Learn About Jesus Christ and Salvation

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 (ESV)

We believe that every human being has the opportunity to receive this life! If you are interested in knowing what is required, here are some steps to get you started.

First, you must acknowledge that the God of Scripture exists and that He is who He says He is. This begins by simply taking in creation. The magnificence and design of creation is intended to reveal His eternal power and divine nature. (Romans 1:20-21)

Second, you must admit that what He says about you is accurate. As humans, we are sinners at the moment of conception. (Psalm 51:5) This does not mean that we are sinners because we do bad things. It means that this is our nature, and we are incapable of doing anything on our own that would please God. (Romans 3:10-12) This leaves us, spiritually, in a position of justly having the wrath of God placed upon us that will be poured out for all eternity. (Romans 6:23a)

With these truths acknowledged and admitted, we are left in an eternally hopeless state…except for one of the most important words in the entire Bible…

But…

“The wages of sin is death, but…” (Romans 6:23)

“…you were dead in your trespasses and sins…and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But…” (Ephesians 2:1-4a)

But, God provided a most gracious solution for our hopeless state. The penalty for our own sin nature required a payment of judgment. What a gracious gift by Holy God to offer Someone to take the place of the punishment of our sin nature!

In the Old Testament, God required the blood of animals through sacrifice ceremonies. Over many generations, countless sacrifices of the blood of animals demonstrated to God the humility, repentance, and faith of His people. But, these were all pointing to something greater…some-One greater!

The penalty for sin required by God was ultimately paid by Jesus through His death on the cross. The Bible uses the word “propitiation.” Simply put, propitiation is what is required to satisfy the penalty for guilt. What satisfied God for the penalty of sin was the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross. (Romans 3:25) The apostle Paul brings the purpose of the generations of animal sacrifices to their fulfillment in Jesus’ death: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

There is nothing you or I can do to satisfy the penalty God requires for sin. The grace of God is that He offers His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, as the payment for sin for all who believe. And, because Jesus did not stay dead but instead rose from the grave, this sacrifice is sufficient to forgive your sins and offer you eternal life! (1 Corinthians 15:12-20)

Do you believe?

If you do believe, you are almost to a place where you can confidently know that you are saved! However, intellectually believing is not enough. In fact, the Bible says that even demons “believe” everything we have said up to this point. (James 2:19) How do you respond to these truths differently than demons who are eternally condemned to judgment?

“because, 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 (ESV)

This is one of the most succinct statements for what is required for salvation, and it includes the responses: confess and commit.

First, the word “confess” means “to say the same thing.” This means that you say the same thing as the Bible says about God, yourself, and the solution for your salvation. You confess that God is holy…that you are a sinner…and that the only solution for your sin is the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the empty tomb as the hope for your salvation. You respond by repenting (turning away) of your sin and placing your faith (completely turning to) in Jesus Christ.

Second, the word “commit” is not found in Romans 10:9, but the principle is there. It says that Jesus is “Lord.” This is committing to Jesus as the “King” of your life! Your citizenship is in Him. Your identity is first and foremost: Him. You take your instruction for life from Him. You spend your life with the primary goal of making Him famous.

Is this your response to the good news that is offered through the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, you can call out to Him right now and confess and commit! And, if you do…you will be saved!