Scripture References

Every person is guilty of sinning against God with consequences of physical and spiritual death. Spiritual death is what separates sinners from God and disqualifies them from going to heaven when they die. Therefore, unless a person is born-again, they will be eternally separated from God in the Lake of Fire after judgment because of their sins and unbelief.

Before a person can be saved from their sins and brought into right standing before God, they must understand the reality of their current sinful condition and its consequences. If a person does not recognize and take responsibility for their sins, they cannot be saved since—in their view—there is nothing to be saved from.

Once a person acknowledges their sin and its eternal consequences, they must confess their sins to God and place their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. They must acknowledge and believe Jesus is God who died for their sins on the cross and rose from the grave three days later. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Therefore, unless an individual recognizes and accepts the deity of Jesus, they cannot be saved because they deny and reject what the Scriptures declare of Him (1 John 2:22-23). This fact is evidenced by 1 John 2:22-23, which states, “Who is the liar except the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.”

When a sinner prays to receive Jesus as their Savior by faith, God the Father responds by forgiving them of their sins and granting them eternal life. Simultaneously, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to live inside of them to remain with them forever. Jesus’ righteousness is also “credited to their account” by God, and they will enter heaven immediately upon their earthly death.

Sample salvation prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, which has separated me from having a relationship with You. I believe You died for me on the cross and shed Your blood so I could be forgiven. Please forgive me for all my sins and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me live for You all the days of my life. Teach me what it means to follow and honor You every day. I choose to follow You from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”