What Must We Do to Be Saved?
Then the jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved…”
Acts 16:29-31
Salvation is described in the Bible as an event in our lives that changes our destiny, our identity, and our nature. Salvation comes upon the personal invitation of God to believe in Christ. We may gain information about Christ gradually; we may be under conviction of our need for salvation over a long period of time. Salvation itself, however, comes to us instantaneously. The second we believe we are changed forever; we become new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
Many people have been brought up in churches where the importance of personal conversion to Christ was not emphasized. If you have come from such a background it is important to realize that the Bible stresses personal faith. One person said, “God has many children, but God has no grandchildren.” By that is meant that no one can know God through the faith of his parents only. A Christian heritage, where moral behavior was taught, is good to have, but this is not the same as genuine faith in Christ.
Each person is required to believe in Christ for himself. There was a saying common in the prophet Jeremiah’s day, “The fathers eat sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Jer. 31:29). Some people thought that their parent’s faith was enough, but Jeremiah stressed personal responsibility. But the faith of the crowd is also not enough. Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” but then He asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Becoming a child of God and a true believer in Christ is a personal decision.
Who do you say that Jesus Christ is? Is He the Savior who has died for your sins and risen from the dead? Is He the One knocking on the door of your heart asking to come in, and have you personally opened your heart’s door and invited Him in? If you are unsure, ask God to help you understand your condition before Him. There is no reason to remain in doubt on this matter. You can pray the prayer below for salvation to be certain. God hears those who call on Him for salvation.
A simple prayer for salvation:
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross for my sin and rose from the grave. I now repent and turn from my sin and turn to trust in you. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, cleanse me of my sins, and give me the life you promised. Thank you for hearing my prayer. Amen.