ALL HAVE SINNED
We all need salvation.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Romans 3:23
How to Be Saved
Eternal life is a free gift.
The Bible gives a clear answer about salvation: Jesus Christ paid for our sins, and everlasting life is received the moment a person believes on Him.
The Gospel
What the Bible says about our need and Christ's answer.
Salvation begins with what God has said. We are sinners, sin brings death, Jesus Christ paid for our sins, and God gives everlasting life to the person who believes on His Son.
THE WAGES OF SIN
Sin earns death. Eternal life is God's gift.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
CHRIST PAID FOR SIN
Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
GOD'S PROMISE
Believe and have everlasting life.
“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
What Must I Do?
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible does not make salvation complicated. Eternal life is not earned by becoming religious, cleaning up your life, joining a church, being baptized, or doing good works. Salvation is received by believing on Jesus Christ and trusting Him alone for everlasting life.
You do not need to repeat a prayer to be saved. You need to believe the Gospel and trust Christ.
THE QUESTION AND THE ANSWER
“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:30
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
Acts 16:31
What Salvation Is Not
Nothing we do can add to what Christ has done.
Good works matter in the Christian life, but they are not the price, condition, proof, or maintenance of eternal life. Salvation rests on Christ and His promise.
Not by works.
Salvation is God's gift, not a reward for good behavior, religious service, or keeping commandments.
Not by baptism.
Baptism is an act of obedience after salvation. It does not wash away sin or help earn eternal life.
Not by turning from sins.
A changed life is proper Christian obedience, but reforming behavior is not the condition for receiving eternal life.
Not by prayer or church membership.
Prayer, joining a church, and other religious actions do not replace the Bible's condition: believe on Jesus Christ.
“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
Eternal Security
Everlasting life cannot become temporary life.
When Jesus Christ gives eternal life, He gives exactly what He promised: everlasting life. Salvation is not kept by our performance. The saved person belongs to Christ forever.
Explore Doctrine Questions →JESUS' PROMISE
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”
John 10:28–29
After Salvation
Saved by faith. Then grow in obedience.
Christian growth should follow salvation; it does not cause it. Once you have believed on Christ, begin learning His Word, identify with Him in baptism, assemble with a local church, and grow in faithful service.
God's Promise
Believe on Jesus Christ and receive everlasting life.
Salvation is God's free gift. Christ paid for sin. Believe on Him and trust His promise.