Plan of Salvation

​Christian salvation involves acknowledging sin, believing in Jesus Christ as Savior, repenting (turning from sin), confessing Him as Lord, and often being baptized, leading to a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit, though emphasis and specific "steps" vary by denomination, focusing on faith and grace. Key actions often mentioned include hearing the Gospel, believing, repenting, confessing, and baptism, culminating in a life of endurance and sanctification. Here are common elements described as steps or stages: Hear the Gospel: Listening to God's word about Jesus's life, death, and resurrection (Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.). Believe: Accepting that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Savior (John 3:16, Acts 16:31 The Jailer Converted 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”) Admit Sin & Repent: Acknowledging your own sinfulness and turning away from past sins (Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Mark 6:12, And they went out and preached that people are to repent.). Confess Christ: Publicly declaring Jesus as Lord and Savior (Matthew 10:32, “Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before people, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Romans 10:9-10, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.). Be Baptized: Often seen as a symbolic burial with Christ and resurrection to new life (Acts 2:38, Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:4, Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.1 Peter 3:21, Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,). Receive the Holy Spirit & Live Righteously: Welcoming the Spirit's guidance and living a transformed life (Acts 2:38, Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.1 Peter 4:16, but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.). Endure: Remaining faithful to Christ until the end (Revelation 2:10, Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.).  Study GOD’s Word: Key aspects: Prayer: Begin by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Reading Plans: Use a structured plan or formalize a plan (yearly, book-by-book, topic-focused) to maintain consistency. Meditation: Go beyond reading to reflect deeply on verses, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal new meaning. Application: Seek to understand how the text applies to your life and challenges, using it as a guide for decisions. Self-Awareness: View Scripture as a mirror to see your own heart and need for grace. Practical tips: Start anywhere: If dealing with a specific issue (like anger or love), look up those words in the Bible to find relevant scriptures; check out the Hebrew/Greek meaning as an add on Ask questions: Who is speaking? What's the main point? What does this teach about God? Use resources: Concordances & other reference materials help you find specific words; study Bibles offer context. Focus: Read shorter passages (like Paul's letters) deeply, and longer narratives (like Samuel) in larger chunks. Benefits of studying the Word: Clarity & Guidance: Gain direction and wisdom for life's challenges. Spiritual Nourishment: Receive healing, strength, and joy. Know God: Understand His character, plan, and will. Transformation: Experience change in your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Speak out GOD’s Word: Key Principles: Confession & Declaration: Say what God says about you and your circumstances, not what your feelings or problems dictate. This "confession" (saying the same thing as God) moves you forward. Power of the Tongue: Life and death are in the power of the tongue; speaking God's word brings life to dead situations.  Faith & Action: Hearing God's word builds faith (Romans 10:17, So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.), and speaking it with belief activates that faith, just as Jesus spoke to storms and trees. Alignment & Transformation: Speaking His promises renews the mind, aligning your thoughts and body with God's truth, leading to freedom ​ Key Takeaway: While some present this as a strict formula, many Christians emphasize that salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith, with these actions flowing from that genuine belief, not as requirements to earn salvation but as responses to it.