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Salvation:
5 Basic Steps
(All
scripture quotes are from the NASB unless otherwise
noted)
At Truth
For Christ, we try to be as simplistic as we possible
can. Christian doctrine should be no exception. So when
we try to explain the gift of salvation to non-believers
as well as believers alike, we want to make it
understandable to anyone. Below is what we feel are (5)
basic steps that will lead you to salvation, and it all
begins with knowing Jesus Christ.
Step 1 - Recognize that God loves you and has a plan for
your life:
His love includes you
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish, but have eternal life."
- John 3:16
He
has new life for you
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
- John 10:10
Step 2 - Recognize that sin separates you from God and
others:
Sin is walking our own way in rebellion against God's
will. When we walk away from God, we walk away from
life.
Everyone has sinned
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God." -
Romans 3:23
Sin brings death
"For
the wages of sin is death..."
- Romans 6:23
As sinners we futilely try to find life's true meaning
in the wrong ways and places. Our own efforts cannot
save us.
He gives us the grace we need
"For
by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of
works, so that no one may boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9
Step 3 - Recognize that Jesus Christ died and rose again
for our sins:
He died in our place
"But
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
- Romans 5:8
Jesus Christ is the way to new life
"Therefore
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old
things passed away; behold, new things have come."
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
He gives inner peace
"Therefore,
having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ."
- Romans 5:1
He gives freedom
"So
if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."
- John 8:36
He gives eternal life
"...but
the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord." - Romans
6:23
Step 4 - You must repent and ask God for forgiveness:
Admit and confess your sins to God
"He
who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he
who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion."
- Proverbs 28:13
Repentance means:
To acknowledge your sins
To be sorry for your sins
To confess your sins
To be willing to forsake your sins
To have your life changed by Christ
Forgiveness is promised
"If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness."
- 1 John 1:9
Step 5 - Place your trust in Christ and receive him as
your Savior:
Christ is ready
"Behold,
I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine
with him, and he with Me."
- Revelation 3:20
Receive him now
"But
as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to
become children of God, even to those who believe in His
name." - John
1:12
What to pray
Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I know that I have
sinned. I need your forgiveness and pardon. I believe
that You died and rose again for my sins. I now accept
You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my sinful
life. I know that Your grace and power will enable me to
live for You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me, and for
giving me a new life.
For help in living a meaningful
life in Christ:
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Be assured of Christ's forgiveness.
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Read your Bible and pray daily.
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Find a concerned pastor and other Christians.
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Become a vital part of that church.
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Share your faith with others.
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