Salvation, in Two Bible Verses and Less than 150 Words
First…
Salvation comes from God’s grace, exclusively through our faith in Jesus Christ and how His death on the cross was a substitute for ALL our sins. Contrary to the view of many, simply “loving our neighbor” is not a path to Heaven but an outcome of salvation.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
And second…
We need to confess from our heart that Jesus is both our Savior and Lord.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. - Romans 10:9-10
To put it simply in 149 words…
We must profess our faith by openly acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord. Further, we need to believe in our heart (not just our head) that He died and rose again as a payment for our past, present, and future sins, and turn from them.
We can spend our days talking about the latest election results or the theology of speaking in tongues, and everything in between. In the end, we will either go to Heaven or Hell, regardless of all that we think or say about God. He is sovereign and has told His children there is a narrow path to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). Solomon, the wisest man (apart from Jesus) in history, asserted that life is a mere fleeting existence. Shakespeare made the same point by saying, “We strut and fret our hour upon the stage and then are no more.” We do not know the hour of our passing from this life to the next.
There is so much controversy over theological minutiae, both inside and outside the Christian faith. In the end, salvation is all about receiving the Holy Spirit in our hearts today and experiencing the full peace and joy of Heaven tomorrow. The Creator will answer all the other theological questions you may have after death.
So, to put off a relationship with God by resisting His calling on your heart makes no sense.
Salvation brings infinitely more to man than anything we can possibly acquire through our own efforts. And if it can be explained in less than 150 words, how amazing is that!
The Sinner’s Prayer
There is no formula for asking the Lord to save your soul for eternity. The prayer below is a guide for what you need to believe, both intellectually and with your heart… sincerely. Approach God with faith that He will give you the strength to repent or turn from your sins and receive eternal forgiveness (Acts 3:19).
“God, I’m a sinner and deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provides for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus, and Jesus alone, as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”
Romans Road to Salvation
- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
- Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 5:8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Billy Graham
“I GUARANTEE THAT YOU CAN KNOW PEACE WITH GOD, PEACE OF SOUL, PEACE OF MIND, AND JOY SUCH AS YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED.”
Admit your need. (I am a sinner) Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent) Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit.
