God’s Plan of Salvation
Have you ever wondered, “Who is Jesus Christ, and why is He our way to salvation?”
Matthew 16:13 – When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12 – And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Or have you ever considered how you can live a faithful life that is pleasing to God? God’s plan is simple. John 8:32. You can know it and understand it. Give your life to Christ in obedience to His will (Hebrews 5:8-9) and your earthly pilgrimage will change for the better. John 10:10.
God has a very specific plan for us to become His people. The most important detail to note is that God’s plan is for everyone. (1 John 2:1-2) God loves all people without partiality. (Acts 10:34-35; 1 Timothy 1:13) He wants everyone to go to heaven. (2 Peter 3:9.) You can read God’s plan of salvation in scripture, especially in the book of Acts. Acts 2:1-47.
Hear God’s Word
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
To understand God, we must read His word, absorb the truth and lessons that the Bible offers. 2 Timothy 2:15. The Bible is the source of our faith. John 20:30-31
Believe
“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
God loves us so deeply and wants to have a relationship with each of us. He wants to be our God and wants us to be His people. Hebrews 8:10. Having faith in God means trusting Him and believing His word. (Acts 27:25) We must also have faith in Jesus Christ as being the Son of God. (Matthew 16:16; John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16)
Repentance of Sins
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38
Repentance is a change of mind for the better, which results in striving to live a Christ-like life. Romans 8:9; Philippians 2:5; Galatians 4:19. God will help us on our journey and support us in trying to live as lovingly, faithfully and virtuously as possible. Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 1:7
Confess
“Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33
“Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the Eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” Acts 8:36-37
God wants you in His kingdom. You must confess Jesus as being God’s son. Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 16:16; Acts 8:35-37
Be Baptized
Those who have repented of their sins and confessed their faith in Christ are to be baptized into Christ. Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 8:35-37
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16
Baptism is an essential part in having a relationship with God. It precedes the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4
Live Faithfully
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7
Temptation surrounds us constantly. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Stay vigilant (1 Peter 5:8) and remain faithful to the One who gave His Son (Romans 5:6-8) that we might have the hope of eternal life. Titus 1:2; 3:1-7