|
|
Salvation
The word salvation comes from the Greek word
soteria, which means "deliverance, preservation and
safety." It primarily involves deliverance from the bondage
of sin (Galatians 5:1), but also includes deliverance from
enemies (Luke 1:71) and from sickness and disease (Isaiah
53:4 AMP; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
Salvation is a gift made available to those who
repent, believe and confess their belief that Jesus is Lord
and that He died and rose from the dead to save mankind
(Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10). The gift cannot be earned
through good deeds or by simply being a "good person"
(Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a matter of faith (acting
out on what you believe according to God's Word concerning
salvation). Furthermore, salvation involves a process that
will not only guarantee you entrance into heaven, but will
also position you to experience a complete life on earth.
Steps to Salvation1. Recognize and admit that you are a sinner.
When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, his sin separated
him from God. Now all of his descendants inherited the curse
of sin and death (Romans 5:12-14; Psalm 51:5).
As a result every human being is born a sinner,
not because of any wrong they’ve done but
because of Adam’s decision. It is therefore
necessary to become saved.
2. Repent of your sins.
To repent simply means to "change one's mind or
direction; to have a change of heart." It involves making a
180-degree turn away from sin and leading a life pleasing to
God. Repentance does not mean "I'm sorry." It is a quality
decision to ask for forgiveness of your sins and to be
cleansed from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
|
|
3. Confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Confession is verbally declaring that Jesus is the
ultimate authority over your life. It is to say out loud
that He is your Lord and believe that He lived, died and was
raised from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins.
4. Be baptized in water.
Water baptism is a symbolic
representation of Jesus' death, burial
and resurrection. Just as He was
baptized, you must be baptized (Matthew
3:13). Your entrance into the water
represents the death of your former
lifestyle (Romans 6:3-11) and your
emergence from the water represents your
new birth, and the start of your new
life in Christ.
5. Receive the baptism in the
Holy Spirit.
When you become born again, the Holy
Spirit comes to live in your heart to be
your Teacher, Comforter and Guide
through life (John 14:16-17, 23, 26).
When you receive the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts
1:4-8), the anointing—the power of God
to remove burdens and destroy
yokes—comes upon you (Isaiah 10:27) and
is demonstrated when you speak in
tongues, an unknown spiritual
language (Acts 2:1-4). Praying in
tongues is effective because the fear,
doubt and distraction in your mind are
no longer an issue; it flows directly
from your spirit. This enables you to
supernaturally pray God’s perfect will.
(Romans 8:26-27).
|
|
Understanding Salvation
6. Obey the Word of God.
Living according to the Word positions
you to enjoy the benefits that your
salvation guarantees. Jesus’ sacrifice
makes you righteous, and God requires
that you live a holy life that lines up
with His Word (Romans 12:1; Proverbs
3:1-4; 1 John 5:3). The Word must be
your foundation and the final
authority by which you live. Make
sure every decision you make in life is
biblically based.
A Prayer of Salvation:
Heavenly Father, I recognize and
admit that I am a sinner. I turn away
from my sins. I confess with my mouth
and believe in my heart that Jesus is
Lord. I believe that Jesus lived, died
and was raised from the dead for my
salvation. I receive my salvation and
all of its benefits right now. Lord,
thank You for saving me this day. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen!
Understanding Salvation
(Page 3)
Steps to Receiving the
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The key to being baptized in
the Holy Spirit is
expectation that the Holy
Spirit will give you the
utterance (the words to say)
as you open up your mouth to
speak. It's not about what
you can do, but what
the Holy Spirit wants
to do through you.
Understand that the
Holy Spirit is a gift
that was given on the
day of Pentecost (Acts
2:1-4).
Realize that
salvation is the only
qualification necessary
for receiving the Holy
Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Know that the laying
on of hands is
scriptural (Acts 8:17).
Expect to speak in
tongues when hands are
laid on you (Acts 19:6).
Disregard all fears
or false teaching about
receiving a counterfeit
spirit (Luke 11:11-13).
Open your mouth as
an act of faith (Romans
8:26; Ephesians 6:18).
Receive the gift of
speaking in tongues in
an atmosphere of peace
(1 Corinthians
14:33).
|
|
