The Plan Of Salvation

Being a good person and shining your light is great, but we should look to the creator of light to define what good really is. You can start by recalling John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The Bible tells us that salvation isn't something we can earn through good deeds; it's a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus Himself said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

This is how it works.

Recognize God as the Creator: The first step is understanding that this universe didn't happen by chance. Romans 1:20 affirms that God's invisible attributes are clearly seen in His creation. This underscores that God is the originator of all that exists. Especially you. He created you to be a part of His family, my family, our family together in Jesus Christ.

Hear The Problem and Name It: Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It's essential to recognize that sin is the barrier that separates humanity from God. Being a good person cannot bypass this. The next logical step above goodness is righteousness. But we have sin.

Believe in Jesus Christ: In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." You have to believe that to reach the Father you need Jesus.

Repentance and Confession: Acts 3:19 advises to "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out." And 1 John 1:9 notes that confession of sins is key: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins."

If your hands are dirty, what will you do?

Cleansing: Acts 2:38 states, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Baptism is the step that follows hearing, believing, repenting, and confessing. Baptism is the cleansing that restores us to a righteous state with The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. In the name of, to be precise. We have elevated from good to righteous, to a saint, to a child of God. It is a most precious moment of life because it is when we understand what being dead was like. From the inside out we have become alive again since our innocence was lost. We have become a child again. We have been forgiven.

This is the beginning. It is that moment when the burden of sin has left. This is when we start to learn what God created us to be. God sent us the master teacher to follow. Jesus wants us to follow Him all the way home.

He Created Us To Be Faithful: Finally, Colossians 1:23 emphasizes the need to continue in faith: "if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard." This demonstrates the permanence of the relationship with God through Jesus Christ until the end of life.

THE END

This marks a period of rest until Jesus calls us to arise into God's eternal glory. A place never seen nor even understood that will make all of this life, forgettable, forever.

Corinthians 2:9:

"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'"