Short Answer: A person is saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, responding to the gospel with repentance, confession, and baptism, and continuing as a disciple who trusts and follows Christ.
Long Answer: A person is saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, responding to the gospel with repentance, confession, and baptism, and continuing as a disciple who trusts and follows Christ.
Salvation is not self-improvement or religious effort. It is God rescuing sinners through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Bible’s message is both simple and weighty: we cannot save ourselves, but God has provided salvation in Christ.
The problem: sin separates us from God
Scripture teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin brings guilt and death (Romans 6:23). We need more than advice—we need forgiveness and new life.
The good news: Jesus saves
God sent his Son. Jesus lived without sin, died for our sins, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He is Lord, and salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). Salvation is not found in being “good enough” but in trusting the Savior.
Saved by grace through faith
The Bible is clear: salvation is a gift. “By grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Faith is not merely agreeing that God exists; it is trusting and surrendering to Jesus as Lord.
Real faith leads to obedience. We don’t obey to earn salvation; we obey because we believe Jesus is King.
The New Testament response to the gospel
When people in the book of Acts asked, “What shall we do?” the apostles gave a consistent response.
Repent and turn to God
Repentance means turning from sin and turning to God (Acts 3:19). It’s a heart change that leads to a life change.
Confess Jesus as Lord
Salvation involves confessing Jesus openly and trusting him (Romans 10:9–10). This is not a magical formula; it’s allegiance—believing Jesus is risen and submitting to him.
Be baptized into Christ
In Acts, baptism is not treated as optional or merely symbolic. Peter says, “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Later, Saul is told, “Be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Baptism is the faith-filled moment where a person publicly unites with Christ and receives the promised blessings of forgiveness and new life (Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27).
Continue in faith as a disciple
Salvation is not just a one-time decision; it is a new life of following Jesus. The New Testament repeatedly calls believers to persevere—continuing in faith, repentance, and obedience (Colossians 1:21–23). Christians stumble, but they keep returning to Christ, walking in the light, and growing (1 John 1:7–9).
What to do next
- Believe the gospel: Jesus died for your sins and rose again (1 Cor 15:3–4).
- Repent: turn from sin and surrender to Jesus (Acts 3:19).
- Confess Jesus as Lord (Rom 10:9–10).
- Be baptized into Christ without delay (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36).
- Join a faithful church and devote yourself to learning and obedience (Acts 2:41–42).
God saves by grace, through Christ, calling you to respond with faith that repents, obeys, and follows.
Key Scriptures: Rom 3:23; Rom 6:23; 1 Cor 15:3–4; Eph 2:8–9; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Rom 6:3–4; Gal 3:27; Rom 10:9–10; Acts 4:12; Col 1:21–23; 1 John 1:7–9