Plan of Salvation
In the Bible, being saved means trusting Jesus Christ for forgiveness and new life — accepting that his death and resurrection make you right with God. Salvation is a free gift, not something you earn.
1. Everyone needs salvation
God is holy, and we have all sinned. Sin separates us from God and brings death — but God loves us and wants us to know him.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2. Jesus paid the price
God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins and rise again. Jesus took the punishment we deserve so we could be forgiven.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
“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.”
3. You must trust Christ
Salvation comes by faith — turning from sin and trusting Jesus alone to save you. You cannot earn it by good works or religious effort.
“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.”
4. Pray and receive
Salvation happens in the heart — and confession is made with the mouth. God wants you to believe in Christ sincerely and to tell him so plainly, not merely go through the motions.
“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Do not simply repeat a written prayer to get it over with. Believe what you are saying, put it in your own words, and say it out loud — speaking to God from an honest heart. The prayer below is only an example of what that might sound like:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you alone to save me. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life. Help me follow you from this day forward. Amen.
“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.”
What comes next?
If you just trusted Christ, welcome to the family of God! Tell a Christian friend or pastor, find a Bible-believing church, and start reading Scripture — the Gospel of John is a great place to begin. Ask a mature believer you trust to mentor you — someone who can pray with you, answer your questions, and help you grow in Christ.