How to be Saved
Man’s Problem
In a society filled with high technology and
prosperity it is hard to conceive of mankind having a problem. But these
aspects of life are external and the problem we have is internal. It is
a sin problem. The Bible says,
"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and
death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned"
(Romans 5:12). Scripture also teaches
us that "All have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin
is a problem because it separates us from God.
The Penalty of Sin
The Bible says in
Romans 6:23 that,
“the wages of sin is death”. Since
the scripture teaches that, "There is
none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10)
then the debt of sin that we all have must in some
way be paid for if we are to be saved from our sin.
Man’s Inability
The Bible teaches us that man has no ability to
save Himself from sin. “For all of us
have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are
like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our
iniquities (sin), like the wind, take us away. And there is no one who
calls on His name” (Isaiah 64:6-7a)
Since our sin brings spiritual death and eternal separation from God and
since we cannot save ourselves from this debt of sin, then there has to
be another way to be rescued from our sin. But does that way exist? Yes!
God’s Provision
The Bible says that
“the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God's provision is also seen in
Romans 5:8 which says,
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us." God
has provided a way for us to be saved and that is through Jesus Christ
alone. Jesus said, " I am the way, the
truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me" (John
14:6). But why did God make a way for
us to be saved?
- God offers salvation because he loves
us. "For God so loved the world, that He
gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)
-God offers salvation by grace
(undeserved favor). "For by grace you
have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the
Gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast"
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
Man’s Response
Since salvation offered by grace is God's gift,
how does one receive this gift of salvation?
-We must repent of our sin. “Repent ye
therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts
3:19). Repentance is turning away from
our sin to God.
-Place our faith (trust) in Jesus to save us from our sin.
“By grace you are saved through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8)
Faith is not just believing what Jesus did but
completely trusting in what Jesus did to save you from your sin.
-Surrender your life to Jesus as Lord
“If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in
your heart that God has raised Him up from the dead, you shall be saved.
For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
Surrendering your life to Jesus means giving Him
total control of every part of your life.
-Call upon Jesus for salvation. “For
whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans
10:13)
Prayer for Salvation
Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner.
I believe You died and rose from the grave to offer me salvation from my
sins. Here, now, I repent of my sins and I ask you to forgive me and
save me from my sins. I surrender my life you You, Lord Jesus, and I now
receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for dying for
me and saving me from my sins. In your name I pray. Amen.