Many of us are familiar with the naval code "SOS", a distress signal sent by ships in trouble. Research indicates that the code doesn't actually stand for "Save our Ship" or "Save our Souls." but for our purposes, it's going to stand for this: if we understand and follow the Steps of Salvation, God will Save our Souls.
So, you may ask, what are the steps of salvation and why do I need to follow them?
Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
That sin nature separates us from God and requires punishment. Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Hebrews 9:22b says "and without shedding of blood there is no remission." The shedding of blood as a sacrifice, and spiritual death (separation from God forever in Hell) are the punishment for our sin.
Anyone who comes to Christ seeking salvation will receive it. No one who sincerely wants to be saved will be rejected. In John 6:37, Jesus says "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."
So now you know why we need salvation. Would you like to know how to receive it? It's really simple. God made it easy for us to come to Him because, as 2 Peter 3:9 says "God isn't late with His promise [of endtime judgement] as some measure lateness. He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn't want anyone lost. He is giving everyone space and time to change." (The Message)
Romans 10:9 provides the steps of salvation: "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved."
If you want the salvation that comes through Jesus alone, would you pray something like this?
God, I understand that Your word says that I am a sinner and that it's part of me I can't fix. Only You could fix it, and You did that by sending Your son, Jesus, to die in my place. Then You raised Him from the dead, destroying sin and Hell's power over me. I accept the free gift of salvation given by Jesus, and I ask You come into my heart right now. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, then you're saved! Welcome to family of Christ! Find a church that teaches what God's word says. Be baptized in water. Get a Bible and read it every day so you can know and do what God's word says. I recommend that you start in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) where you can learn about the life, death, and resurrection of the Jesus you've just asked into your life. Seek out Christian friends who will help you grow in your faith and pray for you. Pray every day, thanking God for salvation and asking Him for guidance.
I would be honored if you would e-mail me and let me know if you've accepted Christ. I would love to pray for you!
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