Being saved is a one-time decision that takes an everyday commitment. The decision is made when we choose to accept that we’re sinners. Our sin has consequences, but we can be redeemed through a savior. We accept that Jesus Christ is the only way to receive eternal life with God.
Of course, in order to accept Jesus Christ, we must know what He did to save us from condemnation.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:1-2
The son of God, Jesus Christ, took the form of a man when He came to Earth. He accomplished the Father’s perfect will by dying on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so that we no longer have to be bound by sin.
John 19:30 says, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
In other words, Jesus paid our debt. His sacrifice was enough to satisfy the judgment of sin we deserve.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
Now, we have every right to be called children of God, and we all live looking ahead to the day God calls us home into eternal glory.
How am I saved?
We are saved when we surrender and make the decision to follow Christ.
Romans 10:9 says, “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.”
This is why many churches do “alter calls” and ask people to repeat a prayer for salvation. It takes a single moment to make the decision to follow Christ. It can be done anywhere, at church, or at home.
Once we make that decision, our next step is to begin reading the Bible to find out who God is. The Holy Spirit will begin to guide and convict our lifestyle.
When do I receive the Holy Spirit?
We automatically receive the Holy Spirit when we choose to believe and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,”
Ephesians 1:13
After all, it’s the Holy Spirit that convicts us of our sins.
“When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment,” says John 16:8.
How should I live my life now?
After we’re saved, the Bible teaches us that our lives should reflect a before and after in our character.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh,”
Galatians 5:16
We should not look at following God as a set of rules, but instead as a relationship with the Holy Spirit, where we acknowledge his presence in every situation we’re in. If we feel convicted by him, then follow his lead.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want,” says Galatians 5:17.
The Bible clearly explains the desires of the flesh:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious:
- sexual immorality
- impurity and debauchery
- idolatry and witchcraft
- hatred
- discord
- jealousy
- fits of rage
- selfish ambition
- dissensions
- factions and envy
- Drunkenness
- orgies, and the like…
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” says Galatians 5:19-21
The fruit of the Spirits are:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Forbearance
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
When we observe the fruits of the flesh versus the fruits of the Spirit, we notice that the flesh will cause us pain and heartache. If the Holy Spirit guides us to stop practicing sin, we must trust that it’s for our good. Most importantly, so that we won’t perish in sin.
What if I’m not perfect?
If we were perfect, there wouldn’t be a need for a sacrifice. God knows we’re not perfect. Just like God knew the adulteress woman in the Bible had sinned, but he did not condemn her, instead he told her to stop sinning.
“She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’”
John 8:11
Although God’s grace abounds, this does not mean we continue to practice sin. Sin brings consequences, and sometimes it may take a lifetime to solve those consequences that could have been avoided.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon,” says Isaiah 55:7
Living a life for Christ
We must seek holiness for the rest of our lives because following God also has rewards. It’s not a religion, but a relationship where God will show us his unconditional love and supply all our needs.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
Being saved is a daily practice. It means we’re now standing on a firm foundation, knowing our future is secure in Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Prayer for salvation
“Lord Jesus, Son of God, I confess that I’m a sinner and need your forgiveness. I invite you into my life; I accept that you are Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. You died for my sins and were resurrected on the third day. Because of that, today I am made new. I know in my heart that you are alive and your Spirit now lives in me. I ask you to write my name in the Book of Life and help me live a holy and abundant life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”