The most important question in life is this: “What must I do to be saved?”
The Philippian jailer in Acts 16 asked this question when he was confronted with the reality that he was a sinner and in need of a Saviour.
Many people disregard this question as if it were not that important in their lives. But the reality is that every person will be in a specific place after he/ she dies. The Bible is very clear that there are only two destinations: heaven or hell. A saved person will go to heaven and will be with the Lord Jesus Christ forever. An unsaved person will go to hell, a place of torment, and will forever be separated from God.
Now, to answer the question above, here are several truths that you need to understand first:
The word “gospel” means “good news.” The good news is that God has made a way for you to have your sins forgiven and to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
You are created for God
You must understand that God created you for His glory, which means you are not a mistake. He created you with a purpose, and that is to honour and glorify Him.
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” – Colossians 1:16
Also, the Bible teaches that God loves you and desires to have a relationship with you.
But there’s a problem…
All People Are Sinners
The Bible says that every person has sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Sin separates us from God and brings spiritual death.
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a)
There is a Penalty for Sin
Because God is holy and just, sin must be punished. The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God in hell.
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14)
But here’s the good news…
Jesus Christ Paid the Price
The good news is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to pay for your sins. He was buried and rose again the third day.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
“…Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Are you glad that Jesus did that for you? And here’s an incredible part as well…
Salvation is a Gift
Salvation is not something you can earn by good works, religion, or personal effort. It is a free gift from God.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9
Now, going back to the question: “What must I do to be saved?”
You Must Receive Christ
To be saved, you must personally receive Jesus Christ by faith—trusting Him alone as your Saviour.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” – John 1:12
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13
How to Be Saved
You can receive Christ right now by faith:
Admit that you are a sinner.
Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again.
Call upon Him in prayer, trusting Him alone to save you.
A simple prayer could be:
“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. I ask You to forgive me and save me. I am trusting in Jesus Christ alone as my Saviour. Amen.”
You Can Know You Are Saved
The Bible gives assurance to those who have trusted Christ:
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:13
Isn’t that amazing? Even though you are still alive, and even now, you have the assurance, and you can know for sure that you have eternal life.
If you have trusted Christ or would like to know more, we would be honoured to speak with you and help you grow in your relationship with the Lord.
Please email us at: info@faithbc.ca or visit our church at 9340 Windsor Street, Chilliwack, BC V2P 6C4.