Plan of Salvation

Coming into a right relationship with God involves finding biblical answers to several questions:

Q:	Who is God?
A:	He is the One who created the universe, the world, and living things, including the first human couple, Adam and Eve.
	“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”  (Revelation 4:11)
Q:	Who are you?
A:	You are a descendent of Adam, the first man; and like all other humans you are accountable to the God who made humanity.
	“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men’s hands as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth…hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained [Jesus].”  (Acts 17:24-26, 31)
Q:	Why is that a problem?
A:	God created mankind to honor and glorify Him, but Adam rebelled against God and brought God’s judgment upon the entire race.  Further, all of Adam’s offspring, ourselves included, have also rebelled and sinned against God.
	“Sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4)
	“There is none righteous, no not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one….For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  (Romans 3:10-12, 23)
Q:	What is the penalty for sinning against God?
A:	God says that the penalty for sin is death.  Death basically means separation, and there are three kinds of death described in the Bible.  All of them result from sin.

		1.	Spiritual death separates a person from the life of God.  Because of Adam’s sin, all of us are born in this condition—spiritually dead.
			“And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1)
		2.	Physical death separates the soul from the body.  Because of Adam’s sin, we will all one day die physically.
			“It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
			“As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
		3.	Eternal death separates a person’s body and soul from God forever in Hell.  This is the destiny awaiting each of us because of both Adam’s rebellion and our own sin.
			“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

Q:	What can you do to earn eternal life and avoid damnation?
A:	People have tried many ways to earn eternal life and escape damnation, but none have ever been successful.  You can’t get to heaven by your own good works.  You can’t get to heaven by practicing religion.  You can’t buy your way in or get in on the basis of your personal morality.
	“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
	“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” (Titus 3:5)
Q:	Is there any way to find eternal life in God?
A:	Yes, there is.  God offers to give us eternal life through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
	“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
	“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Q:	Who is Jesus, and how can He help?
A:	Jesus is the eternal Son of God who has been involved in history in several ways.
	First, He was actually the Creator of the universe.
	“All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3)
	“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist [hold together].” (Colossians 1:16-17)
	Second, He came to earth by means of the virgin birth.  His mother, Mary, conceived Him through the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit of God.  By this means He did not inherit Adam’s sin nature and was able to live a sinless life.
	“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man [I am a virgin]?  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:30-35)
	Third, He died on a cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sin.
	“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God,” (1 Peter 3:18a)
	“But God commendeth his love for us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
	Fourth, Jesus rose from the dead only three days after His crucifixion, proving His power over death and His ability to give us eternal life.
	“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….And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins…But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:3b-4, 17, 20-22)
Q:	How do you receive God’s pardon for your sin?
A:	You must repent of your sin and unbelief, turning to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
	“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19a)
	“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31a)
	“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
	“[Jesus said] I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Q:	What has God promised you if you believe?
A:	If you believe on Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God promises to forgive your sins and give you eternal life.
	“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
	Notice the three parts of the promise.  The believer has eternal life, is no longer condemned, and has passed from death into life.
Q:	So what will you do?  Will you turn your life over to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today?
	To do so, you must admit that you have sinned against God and deserve His punishment, and you must ask Him to forgive you.  You must believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God Who died for you, rose from the dead, and is the living Lord of all creation.  You must call upon Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior.

If you have decided to do this, we would like to know so we can rejoice with you and pray for you.  Please contact us using the email link below to tell us of your decision to trust Christ.  You may also contact us with any questions you may have.