“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” – Romans 1:16
Faith in Jesus
As we explore how to be saved, we start with a fundamental aspect: faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith is what connects us with God and opens the way to salvation. The Bible makes it clear that believing in Jesus and recognizing Him as our Lord and Savior is essential for our spiritual journey. We acknowledge that through faith, we receive God’s grace, giving us the assurance of eternal life. This faith is more than a simple belief; it is a deep conviction that shapes our lives. Each day, we grow in our trust and reliance on Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, which draws us closer to His heart.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
Repentance and Forgiveness
Repentance is another vital step we must take on our path to salvation. It involves recognizing our sins and turning away from them. We understand that God is merciful and willing to forgive us when we genuinely repent. This change of heart brings us closer to Him and transforms our lives. The act of repentance reminds us that we are not alone in our faults and that God’s grace covers our transgressions. We can approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing that our sincere repentance opens the way to renewed fellowship with Him.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Luke 5:32
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:32
Matthew 4:17
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'” – Matthew 4:17
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Baptism
Baptism is a significant act that symbolizes our commitment to Jesus and the public declaration of our faith. It represents our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. For us, being baptized is an outward expression of an inward transformation. Through baptism, we acknowledge the work God has done in our lives and our decision to follow Christ. It signifies that we are washed clean of our sins and made new in Him. We share in the joy of new beginnings, trusting that this act unites us with believers across the world.
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go 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
Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” – Acts 2:38
Acts 22:16
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” – Acts 22:16
Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4
Living a Transformed Life
Being saved means more than just a one-time decision; it involves a continual transformation in our lives. After we accept Jesus, our lives should reflect the love, grace, and mercy we have received. We commit ourselves to living according to God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. This transformation helps us grow in spiritual maturity and deepens our relationship with God. We are called to be a light in the world, showcasing the change within us that comes from our salvation. It’s a journey of faith where we daily seek to honor God in everything we do.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
The Role of Grace
Grace is a beautiful gift that we receive from God, and it plays an essential role in our salvation. We understand that we did nothing to earn this grace; it is freely given to us by God’s love and mercy. His grace covers our sins and offers us redemption. Because of grace, we no longer carry the heavy burden of guilt and shame from our past. Instead, we can walk in freedom and joy, knowing that we are accepted by God. Grace empowers us to live out our faith with confidence, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us for His glory.
Ephesians 2:8
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” – Titus 3:5
Romans 3:24
“And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” – 2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 5:1-2
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2
Calling on the Name of the Lord
Calling on the name of the Lord is a powerful expression of our faith, and it is an essential part of our salvation. It is through this act of calling that we invite God into our lives and acknowledge our need for Him. We recognize that salvation comes through Jesus alone, and we depend on Him for everything. This simple yet profound act of calling on the Lord opens the door for us to receive His grace and mercy. We can do this in prayer, declaring our trust in Him and our desire to follow His ways. It’s a journey of submission where we turn our hearts and lives over to God.
Romans 10:13
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
Joel 2:32
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.” – Joel 2:32
Acts 2:21
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Acts 2:21
John 14:13
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” – John 14:13
Psalms 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalms 145:18
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these vital teachings about how to be saved, we find comfort in understanding the roles of faith, repentance, and grace. Through our faith in Jesus, we embark on a life of transformation that calls us to be more like Him. Repentance helps us to recognize our sins and leads us to the marvelous grace of God, which we do not earn but receive freely. Baptism signifies our commitment to living out this salvation, and calling upon the Lord opens our hearts to His guidance.
Every step we take on this journey is crucial, and remembering that we are not alone encourages us in our walks of faith. Grace reminds us that we do not have to carry our burdens, as Jesus has already taken them upon Himself. Let us embrace these truths and continue our quest to grow closer to God.
If you’re looking to explore more about related topics, please take a moment to read some additional scripture on baptism and saving grace. Each piece of scripture is a foundation for our understanding of God’s love and our salvation.