What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Acts 16:30-32 tells us about a jailer who asked the apostles, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Their answer was simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” They then shared the word of the Lord with him and his family, leading to their salvation. This passage highlights the simplicity of salvation in the New Testament. But what does salvation mean, and how does it apply to us today? Let’s explore the concept of salvation, both from the Old Testament and the New Testament perspectives. Old Testament Salvation In the Old Testament, salvation was largely linked to faith and obedience. One of the best examples of this is Abraham. Genesis 15:6 tells us that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith, not his works, made him righteous before God. This shows that even in the Old Testament, faith was essential for a relationship with God. Additionally, God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were expected to obey the Law, which distinguished them from other nations. Following the Law was essential for maintaining a state of ceremonial cleanliness before God. If they sinned, they were separated from God, and a sacrifice was needed for atonement. Before Christ’s arrival, even those who had faith in God and followed the Law couldn’t enter heaven directly due to their sins. They awaited the coming of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, to pay the price for their redemption. The New Covenant and the Grace of Christ The arrival of Jesus Christ marks a significant turning point in humanity’s relationship with God. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, the gap between humanity and God was closed, not just for Jews but for all people—Jew or Gentile. This New Covenant brought salvation to everyone, regardless of nationality or previous status with God. Under the New Covenant, we are saved by grace, not by works or sacrifices. It is no longer about following the Law to achieve righteousness. Salvation is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, as famously stated in John 3:16:“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Salvation is a gift of grace, and it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past. The transformative power of Christ is available to everyone. Romans 10:9-11 explains it clearly:“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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” This new reality frees us from the burdens of trying to earn our way into heaven. Salvation comes through belief in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, not through our personal merit. What Must I Do to Be Saved? The process of salvation is simple, yet life-changing. Here are the steps: Procrastinating about salvation is dangerous, as none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. As Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Seize the moment and receive Christ now. The Importance of a Teachable Spirit After receiving salvation, it’s important to adopt a teachable spirit. Becoming a Christian isn’t just about securing a place in heaven—it’s about walking with God and growing in His wisdom. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Being a disciple means you are a student of Jesus, willing to learn and apply His teachings. Salvation Prayer If you’re ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a prayer to guide you: “God, I thank you for sending Jesus to save me. Today, I give you my life. I believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose again for my salvation. I confess Him as my Lord and Savior. Take over my life and transform me. I am yours, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” Conclusion Salvation is available to everyone, regardless of your background or past mistakes. It is a gift of grace that requires faith in Jesus and a willingness to let Him lead your life. Don’t wait until it’s too late—receive Him today and start your journey with Christ. To continue learning about salvation and growing in your faith, consider joining a Bible study group or exploring more resources like Bible Gateway for scriptural insights.
