God was rich in mercy and grace, providing a plan of reconciliation. Because of his great love for the world, God sent His own Son to die a cruel death on the cross as payment for the sins of the world (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 2:9). Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have renewed hope of salvation. The blood of Christ can justify us and redeem us from every lawless deed (Rom. 5:9; Titus 2:13-14). Moreover, God proclaimed the great message of Jesus Christ through the gospel (Jn. 20:30-31; Eph. 1:13). We can read the story of Jesus and salvation in the Bible.
Man’s Part in Salvation
Embedded within the gospel message is the need for a response. The gospel is more than a mere story or fairy tale. It is a message that must either be accepted or rejected. Man also has a role to play in salvation by responding to the goodness of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Grace, or unmerited favor, is extended by God to man. Man responds to God with faith, a conviction in God that leads to a life of devotion. Note that a response to the gospel does not negate grace, but it must be undertaken with God’s goodness in view. Responding to the gospel is not a reason to boast in ourselves but to glory in God. Along with many examples of conversion, various statements in scripture illustrate what it means to respond to God in faith.
The Scriptures are very clear about what it takes to become a child of God and receive salvation. Here is the simple plan revealed in God’s word:
- HEAR the Word: Without first hearing the Word of God we would never know we are sinners and that the “wages of sin” is death Romans 3.23; Romans 6.23. Without hearing, we wouldn’t know of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and our need for him. It’s also where our faith comes from Romans 10.17! Further, we should only listen to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Matthew 17.5; Hebrews 1.1-2; Matthew 28.18.
- BELIEVE what we hear: Merely hearing the Word of God doesn’t save. We must believe what we hear, or we are not likely to obey God’s commands. In John 8.24, Jesus says, “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” Yet, belief is not enough James 2.24, we must “do” what God demands, that is, His will Matthew 7.21!
- REPENT of our sins: Sin is what separates us from God Isaiah 59.2. Therefore, if we intend to seek God’s forgiveness, we must be willing to repent of our sins. Repentance means “turning away from sin” and making the effort to sin no more 1 Corinthains 6.9-11. If we aren’t willing to repent of our sins, we cannot be saved Acts 3.19; Acts 17.30-31.
- CONFESS our faith: Those that wish to be saved must confess their faith in Jesus Romans 10.9-10. It was Jesus Christ Himself who said, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” Matthew 10.32. The Scriptures give us an example of one who confessed their faith Acts 8.26-39, note verse 37.
- We must be BAPTIZED: There is considerable religious confusion about baptism. Some think baptism isn’t necessary, others believe we are saved before we are baptized. Note what the Scriptures say baptism does:
- Baptism shows a good conscience toward God / The Apostle Peter clearly confirms, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 3.21.
- Baptism washes away sins Acts 22.16
- Baptism gives entry “into” Christ Romans 6.3; Galatians 3.27.
- Jesus, our authority, made baptism necessary when he gave the command in Mark 16.16. In other words, our sins are not washed away, and we are not “in Christ” until we are baptized.
- Since baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2.38), we are still in our sins (and lost) until we are baptized.
- We should also realize that baptism is a burial or immersion–not sprinkling Romans 6.3-4 and baptism is for believers, not infants Mark 16.16.
- Many folks say “we aren’t saved by works!” Yet is baptism a work? It is a work of God Colossians 2.12. Jesus says belief is a work too John 6.29. James says we must have faith plus works James 2.14-26, note verse 24. We are saved by the mercy and grace of God, but He demands we be baptized to wash away our sins. He does the work through His Son’s blood if we follow His instructions.
- Live FAITHFULLY: While baptism puts us into Christ and His blood washes away our sins, we must still be obedient and faithful to God, otherwise, we will lose our souls. The Bible tells us “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life” Revelation 2.10.
Once a person has been baptized into the blood of Jesus Christ, God adds him to the church and his former sins have been forgiven (Acts 2:38, 47). Baptism is not the end of the road, however; it is the beginning. A Christian must serve the Lord for the rest of his life in order to obtain eternal salvation in heaven with God (1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Jn. 2:25).
Don’t you want to make your life right by submitting to God’s plan for salvation?