The world either says there is no such thing as salvation or there are many paths. We must know what the true definition of salvation is. Jesus said that no one comes to the Father but through me. I am the way, the truth, and the life.
It doesn't matter what the latest guru or celebrity says; Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the final authority. What he says goes. The only path is through Him.
I have been walking with the Lord for over 34 years. I have never regretted accepting Jesus as my savior. Every area of my life has been radically changed. I can't deny who He is in my life. I will follow Him all the days of my life.
I pray the same for you!
What is Salvation?
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) — 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Salvation is a gift from Father God. It's a treasure that morphs our lives with His love and grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. I don't know about you, but I like new beginnings, which is what salvation is. It doesn't matter what your past is; the slate is wiped clean. You are free from the chains of the enemy (satan) that have bound you. Hope arises in your heart, and you can see light at the end of the tunnel.
My salvation experience spanned from being a 14-year-old kid to recommitting my life back to Christ as a soldier in the US Army at 22. I was a young father with a 4-year marriage. The Holy Spirit was drawing me over and over, not only in my heart but putting people in my path to share Christ with me.
Then, on August 6th, 1990, I made the plunge and ran back into the arms of Jesus Christ after being away for so long. I sat in the office of Pastor Jimmy Squires, asking Jesus to come back into my life.
What an experience it was. The chains fell off that day. I was committed to the long run of serving Him. I immediately went home and told my wife we would start serving God in our home and attending church. That Sunday, I held true to my commitment, and to this day, I still am.
l don't say all this to brag but to inspire others to see that we can all do it. The promise that we will become a new person is genuine. The Holy Spirit is inside our hearts to help us make the needed transformations. It is not by our strength but by the strength of God. Sure, we have our part to play, but it's ultimately the Lord's strengthening grace that will transform us into the image of Christ Jesus!
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT) — 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works. You can't earn salvation by what you do. You only gain it by faith, believing what the Word of God says. We must receive it like a gift. When someone gives you a gift, you don't go out and work for it beforehand. No, they walk up to you and say, "You were on my heart, and I want to bless you with this special gift." It is the same with the Father; we were on His heart, and He sent His son to die on the cross so we could receive the free gift of salvation.
Philippians 1:6 tells us that He who began a good work in us will carry it through to completion. This scripture is powerful on so many levels. It assures us that God will continually work in us. Salvation is not a one-time shot deal, and you are done. It's a lifetime journey with the Lord. His plan for us unfolds day by day.
What is Eternal Life?
1 John 5:11–13 (NLT) — 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. 13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
Salvation spans more than being transformed into a new creature in Christ. John 17:3 tells us to know the only true God and Jesus Christ. We must go beyond the facts, historical truths, and religion. Salvation is a relational experience with Father God, His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It's about walking with the Lord, understanding His heart and purpose for our lives.
Our eternal life starts on the day of salvation, giving us hope in our hearts that we will be with the Lord forever here on earth. It is also a heavenly experience that lasts for all eternity.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 tells us that we are spiritual beings with a soul and body. 2 Corinthians 5:8 says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Our eternal life continues with the Lord in heaven when our physical bodies die. Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21 that to live is Christ (living our lives here on earth in its fullness through Him), but to die is gain (to experience the glory of eternity and being with the Lord).
This promise is for you when you commit your life to Jesus and invite Him in your heart. You will go to heaven when you die. You will be present with the Lord forever. What a powerful promise God has given us. We should never fear death but have eternal hope in our hearts.
Prayer for Salvation - How to Be Saved
Romans 10:9–10 (NLT) — 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
If you are reading this and have never asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, it's a simple prayer. Humans make a relationship with God complex and religious. I encourage you to pray this prayer. And if you have known the Lord but walked away from Him for a time in your life like I did as a young teenager, you can also pray this prayer.
Loving Father in Heaven, I approach You through Jesus Christ. As Your Word promises, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21). Today, I'm calling out to You. According to Romans 10:9-10, which says "If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved,"
Father, I believe with all my heart that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and salvation. I believe that you raised Him from the dead. Jesus, I invite you to be the Lord of my life. I ask you to forgive me of my sins.
Through my profession of faith, I am now born again! I rejoice in becoming Your child and receiving salvation. Your Word also tells us in Luke 11:13, "If you, though you are imperfect, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!" So I humbly ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit. As I worship You, let Your Spirit rise within me. I trust that I will speak in new tongues as Your Spirit enables me (Acts 2:4).
Lord, help me walk out this new journey with you. I pray you show me which group of believers to be a part of so I can grow spiritually and serve in your Kingdom.
I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
8 Keys How to Live for Jesus
I am very excited to know that you committed your life to Jesus Christ! I know those in heaven are rejoicing as well.
The key is not to let that fire go out but keep it ablaze inside you. The Holy Spirit came inside of you to live. The Bible says He is our helper and comforter. He will guide and lead you into all truth. We all need to rely on Him.
Here are 8 things that I encourage you to implement in your life. You will see yourself grow significantly in the Kingdom of God as you do. Not only will you see a radical change in your own life, but those around you will also witness it.
Also, remember, life as a believer in Christ is a journey, not something you attain tomorrow. It's like walking up a mountain. You do it one step at a time. I have been serving the Lord for over 34 years and am still growing in God.
1. Pray
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT): 17 Never stop praying.
As believers we need to live a life in constant communication with God. We do this through prayer. Don't make the mistake of thinking prayer is some religious duty you see on T.V. It is far from that. Prayer is talking to God. It is not a 5-minute thing to do as you wake up or go to bed. He is within you and you can speak to him throughout the day. That is what 1 Thessalonians 5:17 means. Never stop talking to the Lord.
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to enter the bold room of God boldly to receive His grace and mercy. God wants you to come before Him. We are not to fear Him. He is our loving heavenly. He cares about us. He wants to commune with us.
Go in your prayer closet with faith. We do this by knowing God's promises in the Bible. Don't worry if you don't know a lot of scriptures right now. In time, you will. But as you do, believe in His promises and remind the Lord of His written Word. The Bible says it is impossible to please God without faith. God loves it when we come to Him in faith. Here is an example of a prayer in faith:
Father, my body is with this cold and sore throat. 2 Peter 2:24 says, "By His (Jesus') stripes, I was healed." I thank you for your Word. I know it is true. This promise from you is mine. I have it right now. Body, I command you in the name of Jesus to line up with the Word of God. Be healed in the name of Jesus. Cold and sore throat, I command you to go right now in them name of Jesus. Amen.
Lastly, make daily prayer a lifestyle. Ensure that you spend alone time with God consistently, but don't beat yourself up as you begin to develop the habit. In time, you will see yourself living a life of prayer.
2. Read
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT): 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
As you can see from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, when we read from God's Word, it will mold and shape up. It will equip us into people of God who do good works for His Kingdom.
The Bible says to not only be hears of the Word of God, but be doers of it as well. Another way to say it is not just to be a spectator of the game but to get in and play it. How can you be in the game if you don't know what's in the Bible?
One of the worst things we can do as a Christian is to profess to be one but not know what the Bible says. As I said before, it will take time, but start walking in that direction by making it a daily practice in reading the Bible.
I can't tell you how many times we have had new believers in our church make reading the Bible a part of their lives. In time, they became a powerhouse for the Kingdom of God. They are strong in faith and are affecting people around them through God's Word.
You can implement reading and create a habit in many ways in your life. Here are a few suggestions.
As a new believer, start with an easy translation to read. I like the NLT (New Living Translation). Also, there is the NKJV (New King James Version).
Always pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you and minister to you as you read.
Start reading the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). John is the most highly recommended book to read first.
There are many Bible reading programs that will help you read it within a year. You can find these as phone apps.
You can read on a particular subject. For example, maybe you want to study healing. Get a book on healing and as you read it, study the scriptures it ministers on.
Apostle Paul encourages us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to study to show ourselves approved by rightly dividing the Word of Truth (the Bible). Be one who correctly explains God's Word so you don't have to be ashamed. This isn't just for ministers but for all of God's people.
3. Thankfulness
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (MSG) — 18 thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
There was a time in my life as a follower of Jesus Christ when I experienced something so tragic. I have never come so close to devastation. During my trial, I had to continually remind myself of God's written promises over and over, all the while fighting off the enemy from suicidal thoughts. I thought my situation would never end.
All throughout that time, I never lashed out at God. I never blamed Him for the trouble I was in. I continually thanked Him for everything in my life. I found some of the silliest things to be thankful for; something as simple as a cloud in the sky.
What this did for me was to keep my heart and mind on the Lord. I saw the work He was doing in my life. It inspired me and gave me hope to live. As the Word says, this is the way God wants us to live as believers. It doesn't matter what you are going through, be thankful unto the Lord. Good times or bad, there is always something to thank God for.
4. Attend
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) — 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
The Bible speaks of the great falling away, where believers in Jesus will walk away from the Gospel in the last days or when the end is near (the fulfillment of the scriptures). In my years serving the Lord, I have never seen so many Christians walking away from the Gospel. They no longer attend church. Their lives are no different than those that live in the world.
What does Hebrews 10:25 say? It says, to meet with one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. We are closer than ever to Jesus coming back. We need to be in church! It's that plain and simple. There is no debating this scripture.
If you have anyone telling you that you don't need to go to the house of God, ignore them and walk away.
As a young Christian, I would take my family (my wife and kids) to church. It didn't matter what my extended family was doing. If there was a birthday party for my sister's children, we attended church first and then joined the family later.
Well, my dad didn't like that, he thought I was half crazy because we put so much emphasis on attending church. I stood my ground and didn't let him sway. Well, I can tell you, that has done me well in so many areas of my life. Also, in time, my dad committed his life to Jesus Christ. Guess what? He started attending church faithfully as well.
5. Serve
Romans 12:6–8 (NLT) — 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Through the grace of God, we have all been given various gifts and talents to use in the Kingdom of God. We are encouraged to do them well, not with a half heart.
Jesus shared about the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Three servants were given talents or bags of silver in some Bible version by a man going on a journey. There was an expectation for these servants to invest in them. One servant was lazy and had many excuses for not doing so. He was judged harshly by his master. We as Christians have an expectation from the Lord to use our talents. We can’t watch all others be busy with the things of God and sit on our hands. We have to put our hands to the plow as well.
Jesus said in John 12:26 that my servants must follow me and be where I am. He was our earthly example. Jesus was always about the Father’s business. We must be about the father’s business as well.
We do this at our local church. The Bible speaks of the Body of Christ and that we all have our roles to fulfill. I have fulfilled many roles over the years including being a missionary in Central America for 11 years. Recently, we moved back to the USA and jumped right back into our local church. Immediately, I got my hands busy by serving.
As you find a church the Lord has you to be a part of; I encourage you to find your place to serve.
6. Give
2 Corinthians 9:5–6 (NLT) — 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
Apostle Paul was writing to the Corinthian church about their giving. He sent people before him to ensure the promised gift or offering was prepared.
Today, many would be offended by his aggressive approach. Sadly, many have this mindset, "my money." They are annoyed when the church talks about money.
Read more so in what he said. He wanted them to have a right heart, not one that would give grudgingly, but do it cheerfully.
Years ago, when I first gave my life to Jesus Christ, I was taught that Father God is a giver. He gave His only Son to the world. He is constantly giving to us. We have the Holy Spirit inside of us, the Spirit of God. We have the nature of God dwelling right in our being. Therefore, we should have a heart of giving.
Apostle Paul even said that we will reap generously, but if we give sparingly, we will reap sparingly. See, giving is for our benefit. It is the best financial system in the world. God promises us, if we give in to His Kingdom, He will give back to us! We will reap a harvest in our lives.
After 34 years of serving God, I can testify that I have never stopped giving. I continuously give tithes (10% of my income) and offerings to my church. In my 34 years, He has never failed me. We have never gone without, NOT one time. We have always been able to pay our bills and have food on the table.
One final note: I will share this with those who are always concerned about what the Pastor is doing with the money. I have been connected to my church for my whole Christian walk. God placed me and my family at my church. I give to the Kingdom of God by giving at my local church; as I do, I have fulfilled my responsibility. What they do with it after that is their responsibility. God will judge them.
Now, I am not saying to have your head in the sand. Looking around our church, I know the money is being used wisely, but I don't focus on that. Again, I focus on what I am supposed to do according to God's Word, which is to be a giver.
7. Forgive
Mark 11:25 (NLT) — 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Matthew 18:21–22 (NLT) — 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Forgiveness is the very premise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus into the world to die on the cross so He could forgive mankind of the trespasses. We didn't even deserve it, but He did it so we would not perish but have everlasting life.
We can't be believers in Christ walking around having unforgiveness in our hearts. It is not the character of Jesus, but he is our example of how we should be walking on the earth.
But you don't know what they did to me is what many will say. Read the Bible and see how many times people spit in the face of God countless times, how they took Jesus and hung Him on the cross. Today, the world is a constant offense to God, but He still loves us.
I have had some horrible things done to me and my family. We still choose to forgive. Why you may ask? One, the Word of God calls for it. But one other thing: forgiveness is more for us than the other person. Have you ever tried carrying around unforgiveness? It is a burden I don't want to carry. You are letting people live in your head. It takes work to do so. I don't have the time or willpower to do so.
Learn to give everything to the Lord. As you do, you will see the weights fall right off. Life will be more peaceful and joyful. It's not worth carrying unforgiveness.
Learn to live a life of forgiveness.
8. Share
Mark 16:15–16 (NLT) — 15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
Another thing about salvation is that you can invite others along as well. You can share about it with your friends, loved ones, and those you meet on the highways and byways. How cool is it that you can also help transform other people's lives?
A person who has been saved will be compelled to want to see others experience that same thing. They will want to see those they love in heaven with them for all eternity. You will not want to see people go to hell. You show this by sharing the Gospel with them.
Bringing It Together
I want to encourage you today that salvation through Jesus Christ is real. It's not just a religious experience or something we do on Sundays - it's a life-changing relationship with the living God. Whether you've just prayed that salvation prayer or been walking with the Lord for years, remember that He is faithful in completing the good work He started in you.
I've shared these eight principles because they've transformed my walk with God over these 34 years. They're not rules to follow but guideposts for a thriving relationship with Jesus. Start where you are, take one step at a time, and watch how God moves in your life.
Remember, your salvation story doesn't end with you - it's meant to overflow into the lives of others. Every person who commits their life to Christ causes celebration in heaven, and you can be part of that eternal impact.
If you've decided to follow Jesus today, welcome to the family of God! If you're still considering this decision, know that God is reaching out to you with open arms. He loves you more than you can imagine, and His grace is sufficient for whatever you're facing.
Stay strong in your faith, keep your eyes on Jesus, and never forget that you are deeply loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Devotional Questions
1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 again. Looking at your own life, what specific "old things" do you want to see removed from your life? What new things do you want to see come forward? What steps will you take to bring those changes forward with the help of the Holy Spirit?
2. In the section about prayer, we learned that prayer is ongoing communication with God throughout our day. What practical steps can you take this week to move from "scheduled prayer times" to living in constant conversation with God? Think about specific moments in your daily routine where you can include Him.
3. I emphasized that salvation is both a moment of decision and a lifetime journey with the Lord. Reflecting on Philippians 1:6, what "good work" do you see God currently doing in your life? How does knowing that God will "carry it through to completion" affect your perspective on the current challenges you're facing?
Scriptures on Salvation
John 3:16 (NLT) — 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT) — 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Romans 10:9–10 (NLT) — 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Acts 4:12 (NLT) — 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Titus 3:5 (NLT) — 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Acts 16:31 (NLT) — 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”
Romans 6:23 (NLT) — 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Timothy 2:3–4 (NLT) — 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) — 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
John 14:6 (NLT) — 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Isaiah 45:22 (NLT) — 22 Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.
Mark 16:16 (NLT) — 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
Philippians 2:12–13 (NLT) — 12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
1 Peter 1:8–9 (NLT) — 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT) — 2 For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is salvation through Jesus Only?
Salvation through Jesus is the only way to find real peace and hope in life. For example, when we break something, we need the right tools to fix it. Our lives, broken by sin, can only be repaired by Jesus. The Bible says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This means no other path can truly guide us to a meaningful relationship with God.
Similarly, imagine a beautiful garden that needs water to grow. Without proper nourishment, the plants wither and die. In the same way, our souls need Jesus, who gives us living water (John 4:14). When we trust Him and accept His love, we start a new life. This doesn't just bring us joy; it also helps us shine brightness in a world filled with darkness.
Additionally, picture a loving parent who guides their child, always wanting the best for them. God is like that parent, wanting us to thrive. Romans 10:9 tells us, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
All others who have claimed to be the way or know the way is still in the grave. Jesus came out of the grave and rose to the heavens. There has never been any other person in human history that has been able to do that.
2. What does salvation by faith mean?
Salvation by faith means that we can be saved not because of what we do, but because we believe in Jesus Christ. Think about it like this: if you're playing a game and need a friend to help you win, you trust in them to lead you to victory. In the same way, God wants us to trust Jesus to be our savior. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works.” It’s all about faith!
Trusting in Jesus brings us an incredible amount of peace in our hearts. Suddenly, hope arises within us. When you put your faith in Him, you believe He died for your sins and rose again, which means you have a new chance at life! Romans 10:9 puts it perfectly: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” It’s like getting a special invitation to a wonderful party!
When we truly have faith, it changes how we live every day. We will have a whole different outlook on life. Believing in Jesus helps us to show love and kindness to others, reflecting the light of God's love. James 2:17 says, “In the same way, faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” So, when we have genuine faith, we not only feel good inside, but we also help make the world around us a better place!
3. What did Jesus do for our salvation?
Jesus changed everything for us. He came to Earth and showed us what love looks like. By dying on the cross, He took on our mistakes and made it possible for us to be close to God again. This huge sacrifice was not just for some people but for everyone. Romans 5:8 reminds us, "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." His love reached out to us when we needed it the most.
Because of Jesus, we now have a chance to start fresh. Like how a butterfly transforms from a caterpillar, we can be renewed and changed through His grace. When we believe in Him, we can let go of our old life filled with guilt and shame and embrace a new way to live. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This means we no longer have to be stuck in our past mistakes.
Ultimately, connecting with Jesus brings hope and joy that we can share with others. Just like a warm hug can comfort a friend, our relationship with Him can provide peace in our hearts. John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him can have eternal life. Knowing this makes us feel loved and valued, and it encourages us to spread that same love to others.
Shawn Paul is an author who lives in Kentucky. He is passionate about living for Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same, which is the focus of his blog, where he shares Biblical topics to help your walk with the Lord.
Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife of 38 years. Bicycling is one of their favorite pastimes. They also have two daughters and 4 grandkids.
As a writer, Shawn's unique perspective and passion for his faith shine through in his work. It is his desire to impact people for the Gospel around the world in various ways.