The ABCs of Salvation

The ABC’s of Salvation explain the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ in three simple easy to remember steps. Jesus himself said clearly,   I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  – John 14:6 NKJV

It is tough to admit that we are wrong. Even before God, we feel we are basically good, and we would like to think we are never as bad as some... The truth is we are all sinners and can never be good enough to earn our way to heaven. God’s Word, the Bible, clearly states that all have sinned (done things that are wrong and against God -Romans 3:23). God is holy and just. Sins against a Holy God deserve punishment. We are told in the Bible that the wages or payment for sin is death—eternal death in hell -Romans 6:23.  

However, a loving, merciful God has provided a rescue plan!  

Both John the Baptist and Jesus himself began their preaching with the word, ‘Repent’. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” –Matthew 4:17 NKJV 

To repent means ‘change one’s mind’ or to turn—to go in another direction. How can we be led to repentance? The first step toward repentance is true sorrow for what we’ve done wrong. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV. Worldly sorrow is more like the regret of a criminal who’s just been caught whereas godly sorrow is the deep remorse or conviction that produces a change in direction. 

Have you ever felt convicted after doing something wrong? The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is the one that convicts us of our sin. (John 16:7-8)

Salvation is not complicated. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” – Mark 10:15 NKJV A child simply puts their trust (faith) in the father’s strong arms. Likewise, we entrust our life to Jesus Christ—believing on Him and His finished work on the cross. 

The Apostle Paul defined the message of the Gospel (good news) like this—“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that 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 NKJV  Jesus Christ, the perfect, sinless lamb of God, laid down His life and took the penalty meant for us, dying in our place Isaiah 53:6. He paid the debt we could not pay and redeemed us (bought us back) from the power of sin and death. John 1:29 / Galatians 3:13 / Romans 3:25

God did His part, sending His one and only Son to die in our place. He has offered us a free gift—salvation, the forgiveness of sin, eternal life with Him in heaven. BUT…we must receive that gift. We must confess our sins 1 John 1:9 and confess (or proclaim) our faith (belief) in the death, burial and resurrection of God’s son, Jesus Christ. Confessing with our mouth requires an outward, public action, not a secret, hidden, timid faith. The Apostle Paul boldly proclaimed his faith so that others could hear and be saved. God’s plan of salvation is freely offered to everyone.

Well, that’s up to you! If you are reading this and want to receive this free gift of eternal life, there is NO reason to wait! God’s Word says, Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  – 2 Corinthians 6:2b NKJV 

None of us knows how long we have on this earth. Waiting on such an important decision may prove to be a costly (and eternal) mistake. The only opportunity we are guaranteed to have is right now! 

If you are not familiar with prayer, it is simply talking to God openly and honestly. In your own words, confess your sins to Him (He knows what they are anyway). Admit that you have broken God’s law. Receive God’s gift of salvation by declaring that you believe in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, His shed blood for your sin, and His resurrection from the grave on the third day. Confess Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. Your life will be forever changed as you begin a new journey of faith in Him, surrendered to His Lordship.

Adapted from Teen Mission International.