Basics of Salvation
Basics of Salvation
God’s love
The love of God makes possible the salvation of mankind.
“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
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Christ’s blood paid a debt we could never pay.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
“…and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22
Free to all and not dependent upon works
The good news is that the gift is free to all who will believe and it cannot be earned by turning over a new leaf, denying ourselves or by any good works we might perform.
“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:14
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,… being justified by his grace…” Titus 3:5-7
Evidence of a new life in Christ
Salvation through Christ leads to creation of a new person who loves the Lord and desires to serve and obey Him with all his heart.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
The love of God makes possible the salvation of mankind.
“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
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Christ’s blood paid a debt we could never pay.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
“…and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22
Free to all and not dependent upon works
The good news is that the gift is free to all who will believe and it cannot be earned by turning over a new leaf, denying ourselves or by any good works we might perform.
“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:14
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,… being justified by his grace…” Titus 3:5-7
Evidence of a new life in Christ
Salvation through Christ leads to creation of a new person who loves the Lord and desires to serve and obey Him with all his heart.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
Principles of Salvation
Recognition of sin
Admit that you are a sinner.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
The wages of sin is death
Unless you recognize your sinful state and make a change, your soul will be eternally lost.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Believe God and receive Him by grace through faith
You cannot save yourself. You need the Saviour. Believe God and His Word.
“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“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
Repent
Feel regret for sin, change your mind, and turn from sin to God. Demonstrate the change in your heart by your actions.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:8
“…repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
Confession of sin and forgiveness
Confession of sin is a fruit of repentance and it brings to light those deeds that keep you in bondage.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16
Be converted. . . and born again
This is what God does for you. This is the new birth – a miracle of spiritual life performed by the Holy Spirit through faith in the sacrificial, atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
“...Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
“...Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
Restore peace with others
Restoring peace with others means going back to someone we have offended to acknowledge our wrong doing, ask for forgiveness and if appropriate repay for the loss. Because you recognize Christ has paid the price for your sin you will desire to be at peace with man as well as with God, which includes forgiveness of others.
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace…” Romans 14:19
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Be baptized with water
Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward transformation and a symbol of the burial of the old nature.
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him...” Colossians 2:12
Admit that you are a sinner.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
The wages of sin is death
Unless you recognize your sinful state and make a change, your soul will be eternally lost.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Believe God and receive Him by grace through faith
You cannot save yourself. You need the Saviour. Believe God and His Word.
“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“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
Repent
Feel regret for sin, change your mind, and turn from sin to God. Demonstrate the change in your heart by your actions.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:8
“…repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
Confession of sin and forgiveness
Confession of sin is a fruit of repentance and it brings to light those deeds that keep you in bondage.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16
Be converted. . . and born again
This is what God does for you. This is the new birth – a miracle of spiritual life performed by the Holy Spirit through faith in the sacrificial, atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
“...Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
“...Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
Restore peace with others
Restoring peace with others means going back to someone we have offended to acknowledge our wrong doing, ask for forgiveness and if appropriate repay for the loss. Because you recognize Christ has paid the price for your sin you will desire to be at peace with man as well as with God, which includes forgiveness of others.
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace…” Romans 14:19
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Be baptized with water
Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward transformation and a symbol of the burial of the old nature.
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him...” Colossians 2:12
Living a Christian Life
Attend church regularly
Associate often with God’s people. Become an active member of a like-minded, Bible believing church. In the church find fellow believers who read and live the truth that can provide accountability to your commitment to surrender totally to the will of God. Don’t try to make it on your own.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
Read and obey God’s Word
God’s Word is the source of faith and hope. Read it often, believe it and obey it.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:10
Speak with God in prayer
Prayer is conversation and communion with God.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I John 5:14-15
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
Resist the devil
Temptation is not sin but yielding to temptation is sin. We are called to be overcomers of sin.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Be separated from the sin of the world
As he instructed his chosen people, Israel, to remain apart from the world, He also instructed His church in the New Testament to “come out from among them, and be ye separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) The Bible knows nothing of salvation apart from obedience. A superficial decision to “accept the Lord” while retaining a love for the pleasures of the sin of the world will not yield the power that transforms the soul and consistently overcomes sin.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Be transformed (fundamentally changed) within
A born again believer considers self-denial and self-discipline a privilege.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Come out from among sinful men
Christ loved the sinners but not the sin. He was sinless as we should strive to be. How can we be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) if we participate in sinful activities?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? …Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18
Practice holiness in your life
By the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit, seek to live an overcoming, pure life in all your thoughts, motives, conversation and actions.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
Come boldly and with confidence in God, looking forward to the eternal reward
The Bible is the word of truth. If we read it, believe it, and live it we have a promise of heaven forever. We must never give up in this race. As Christ was resurrected from the grave so shall we be resurrected and live with him forever in heaven if we have repented, been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and remain faithful to death.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” Hebrews 3:14
“And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
Associate often with God’s people. Become an active member of a like-minded, Bible believing church. In the church find fellow believers who read and live the truth that can provide accountability to your commitment to surrender totally to the will of God. Don’t try to make it on your own.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
Read and obey God’s Word
God’s Word is the source of faith and hope. Read it often, believe it and obey it.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:10
Speak with God in prayer
Prayer is conversation and communion with God.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I John 5:14-15
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
Resist the devil
Temptation is not sin but yielding to temptation is sin. We are called to be overcomers of sin.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Be separated from the sin of the world
As he instructed his chosen people, Israel, to remain apart from the world, He also instructed His church in the New Testament to “come out from among them, and be ye separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) The Bible knows nothing of salvation apart from obedience. A superficial decision to “accept the Lord” while retaining a love for the pleasures of the sin of the world will not yield the power that transforms the soul and consistently overcomes sin.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Be transformed (fundamentally changed) within
A born again believer considers self-denial and self-discipline a privilege.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Come out from among sinful men
Christ loved the sinners but not the sin. He was sinless as we should strive to be. How can we be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) if we participate in sinful activities?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? …Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17, 18
Practice holiness in your life
By the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit, seek to live an overcoming, pure life in all your thoughts, motives, conversation and actions.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
Come boldly and with confidence in God, looking forward to the eternal reward
The Bible is the word of truth. If we read it, believe it, and live it we have a promise of heaven forever. We must never give up in this race. As Christ was resurrected from the grave so shall we be resurrected and live with him forever in heaven if we have repented, been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and remain faithful to death.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” Hebrews 3:14
“And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17