WHAT IS SALVATION?
The Greek word for salvation literally means deliverance or preservation. Salvation means to be brought from a state or condition not favorable to our welfare or happiness into a condition which is favorable. The salvation of the sick would mean their health. The spiritual salvation of the sinner would be from death to life. In a spiritual context, the idea is rescue from the power and dominion of sin. God rescued us by sending his Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
Salvation represents the whole work of God by which He rescues man from the eternal ruin and doom of sin and bestows on him the riches of grace, even eternal life now and eternal glory in heaven. “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9) Therefore, it is in every aspect a work of God on behalf of man, and is in no sense a work of man on behalf of God. You can not work for salvation. You cannot earn salvation. Jesus Christ completed the work. All you have to do is believe in the work that he completed for you.
Salvation is the most common biblical expression to identify the change brought about in the life of one who by FAITH obtains the benefits from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Salvation is an instantaneous event. In addition, salvation is both a present and future matter for us. The full realization of all that God has in store will not be ours until Jesus Christ returns. However, the joy that we will experience in the present depends upon our preparation for the future. The future aspect of salvation does not by any means imply the possibility of an incomplete salvation or future loss of salvation. Many believe that when man sins after being saved, he is no longer saved. However, ones salvation is not determined by your faithfulness. God is faithful, and having begun a good work, He will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
The Bible says there is only one way to Heaven
Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
God promises you a place in Heaven if you trust in Jesus. All you have to do is Believe in Him and His Word. His word says:
Admit that you are a sinner. (For all have sinned and fall short of the glory - Roman 3:23)
Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was raised from the dead. (That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved - Roman 10:9)
If you believe these things to be true and this expresses the desire of your heart pray this prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I thank you for sacrificing your Son, Jesus Christ for me. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and I believe that you raised Him from the dead. And because of my faith in Jesus Christ I am saved. Amen".
