“What Is Involved In Salvation?”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   Since Christ gave His life as “a ransom for many” and shed His blood “for the remission of sins” (Matt. 20:28, 26:28), He brought salvation to everyone (Titus 2:11). His sacrifice provided the way for us to be saved from sin.

                   Is Christ’s death on the cross all that was necessary to save man? If it was, then all people would be saved from sin because Christ died for all (Jn. 1:29; I Jn. 2:2). Yet, we know this is not the case because the Bible says some will be lost (Matt. 25:41). There must be something we must do to receive salvation.

                   In the New Testament, we see that not only did Christ die, was buried, and rise the third day for our salvation; we in turn must follow Christ’s plan for salvation if we wish to be saved (Mk. 16:16). We need to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, “for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). Faith is so necessary that, “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Is this all one needs to do to be saved? No! Faith is the beginning step leading to salvation. One must also obey the Lord’s will (Acts 2:38). Christ did His part, will you do yours?

                   “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” These words were spoken on the day of Pentecost following the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. On this day, when the Jews were rightly accused of killing Christ (Acts 2:23), they then asked what they could do (Acts 2:36). Acts 2:38 is the answer to this question, and by extension, the answer to our question when we ask what we must do to be saved from our sins! Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized? If not, why not? Repentance and baptism is necessary to remit (forgive) your sins and put you in a right relationship with God. Why are you waiting?

- Jarrod Jacobs