Plan of Salvation
1. Hear the Good News
Romans 10:13 shows us that we must hear the gospel so that we know how to obey. We must first receive the good news through the teaching of God’s word.
2. Believe
A personal belief in the gospel is essential to God’s plan of salvation: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17).
We must believe that the one true God of the Bible sent his son Jesus from heaven as a once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of the world. We must believe in Jesus’ sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. This is the gospel, as defined in 1 Cor. 15.
3. Confess
Romans 10:9 states that “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
4. Repent
The Christian walk requires a complete 180-turn away from a life of sin to a life of righteousness. The Bible calls this act repentance.
The word repentance literally means “a change of mind and of action.” When a person commits his life to Jesus, he must turn away from their old ways and habits in order to follow a new Master.
5. Be Baptized
The Bible is very clear regarding the necessity and role of water baptism in the plan of salvation. We are told: “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
Through our submission in waters of baptism our sins are washed away by the blood of Christ, and we put on Christ like a garment (Gal. 3:26-27). We do so to share in Jesus death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5).
6. Rise to walk a new life
Just as Jesus was buried and rose from the dead, we must also rise from the watery grave of baptism to walk a new life in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:27, Rom. 6:3-4).
Why hesitate to submit your life to Jesus Christ? If you would like to talk more about the gospel or are ready to be added to the Lord’s church in baptism, please contact us.
We can study more with you or help put you in touch with a church in your area!