Understanding Salvation

Definition
Salvation comes from the Greek word soteria, which means "deliverance, preservation and safety." It primarily involves deliverance from the bondage of sin (Romans 9:20-23; Galatians 5:1). Salvation also includes deliverance from enemies (Luke 1:71) and sickness and disease (Isaiah 53:4 The Amplified Bible; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24).

Salvation is a gift that is made available to those who repent, believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead to save mankind (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10). This gift cannot be earned through good deeds or by simply being a "good person" (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 1:9). It is a matter of faith (acting out on what you believe according to God's Word concerning salvation).

Steps to Complete Salvation
The following steps will help you obtain and maintain the salvation experience. It involves a process that will not only guarantee you entrance to heaven, but also position you to experience the benefits of heaven on earth.

1.  Recognize/Admit That You Are a Sinner.
Because of Adam's sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, all of humanity was affected by, and infected with, sin (Romans 5:12-14). Mankind took on the nature of sin. Therefore, everyone that was born after Adam was born into a life of sin and death (Psalm 51:5).

2.  Repent of Your Sins.
To repent simply means to "change one's mind; to change one's direction; to have a change of heart." It involves making a 180-degree turn away from sin and heading in the right direction toward God.

Repentance does not mean, "I'm sorry." It is a quality decision to ask forgiveness of your sins, turning away from ungodly living and submitting to God's will for your life (1 John 1:9).

3.  Confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Confession affirms Jesus' lordship (place of authority) over your life. Confess that He is your Lord and believe that He lived, died and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins.

4.  Be Baptized in Water and Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism is a symbolic representation of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Just as He was baptized, so must you be baptized (Matthew 3:6). You go down into the water, carrying your old man (lifestyle) with you, and die to yourself and your old way of living (Romans 6:3-11). When you come up out of the water, you are a "new" person.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an empowerment that occurs when you become born again (Acts 1:8). He takes up residence within your heart and becomes your Teacher, Comforter and Guide through life(John 14:15-17, 26). The evidence of this baptism occurs when you speak in tongues-in an unknown, spiritual language (Acts 2:1-4).

5.  Obey the Word of God.
Maintaining your salvation and enjoying its benefits is done by living according to God's Word (Proverbs 3:1-4; 1 John 5:3). Make His Word the final authority by which you live. Make sure every decision you make in life is biblically based. The Word must be your foundation.

Pray This Prayer:  (click on the "Pray This Prayer" Link, and we will pray with you)
Heavenly Father, I recognize and admit that I am a sinner. I turn away from my sins, confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord. I believe that He lived, died and was raised from the dead for my salvation. I receive my salvation and all of its benefits right now. Lord, thank You for saving me this day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!