What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Life is full of questions, but none is more important than this: “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The Bible gives a clear answer: recognize your sin, repent, believe in Jesus Christ, and follow Him as His disciple. This is the message of salvation and the call to a transformed life.
1. Recognizing Our Need for Salvation
Before we can receive salvation, we must first understand why we need it. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Ten Commandments reveal God’s perfect standard. Have you ever lied, stolen, used God’s name in vain, or harbored hatred in your heart? Jesus said even lust is adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). By God’s standard, we are all guilty and deserving of judgment.
God is just and will punish sin. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), meaning eternal separation from God. But the good news is that God, in His mercy, has provided a way for us to be forgiven and restored.
2. The Good News: Jesus Christ Saves
Though we deserve judgment, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our punishment. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life and willingly took the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. He was buried and rose again on the third day, conquering sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Salvation comes through repentance and faith. “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Repentance means turning away from sin and surrendering to God, while faith means trusting in Christ alone for salvation. We cannot earn salvation through good works—it is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith
Once we repent and believe in Jesus, baptism is an important next step. It is an outward symbol of an inward transformation. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Baptism represents dying to our old life and being raised to a new life in Christ.
4. Following Jesus as His Disciple
Salvation is not just about escaping judgment; it is about becoming a disciple of Jesus. He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). Following Christ means living a life that honors God, obeying His Word, and seeking holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). This journey is not always easy, but Jesus promises His presence and strength (John 16:33).
5. Living a Holy Life and Fearing the Lord
The Bible calls us to holiness: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). To live a holy life, we must avoid sin, walk in obedience, and strive to please God in all we do. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Fearing God means respecting and honoring Him, acknowledging that He is our righteous Judge and loving Father.
6. Learning to Pray, Study the Bible, and Share Your Faith
Prayer is essential in our relationship with God. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Through prayer, we seek God’s guidance, strength, and help in living for Him.
Studying the Bible helps us grow in faith. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Reading and meditating on Scripture teaches us God’s will and strengthens our walk with Him.
Sharing the gospel is a command from Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). As followers of Christ, we must tell others about Him and lead them to salvation.
7. Make a Decision Today
The Bible warns, “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). The choice is before you—eternal life or eternal separation from God. Do not delay in coming to Christ.
If you are ready to surrender your life to Jesus, we encourage you to reach out to Salvation on the Streets for guidance and support. Commit your life to Christ, be baptized, and follow Him daily as His disciple.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Make the decision today and walk in the newness of life!
