Salvation
Our Need for Salvation
Scripture tells us of our need for more than what we can do on our own. Deep down, we all know that
something is wrong—something is missing. What is missing is communion with God. That emptiness comes from
our unrighteousness—our sin. Sin is simply disobedience to God, and it separates us from Him. We need to be
reconciled to God.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.”
Isaiah 59:2
God’s Provision in Jesus Christ
God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself—through Himself, by Himself. God chose to come into
the world and take on human form. Jesus came as Emmanuel (“God with us”). Jesus is the Christ. He
lived a sinless life and was crucified. The reason Jesus Christ died on the cross was because there had to
be a payment for sin—not His sin, but ours. Jesus died, was buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead three
days later because His sacrifice was sufficient and accepted by God.
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:23
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
“He was buried, and he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:4
The Work of the Holy Spirit
Through the Holy Spirit, God calls all people to accept the sacrifice made for them. The Holy Spirit gave us
the Scriptures so we could know of the salvation provided for us. He reveals this truth through the Word,
through the preaching of the Gospel, and even through the glory of God seen in creation. The Holy Spirit
uses all these things to draw us to God through Jesus Christ.
“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:21
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived… in the things that have been made.”
Romans 1:20
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
John 6:44
God’s Promise of a Savior
Long ago, God promised that there would be a Savior who would take away the sins of the world. We must
believe that this promise was fulfilled through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Do you believe it?
“He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.”
Isaiah 53:5
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9
Trusting God
If you believe, then trust God—trust that He has made the way, that He will forgive your sin, and that He
will make you a new creation in Christ Jesus.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Repentance and Confession
If you trust God, then confess that trust to Him. Pray that God would see your change of heart (this is
repentance)—that you recognize your need for what He offers. Ask God to forgive you for your past sin, and
give your life to Him.
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Acts 3:19
“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
Next Steps in Following Christ
If you have prayed and asked God to save you, begin to follow Him:
- Listen to the Holy Spirit.
- Read the Bible—start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
- Ask God where to go to church, and go.
- Be baptized.
- Learn how God would have you live—and do it.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26
“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”
1 Peter 2:2
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
James 1:22