Understanding salvation is the key to understanding what is means to be a disciple. A long running argument is whether the traditional “sinners prayer” determines eternal salvation. The prayer is used by many churches and requires you to ask for forgiveness and pray Jesus into your heart.

Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Although acknowledgment is part of the process of beginning a relationship with God, following with no action means nothing.

The bible call for baptism and repentance. This means, participating with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection as well as changing the way you think.

Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Through baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Salvation is the combination of all of these things. Just being dunked in water or whispering a phrase will not save you. It’s the faith in God and the sacrifice of his son and your heart-felt dedication to living for God that will save you. Jesus already died for our sins and God gives us his grace for our place in heaven. It’s not something that can be earned by good deeds.

Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”