What is salvation

 

The gift of eternal life

Salvation is Christianity's key message. It constitutes God's program of action to deliver mankind out of the rule and penalty of sin. "Salvation" just means to be saved from peril, delivered from harm. In Scripture, it encompasses God delivering people out of sin and separation from Him for all time, and imparting everlasting life through Jesus Christ. Understanding just what salvation truly means has the potential to transform how we live, how we think, and how we relate to God.

1. Sin as Root of All Problems

Central to this necessity of salvation is the problem of sin. Scripture clarifies that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin encompasses not only violating God’s law but also opposing His righteousness. Ever since mankind’s rebellion with Adam and Eve in Genesis, mankind has inherited a sinful nature that separates us from God.

This alienation is not only a possible threat for the future, but it already exists as a spiritual phenomenon. We are spiritually dead in our sins and cannot help ourselves. Sin’s penalty is death physical death, of course, but spiritual death too, an everlasting separation from God (Romans 6:23).

2. The Provision: Jesus Christ

Even though mankind resisted, God out of His boundless compassion provided a way for mankind to be complete once again. That way is Jesus Christ. 

John 3:16 says, “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.”

Jesus Christ had an entirely sinless life and undertook in His own being the penalty for our sins. He was crucified, died, and was risen from the dead on the third day. His death encountered God's justice, and His resurrection was a proof of His victory over sin and death.

There's only one way to the Father: through Jesus. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). His sacrifice has become that open door to salvation for all who believe.

3.  How to Receive Your Salvation

Praying together for salvation 

Salvation cannot be won because of good deeds or because of religious rites no, only because of grace in faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). It's a gift given freely but to be personally received. man can not merit salvation, irrespective what he does.

 Here's how a person receives it:

Believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son who has died and was resurrected (Romans 10:9–10)

Repent of your sins, turning away from the old life (Acts 3:19), repentance is an admittance that God is right, and we are wrong, he was speaking to the rulers as well as to the people 

Profess Jesus as Lord and invite Him into your heart.

Surrender to Him in faith and embark on a new relationship with God

This experience comes to be typically known as being "born again" (John 3:3). It involves a change from spiritual death to spiritual life.

4.  What Happens After Salvation?

Salvation is not an end but a beginning. After being saved, you enter into a process of development and transformation. And this is what continues to happen:

Forgiveness: Your sins past, present, and future are forgiven (1 John 1:9)

New Identity: We are children of God (John 1:12)

Holy Spirit: You are indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)

Peace: You have peace with God (Romans 5:1)

Purpose: Your life now has lasting meaning and direction

Hope: You look to a life of endless existence before God

This transformation does not make life ideal but significant. You live in relationship with Jesus, become mature in sanctity, and belong to others in worship and evangelization.

5.  The Prayer 

“Lord Jesus, I believe that You are God’s Son. I believe that You died in my stead to pay for sins and that You are risen. I believe that I am a sinner and that I need Your mercy. I repent of my past life and call upon You to come into my heart. Come as my Savior and as my Lord. I thank You for saving me. I dedicate my life to You. Amen.”