| Some people think a personal relationship with God is something only
theologians can comprehend. Actually, God's plan of salvation is simple
enough for everyone to understand. Here are the ABC's of Salvation.
Admit
Admit to God that you are a sinner. All persons need salvation. Each
of us has a problem the Bible calls sin. Sin is a refusal to acknowledge
God's authority over our lives. Everyone who does not live a life of
perfect obedience to the Lord is guilty of sin. "For all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Since
none of us are perfect, all of us are sinners (Romans 3:10-18).
The result of sin is spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Spiritual death
means eternal separation from God. By God's perfect standard we are guilty
of sin and therefore subject to punishment for sin, which is separation
from God. Admitting that you are sinner and separated from God is the
first step of repentance, which is turning from sin and self and turning
toward God.
Believe
Believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son and receive Jesus' gift of forgiveness
from sin. God loves each of us. God offers us salvation. Although we
have done nothing to deserve His love and salvation, God wants to save
us. In the death of Jesus on the cross, God provided salvation for
all who would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus. "For
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John
3:16).
Confess
Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to others. After
you have received Jesus Christ into your life, share your decision
with another person. Tell your pastor or a Christian friend about your
decision. Following Christ's example, ask for baptism by immersion
in your local church as a public expression of your faith. "If
you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with
your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your
mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:9-10).
|