Salvation is through Grace and by Faith

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God

We must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God who died to save us from our sins. 

“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.”  – John 3:16 (NIV) 

Also see John 3:18 & Mark 16:16.

Repent of Our Sins

Because our sin has alienated and separated us from God, we must surrender control of our life back to Jesus. To repent means that we are sorry that we are living in opposition to God, we turn away from our sinful life, change any sinful behavior (with God’s help), and we begin to do what Jesus says. Repentance also means that we tell God (and mean it) that we are sorry that our sins put Jesus on the cross. 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  – 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) 

Also see Luke 13:3; Acts 3:38, & 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Confess Who Jesus Is

Confession means to publicly tell what we believe about Jesus. We declare publicly, with our mouth, the decision that has been made in our heart. 

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV)

Also see Romans 10:9-10.

Be Baptized 

Baptism is the simple act of being immersed in water by another Christian. It can be done in any body of water. The Bible connects baptism to the forgiveness of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit, putting on Christ, a clean conscience, symbolic participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, being born again and becoming a new creature or person. 

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  – Acts 2:38 (NIV)

Also see 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:9; Acts 22:16.

Live Faithfully

After our baptism, we must devote ourselves to living for Jesus.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”  – Acts 2:42 (NIV) 

Also see 2 Peter 1:5-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & Titus 2:11-14.