What Must I Do To Be Saved?

There is no more important question one can ask than the one above. The barrier between us and God and that which keeps us from being saved is sin. Sin is defined as “transgressing God’s Law,” (1 John 3:4). Everyone is guilty of sin (Romans 3:10, 23). The only hope we have is through Jesus and his vicarious sacrifice on the cross. Paul states it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” In Romans 3:25 Paul also writes that Christ was sent by God that He might be “a propitiation by His blood.” In other words, Christ’s blood “paid the price” for our sins and satisfied God’s need to have sin removed. The all important question though, is this: “How do we come in contact with that blood so that we might be saved?”

God has always saved His people through faith. In Romans 1:17 Paul quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, “the just shall live by faith.” Jesus, in His personal ministry, stated one cannot be saved without faith (belief) that He was the Messiah – “if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24). Bible faith is more than merely acknowledging certain facts. In James 2:19, in the context of showing faith needs to be corroborated by works (action), the Bible says “even the demons believe – and tremble.” Hebrews chapter 11 details different Old Testament characters who “by faith” performed certain deeds. In other words, these Old Testament characters believed in God and did what He told them to do.

Jesus taught when He was alive on earth that there are demands placed upon His followers if they want to be saved. He said in Luke 13:3, “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” “Repentance” can be defined as “turning from sin and turning toward God.” Jesus also taught the necessity of confessing Him as God’s son. Matthew 10:32 reads, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” Shortly before Jesus ascended to heaven He stated, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16). Repentance, confession, and baptism are faith responses which Jesus wants from His followers. We find baptism described later in the New Testament as being for the forgiveness of sins, as identifying with the death burial and resurrection of Jesus, and as putting one into Christ. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-6; Galatians 3:27).

If we can help you become a Christian we encourage you to contact us. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:26 – “ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

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