THE RIGHT WAY OF SALVATION
Two thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul was asked: “What must I do to be Saved?”
Many still ask this very vital question today.
Paul's response was brief and simple:
“BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be SAVED.” Acts 16:31
This answer deals with HOW one can be SURE of SALVATION and Eternal Life in HEAVEN.
Why Do We Need To Be Saved In The First Place?
We are in need of salvation because we are all SINNERS and unrighteous before a HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS GOD.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
The sinner is under the wrath of God. The punishment for sin is DEATH (SEPARATION from God and Eternal Suffering in HELL). “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23
Therefore, it is very important to clearly understand what we must do to be Saved.
What is Salvation and How are we Saved?
SALVATION, according to the Bible, is Deliverance from Eternal Suffering in HELL to Eternal Life in HEAVEN. GOD, because of His LOVE for the Sinner, offered His Son JESUS CHRIST as a SACRIFICE to pay the PRICE for our Salvation. (John 3:16)
The Question is: What must we do to be saved?
There are Two Main VIEWS of How to get SAVED in CHRISTIANITY
VIEW 1 - Saved by 'Faith in Christ plus Works’
VIEW 2 - Saved by 'Faith in Christ Alone’
Which View is Right?
There is only one RIGHT View according to the Bible. Our very 'SALVATION depends on believing the RIGHT VIEW or else we are in grave danger of believing in a FALSE GOSPEL and going to HELL.
The Apostle Paul warns us: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!” Galatians 1:8.
Let's Examine these Two Views of 'SALVATION'.
View 1 - Saved By ‘Faith In Christ Plus Works’
According to this VIEW, one is Saved by 'Faith in Christ plus Works’.
These 'Works', as taught by the Roman Catholic Church, include receiving sacraments, doing penance, gaining indulgences, performing good deeds, etc.
Initial Salvation
The ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’ (CCC), the official teaching of the Catholic Church, states that Salvation begins at Baptism (CCC 1213). One is then required to continue a life-long process of Meritorious Works toward the increasing of graces to attain Eternal Life (CCC 2010).
Final Salvation
This takes place when one fully merits Graces to attain Eternal Life (CCC 2027). But one can never be sure of attaining Final Salvation, unless one dies with Excess Merit or Grace (CCC 956). Thus spending time in Purgatory is a means of attaining FINAL PURIFICATION so as to achieve holiness to enter heaven (CCC 1030-31).
Mortal Sin results in loss of grace (CCC 1855). Grace is restored through Penance (CCC 1456). An unrepented sinner will suffer eternally in Hell (CCC 1861).
Attaining Final Salvation is therefore a LIFE-LONG process. One can never be sure of it in one’s lifetime.
View 2 - Saved By ‘Faith In Christ Alone’
According to this VIEW, one is Saved by 'Faith in Christ Alone' apart from ‘Works’.
“Know that a person is not justified by the Works of the law, but by Faith in Jesus Christ...” Galatians 2:16 (NIV)
God offers Salvation as a GIFT through DIVINE EXCHANGE.
What Is 'Divine Exchange'?
The Bible says, “For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus Christ paid the FULL PRICE for our Salvation. He took our SIN upon Himself and He placed His RIGHTEOUSNESS upon us.
The sinner has no part or work in it, except to BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through Faith in Christ alone, apart from WORKS.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9
The FRUIT of Salvation is a ‘Changed Life’, (2 Corinthians 5:17), resulting in ‘Good Works’. (Ephesians 2:10)
The moment we BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are SAVED. One can be sure of Salvation in one’s lifetime.
The Right Path To Salvation
Salvation is by God’s GRACE alone. We cannot merit or earn it by our ‘WORKS’.
“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace...” (Romans 11:6)
Salvation is a 'Gift' of God, freely given through CHRIST alone by God’s GRACE alone to all those who receive it by FAITH alone.
Do you want to receive this Gift of Salvation?
Here’s how YOU can RECEIVE this 'GIFT':
“BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be SAVED.” Acts 16:31
You can BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ right now (Turn from SELF-EFFORT to Faith in CHRIST alone for your Salvation)
You can TRUST Christ, at this very moment, in your own words or through the suggested prayer given below
If you have BELIEVED on the Lord Jesus Christ, you can now be SURE of your Salvation and Eternal Life.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I BELIEVE that youdied in my place to pay the FULL PRICE for my Salvation.I REPENT and TRUST You alone as my LORD and SAVIOR.Thank you for the Gift of Salvation and Eternal life. Amen