If you died tonight do you know if you will go to heaven? If not, I invite you to make the best decision you will ever make and that is to receive the gift of salvation by committing your life to Jesus Christ. The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus is concerned about your life and where you will spend eternity, and so am I.
I have provided a brief explanation of salvation along with scriptural references from my forthcoming book entitled Transformation. This study guide will show you how to experience the maximum benefits of salvation. After reading the excerpt, if you have decided to commit or recommit your life to Jesus Christ pray the Prayer of Salvation at the bottom of this page.
What Is Salvation and Why Is It Needed?
Salvation is deliverance and preservation from sin and its affects, illusion, and destruction. Salvation also regenerates. To regenerate is to remake; restoring to a better state of existence. Therefore, it can be concluded that salvation delivers and preserves from sin and its affects, illusion, and destruction restoring to a better state of existence. Salvation is holistic. The spirit, soul (will, mind, emotions), and body can experience salvation. It can make those who have received Jesus Christ whole. To be whole is to be made complete and entire lacking nothing.
Initial Reception of Salvation
Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) states: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
This passage of scripture explains how to receive salvation, or commonly referred to as “becoming saved”. One must confess and believe in Jesus Christ. For a more in-depth look into this passage of scripture I want to review the Amplified version with the shortened definition of “salvation” in the place of saved and salvation.
“Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart (inner most being) believe (adheres to, trust in, and rely on truth) that God raised him from the dead, you will delivered and preserved. For with the heart (inner most being) a person believes (adheres to, trust in, and rely on truth) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] deliverance and preservation. “
Romans 10:9-10 (AMP) (emphasis added mine)
Salvation Regenerates
I want to review another scripture passage that speaks of salvation. Another word or synonym for salvation is regenerate. Regenerate is to restore to a better, higher, or more worthy state. In the third chapter of John, Jesus explains salvation to the Pharisee Nicodemus using the terminology of “born again”. In John 3:16 Jesus speaks of believing in Him and the work of the cross before it even happened. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The definition for “born again” is explained below in more detail.
Born Again: brought forth anew to a better, higher, or more worthy state.
Now, read John 3:5-8 (NKJV) with “born again” with the definitions stated above:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is brought forth anew of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is brought forth of the flesh is flesh, and that which is brought forth of the Spirit is Spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be brought forth anew.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is brought forth of the Spirit.
Another scripture that supports the newness accompanies salvation is 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
How to Receive Salvation
- Admit that you have sinned, confess (to God) your sins and repent.
- Believe in your heart (inner most being, spirit, the real you) that Jesus Christ died for your sins and God raised him from the dead.
- Confess (speak aloud) that Jesus Christ is Lord – the Son of God.
- Immediately begin attending a Bible-based, Holy Spirit filled church.
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask your forgiveness and now turn (repent) from everything which I know is wrong according to the Word of God. I believe that you died on the cross to set me free from my sins and were resurrected so that I could have a new life in you. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Welcome to the family of Jesus Christ! Now that you are saved, you must maintain your salvation. Listed below are 5 important things you must do to maintain your commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God!
7 Steps to Maintain Your Salvation
Step 1: Get planted in a Bible-based, Holy Spirit-filled church (Psalm 92:12-14).
Step 2: Read the Bible and pray every day (Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 4:16).
Step 3: Hang around other strong Christians (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Step 4: Maintain a Godly atmosphere (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Step 5: Get filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
Step 6: Walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).
Step 7: Witness (Mark 16:15).
