Biblical Answer

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

The Nature of Salvation

Salvation is a gift of God, made available to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not something that can be earned or achieved through human effort, but rather it is a free gift that is received by faith. As the Bible says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Conditions for Salvation

The Bible teaches that salvation is not just a one-time event, but rather it is a process that continues throughout one's life. As the apostle Paul wrote, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11). In other words, salvation is not just a matter of praying a prayer or making a decision, but rather it is a lifestyle of living in obedience to God's will and continuing in the faith. As Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

The Assurance of Salvation

The Bible teaches that salvation is not just a feeling or a decision, but rather it is a personal relationship with God that is rooted in faith and obedience. As the apostle Paul wrote, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). In other words, salvation is not something that can be lost or taken away, but rather it is a secure and eternal relationship with God that is rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:27-28).