The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift from God, received by grace through faith in Jesus. God sent Jesus out of love. When we turn from our sin, believe that Jesus died and rose again, and declare that he is Lord, we are forgiven and given new life. We can’t earn it, and it’s available to everyone who believes.
What Is Saving Faith?
So far in this series, we’ve looked at humanity’s problem, sin, and God’s solution, Jesus. But knowing that Jesus died and rose again doesn’t save you by itself. Your personal response to Jesus is what opens the door to salvation. The Bible calls it saving faith, and here are five things you need to know about it.
It Starts with God’s Love
Why did God send Jesus to the cross? John gives the answer.
1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Many religions picture a god who is full of wrath or who demands strict obedience in exchange for blessing. But the God of the Bible is relational. He reached out to us even though we had nothing good to offer, and he sent Jesus willingly, out of love.
It Requires a Change of Heart
Saving faith requires more than the right information about Jesus. It also requires the right attitude toward God, which the Bible calls repentance. When Peter preached the first sermon after Jesus’ resurrection, his listeners responded like this.
Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter had just told them that they rejected and crucified Jesus (Acts 2:14-36). Instead of getting offended, they were cut to the heart and humbly asked what to do. Peter’s answer was simple.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Repentance says, “I’ve changed my mind, and I’m ready to go God’s way now.” It’s a decision to stop running your own life and turn to God.
It Is Expressed in Words
When God begins a saving work in your heart, it’s important to express it. The Bible calls this confession, which literally means agreeing with what God has already said.
Romans 10:9 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.
Believe and declare. That’s how we respond to Jesus in faith. If you’re ready, you can pray a simple prayer like this:
“Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. I believe you died on the cross and rose from the dead so I could have life. I’m turning from my sin and turning to you in faith. I trust you alone to forgive me and give me new life. Thank you for this free gift. Amen.”
There’s nothing magical about these exact words. What matters is that you understand the truth about sin and Jesus and respond with a repentant heart. If you’ve done that, the Bible says you’re saved.
It Is a Gift of Grace
Some people find this hard to believe. Is it really that simple?
Ephesians 2:8-9 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.
It’s human nature to want to earn our keep. That’s a good thing at work (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12), but salvation works differently. Grace means gift, and you can’t pay for a gift. No amount of good performance can earn God’s approval. Jesus did all the work, and we are saved completely by grace the moment we trust him.
It Is for Everyone Who Believes
Could this really be true for you?
Romans 3:22-24 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Some people feel so burdened by their past or their doubts that they feel out of God’s reach. But Jesus did the heavy lifting; you just believe. His sacrifice is more powerful than any sin in your past (Romans 8:1), and the message of the cross can overcome your doubts (1 Corinthians 1:18). This is the most important defining moment of your life. To learn more about recognizing that moment, read Listening for Someone’s Defining Moment.
The Takeaway
Salvation is a free gift. God sent Jesus because he loves us, and we receive salvation by turning from our sin, believing in Jesus, and declaring that he is Lord. We can’t earn it, but we can receive it by faith, and it’s offered to everyone who believes.
