Salvation is not religion and religion does not necessarily mean salvation. The Lord is seeking a relationship with His people, one that is real, mutual and based on the finished work on the cross of His Son Jesus Christ. Having a real relationship with the true and living God begins with salvation through Jesus Christ.
Here are three basic steps to salvation:
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ADMIT your need for salvation because of your sins (remember ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God Romans 3:23
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BELIEVE Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and He arose from the dead on the third day (for with the heart we believe that we are saved)
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CONFESS with your mouth your need of salvation and your beliefs about Jesus. When you do this with sincerity, You Are Saved!
Jesus wasn't just a good man or simply a prophet as many suppose. He made that clear when He asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am"? Some said that you are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. But then He asked, "Who do YOU say that I am"? Peter, one of the disciples answered and said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Knowing who Jesus is, is not just the first steps toward salvation, it is the only way to salvation. He said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man can get to the father except that they come through me. It its only by the life, the death, the burial and resurrection of Jesus The Christ, and by believing that His blood shed paid the price to satisfy God the father for your sins and the sins of all of humankind. We must believe that It is only by His blood that we are able to come into a relationship with God the Father. For with the heart we believe unto righteousness or right standing/relationship with the Lord and with the mouth we confess that we are saved.
Why it is important to join a local church, you may ask. Why do I need a pastor?
It has only been within recent years that the misconception concerning church membership has spread nationwide. Social media has played an active role in sharing misinformation about the role of the church and the importance of spiritual leadership.
In joining the church, you not only become part of a body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, but you also find a place of love, hope, acceptance and purpose. Every church is not out there trying to take advantage of the weak and the poor and every pastor is not a thief and a snake oil salesman. There are many churches who are doing the work of the ministry in making disciples, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and ministering to the unloved and the forgotten,
We become members of the church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so that we may grow in our love for God and for all people, so that we may serve the Lord through good works and more importantly grow in spiritual understanding and character, and become better equipped to more effectively serve in greater ways both God and mankind.
Church membership is an important decision, one that should not be made within prayer and information. Finding the pastor that the Lord has assigned for your life in particular will make all the difference when it comes to you walking in the plan and the purpose that the Lord has for your life.
If you are considering these next steps in your walk with the Lord feel free to reach out to us. We would be so honored to assist you in making those important decisions.
