JP’s Mind

The Biblical method of salvation is to hold an abiding, trusting belief in Jesus the Christ as the Savior of men, the only begotten Son of God and the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Salvation is gained by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; (9) Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast),

by receiving Jesus as Savior (John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name),

by fully trusting Jesus alone (John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.)

(Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.)

The Biblical message of salvation is simple and clear, and amazing at the same time. We have all committed sin against God (Romans 3:23). There is no one who has lived an entire life without sinning (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Because of our sin, we have earned judgment from God (Romans 6:23), and that judgment is physical death followed by spiritual death (eternal separation from God). Because of our sin, and its deserved punishment, there is nothing we can do on our own to make ourselves right with God.

Because of His love for us, God became a human being in the Person of Christ Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life and always taught the truth. However, humanity rejected Jesus and put Him to death by crucifying Him. Through that horrible act, Jesus died in our place. Jesus took the burden and judgment of our sin upon Himself, and died for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was then resurrected (1 Corinthians 15), proving that His payment for our sin was sufficient and that He had overcome sin and death. As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, God offers us salvation as a gift. God calls us all to change our minds about Jesus (Acts 17:30), and to receive Him as the full payment of our sins (1 John 2:2). Salvation is gained by receiving the gift God offers us.

If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the Biblical method of salvation.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, by all means, say a prayer to God. Saying the “sinner’s prayer” is simply a way of declaring to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ as your Savior. There are no “magical” words that result in salvation. It is only faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection that can save us. If you understand that you are a sinner and in need of salvation through Jesus Christ, here is a prayer that you can pray to God: “God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However,  I believe that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”