How Are We Saved According To The Bible
Understanding God’s Plan for Salvation
Salvation is the central message of the Bible, and it reveals God’s incredible love for humanity. According to Scripture, salvation is the deliverance from sin, spiritual death, and eternal separation from God. It is God's gracious gift to all who believe in Jesus Christ, and it is available through faith in His Son and His work on the cross.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
The Bible teaches that we are saved not by our own efforts or good deeds, but by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s explore how salvation works according to the Bible and the steps involved in receiving this amazing gift.
1. Salvation Is a Gift of God’s Grace
The first and most important thing to understand about salvation is that it is a gift from God. We cannot earn it, deserve it, or work our way into it. Salvation is given freely by God, out of His love and mercy.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9
Why It’s Important:
Grace is unearned favor. God doesn’t save us because of our goodness, but because of His great love and mercy. This is the foundation of the Gospel message—salvation is not about what we do, but about what God has already done for us through Jesus Christ.
Practical Tip:
Recognize that salvation is not something we can achieve by following a set of rules or performing good works. It is completely dependent on God's grace, and He offers it freely to all who believe.
2. We Are Saved Through Faith in Jesus Christ
According to the Bible, faith in Jesus Christ is the key to receiving salvation. Jesus is the only way to be reconciled with God, as He is the one who took the penalty for our sins through His death on the cross.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” — John 14:6
Why It’s Important:
Salvation comes through trusting in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Faith means putting your trust in His finished work on the cross—His death and resurrection—as the only means for salvation. Jesus is the way to eternal life, and there is no other path.
Practical Tip:
Place your trust in Jesus, believing that His death paid the price for your sins and His resurrection offers eternal life. Faith in Jesus is the foundation for receiving God’s gift of salvation.
3. We Are Saved by Believing in Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
The death and resurrection of Jesus are the heart of the Gospel message. Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, and He rose again to offer new life to all who believe. Salvation is a result of accepting what Jesus did for us on the cross.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9
Why It’s Important:
Belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection is essential because it is through His sacrifice and victory over death that we are saved. Jesus’ resurrection gives us the hope of eternal life and confirms that His sacrifice was sufficient to atone for our sins.
Practical Tip:
To be saved, you must believe in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, knowing that this is the means of salvation.
4. We Must Repent of Our Sins
Repentance is a crucial step in salvation. Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. It means acknowledging our sinfulness, feeling sorrow for the wrongs we’ve done, and committing to live according to God’s will. True repentance leads to a transformed life.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts
3:19
“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” — Luke 13:3
Why It’s Important:
Repentance isn’t just about feeling guilty—it’s about changing direction. It’s a change of heart that leads to a change in behavior. We can’t experience the fullness of salvation without repenting of our sins and turning to God for forgiveness and healing.
Practical Tip:
If you feel convicted of sin, ask God for forgiveness and turn away from behaviors that separate you from Him. Embrace the new life He offers through repentance and faith in Christ.
5. We Are Saved by Confessing Jesus as Lord
Confessing Jesus as Lord is the public declaration that we believe in His sovereignty and authority over our lives. Confession is an outward sign of the inward reality that Jesus is both Savior and Lord, and it is through His lordship that we find salvation.
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9
Why It’s Important:
Confession is more than words—it’s an affirmation of God’s rule in your life. When you confess Jesus as Lord, you are acknowledging His authority and aligning your life with His will. It’s an act of surrender to His leadership.
Practical Tip:
Speak the words of confession with sincerity: “Jesus is Lord.” This is not just a declaration of faith but a commitment to live under Christ’s authority in all areas of life.
6. We Are Saved by Grace Through Faith, Not by Works
Salvation is not something we can earn or achieve through good works. It is a gift from God that we receive through faith. While good works are the fruit of salvation, they are never the cause of salvation. We are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ.
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” — Romans 3:28
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no
one can boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8-9
Why It’s Important:
The Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift of grace—we cannot work our way into heaven. This keeps the focus on God’s generosity rather than our efforts. Salvation is completely based on what Jesus has done for us.
Practical Tip:
Trust in God's grace and don’t rely on your own actions or works to save you. Faith in Christ is the only requirement for salvation, and God’s grace is sufficient to cover all sins.
Conclusion: Salvation Is Available to All Who Believe
Salvation according to the Bible is a beautiful and life-changing gift. It’s available to everyone, regardless of their past, through faith in Jesus Christ. By believing in His death and resurrection, repenting of sin, and confessing Him as Lord, anyone can receive forgiveness and eternal life.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13
God’s plan of salvation is clear: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and this salvation is available to all who believe. If you’re seeking salvation, turn to Christ, accept His gift, and experience the joy and peace of a new life in Him.