What We Believe
S alvation is the act of consciously accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior, and making a committed decision to live a Godly life. When a person accepts salvation, they are welcoming Christ into their hearts and lives and building a new relationship that has unlimited benefits. Once a person becomes “saved,” this new relationship allows for a wonderful new connection with the Father, freedom from sin and condemnation, and the ability to commune with Him through prayer, and reading the Word of God. Most importantly, true salvation offers an eternal, spiritual deliverance, and the opportunity to make Heaven your final home.
Salvation is deliverance from danger or suffering. To “save” is to deliver or protect. Once God “saves” us, our lives change from operating in a place of struggle, turmoil, sin, and confusion to a life of victory, health, preservation, and real clarity about our purpose and ultimate role in the Kingdom of God.
What are we saved from?
In the Christian doctrine of salvation, we are saved from “wrath,” that is, from God’s judgment of sin (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Biblical salvation refers to our deliverance from the consequence of sin and therefore involves the removal of sin.
Who does the saving?
Only God can remove sin and deliver us from sin’s penalty (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).
How does God save?
In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). The scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5,8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
How do we receive salvation?
We are saved by FAITH.
First we must repent of our sins (Luke 13:3; Matthew 3:2). To repent means to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.
Secondly, we must believe according to Acts 15:31 and John 5:24.
Thirdly, we must receive salvation according to John 1:12.
Finally, those accepting salvation must be baptized according to Mark 16:15-16 and Romans 6:3-5.
What evidence exists to show that a person has truly accepted salvation?
1) The person will have a renewed mind- Philippians 2:5; Ephesians 4:23.
2) The individual will experience a changed lifestyle according to I Corinthians 4:9.
3) A love for the brethren will be birthed in the hearts of new converts- I John 2:9-10.
4) An aversion for the things of the world will develop, as one pursues a new Godly lifestyle and purpose.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13