When sharing the gospel with unbelievers, we must be prepared to answer the important question, “How can I be saved?” When asked this question, some present an elaborate plan of salvation while others suggest you recite the sinner’s prayer. If we are to carry out the mission Christ has given us, we need to answer this question properly.
How Does Someone Get Saved?
My goal is to answer this question as simply as possible so that we can present the compelling message of the gospel clearly.
Remember Salvation is a Gift
We must realize salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8–9). Naturally, we want to rebel against God and, therefore, deserve death. This is the punishment that we deserve since we are guilty before God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). We have rebelled against the One who made us and knows every part of us. It is important to realize who we are in light of who God is. We are rebels in need of deliverance from the guilty verdict of a Righteous Judge. We have turned to worship idols rather than the living God (Ephesians 2:1–4).
But God, withholding what we deserve and showing his unwavering love to us, sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life and died in our place. Through his obedience and atoning death, we are reconciled to God.
By dying on the cross, Jesus took on the penalty we deserved. Rather than receiving a death sentence, we now receive forgiveness of sin, eternal life, and a right relationship with God (Ephesians 2:5–7). Jesus rose from the dead in order to seal all of these marvelous blessings. Now, Jesus reigns over all things in heaven with the Father (Ps. 110:1; Matt. 28:18).
Turn from Sin and Trust in Christ
Salvation is life-transforming because Jesus is the King over all things. He calls us to repent, or turn, from our sin and put our faith in him (Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31). Instead of trying to save ourselves or provide a righteousness of our own, we rely fully on Christ and what he has accomplished for our salvation.
Turning from our sinful ways and putting our trust in Christ requires a heart that is broken and knows it needs more than we ourselves can provide. By God’s grace, we look to Someone who is more fulfilling and satisfying than either the world’s desires or our own desires. Once the Spirit opens the eyes of our heart, we realize Jesus is the only One who can provide complete satisfaction and everlasting joy (Psalm 16:11).
Experience New Life
Belonging to Jesus and surrendering to his lordship changes everything. We truly become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The evidence of new life in Christ plays out in several different areas, including our desire for Jesus, the way we approach our struggles, the way we treat others, and the way we understand and live in the world around us. This doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with our old self, but we soon come to know God’s love in giving us the strength to resist living like we used to live.
Called to Surrender Our Entire Life to Jesus
You may be reading this article as a passionate believer in Jesus that wants to tell people how to be saved. Or, you may be broken over the way you’re living. Perhaps you’re looking for hope that’s far greater than anything you’ve ever experienced.
No matter who you are, the message is still the same: we’re called to put our trust in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9). In him we behold the greatest love ever known and the King who is worthy of our full devotion. He alone is our salvation (Psalm 27:1).
Isaac Karpenske serves as the Lead Pastor of Journey Church in Amery, Wisconsin. He earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Pastoral Ministries and a Master of Divinity from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.
