God's Plan of Salvation

            Many of us go through life searching - searching for the answers to life's toughest questions.  As we seek these answers, every road leads us to the Cross.  We understand that the answers to the questions that really matter are found in Christ Jesus alone.  Once we have come face to face with Jesus, it becomes abundantly clear that we are unworthy of His affections.  Our sin stands out as we bask in the perfection of a holy God.  So the question arises - how do we know we are saved?  If our sin severs our relationship with God, then what must we do to be saved?  The people in Acts 2 asked this very question after coming to the realization that they needed God to save them.  Luckily, Jesus paved the way by shedding His blood on the Cross.  His sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins, and we are guilty no more in the sight of God.  So what must we do to be saved?  The important thing to know is that salvation cannot be earned - there is nothing we can do to EARN the affection of God, but there are steps we must take - faith steps - as we seek to claim the eternal reward God has promised to those who seek His Son.  Below are the 5 steps that God has laid out in His Holy Word that we must do to claim that salvation.  If we follow these 5 simple steps into a wonderful, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, then we are guaranteed the eternal rewards of an amazing God.

1.  Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ

1. We must believe that God exists, that He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving.
2. We must also believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for our sins
3. We must hold to the belief that Jesus, though once dead, rose again victorious over death
4. Important Scriptures - Romans 10:14, Mark 16:16, Acts 4:12, John 11:27

2.  Repent from our sins

1. We must repent (turn away) from sin
2. We must seek to follow God's commandments and destroy the sin in our life.
3. Important Scriptures - Acts 2:37-38, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 4:17, Acts 3:19

3.  Confess our Lord

1. We must be willing to publicly state our love as an affirmation to the Bride of Christ, the Church and a sign of accountability with fellow believers
2. We must also be willing to share the good news with those around us
3. Important Scriptures - Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, 1 Timothy 6:12, Hebrews 13:15

4.  Be baptized

1. Christ commanded us to be immersed into a watery grave of baptism
2. He was even baptized to "fulfill all righteousness."
3. We must be baptized to receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
4. Important Scriptures - Acts 2:37-38, Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:26-27, Matthew 3:13-17, Colossians 2:12

5.  Live a holy life

1. We must seek each and every day to live for Christ
2. We must strive to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus
3. Important Scriptures - Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 10:26-31, 1 Peter 2:12, Romans 12:1-2

          So there it is - God's plan for salvation.  Really, it's not all that complex because, in essence, it all centers around a relationship.  Relationships are not awkward and strange, but comfortable and natural.  Won't you allow Jesus Christ to change you from the inside out?  You'll never regret it!