"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Understanding Sin
Before you can appreciate salvation, you must understand the problem salvation solves. Here are 6 biblical definitions of sin:
Missing the Mark
Falling Short of God's Standard
Sin is missing God's perfect standard. The Greek word 'hamartia' means to miss the mark—like an arrow that falls short of the bullseye.
Breaking God's Law
Rebellion Against God's Authority
Sin is lawlessness—breaking God's commandments. It includes both commission (doing what God forbids) and omission (not doing what God commands).
All Unrighteousness
Any Deviation from Moral Perfection
All unrighteousness is sin. This includes lying, hatred, pride, lust, and greed—even in your thoughts.
Anything Not from Faith
Acting Against Your Conscience
Whatever is not from faith is sin. If you're unsure whether something pleases God and do it anyway, that's sin.
Rebellion Against God
Choosing Your Way Over God's Way
Sin is fundamentally rebellion—choosing independence from God. It says, 'I know better than God.'
The Essence of Sin
Self-Centeredness, Pride, and Idolatry
At its core, sin is putting yourself above God through self-centeredness, pride, and idolatry.
The Consequences of Sin
Spiritual Death
Sin separates you from God—the source of life. Before salvation, you were spiritually dead.
Ephesians 2:1 - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
Eternal Hell
The wages of sin is death—eternal separation from God in hell. This is the ultimate consequence.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.
Broken Relationships
Sin damages your relationships with God and others. It creates guilt, shame, and relational brokenness.
Isaiah 59:2 - Your iniquities have separated between you and your God.
Slavery to Sin
Sin enslaves you. You become a slave to your desires, unable to free yourself.
John 8:34 - Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Why Good Works Can't Save You
You cannot save yourself for these three reasons:
Your Best Works Are Tainted by Sin
Even your 'righteous' deeds are tainted by pride, wrong motives, and selfish intent. Your best works are filthy rags to a holy God.
- Pride: 'Look how good I am'
- Wrong motives: 'I'll earn God's favor'
- Selfish intent: 'What do I get out of this?'
Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
You Cannot Keep God's Law Perfectly
The Law requires keeping ALL commandments CONTINUALLY and PERFECTLY. Break one commandment once? You're guilty of breaking the entire law.
- Keeping ALL commandments
- Keeping them CONTINUALLY (every moment)
- Keeping them PERFECTLY (never failing)
James 2:10 - For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Dead People Can't Save Themselves
Before salvation, you were spiritually DEAD. Not sick. Not injured. DEAD. Can a dead person make themselves alive? No. Salvation requires resurrection.
- Make themselves alive? No.
- Improve their condition? No.
- Contribute to their resurrection? No.
Ephesians 2:1 - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
God's Holiness & Justice
Your sin is serious because of who God is. His holiness and justice create the separation problem that only He can solve.
God's Perfect Holiness
Absolutely Pure, Morally Perfect
God is holy—absolutely pure and morally perfect. He cannot tolerate sin. His holiness is so intense that sinful humans cannot survive in His presence.
God's Perfect Justice
Righteously Punishes All Sin
God is just—He must punish sin. His justice demands that every sin be paid for. He cannot overlook sin without compromising His character.
The Problem of Separation
Holy God + Sinful Man = Separation
Your sin has created a chasm between you and God. You cannot reach Him. He cannot accept you as you are. The gap is infinite.
Grace & Mercy Explained
God's solution to your sin problem is grace and mercy. Understand the difference—it will change your life.
Grace
Getting What You Don't Deserve
Grace is God giving you what you DON'T deserve—favor, blessing, salvation, eternal life. You deserved hell, but God offers heaven.
Mercy
NOT Getting What You DO Deserve
Mercy is God NOT giving you what you DO deserve—punishment, wrath, hell. You deserved condemnation, but God withholds judgment.
What Jesus Did on the Cross
Jesus Became Your Substitute
Jesus took your place on the cross. He died the death you deserved. Your sin was placed on Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.
His Blood Paid Your Debt
The blood of Jesus paid the full penalty for your sin. The debt is paid in full. God's justice is satisfied.
1 Peter 1:18-19 - Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things...But with the precious blood of Christ.
He Absorbed God's Wrath
On the cross, Jesus absorbed the full wrath of God that you deserved. He took the punishment so you could go free.
Romans 5:9 - Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
He Declared 'It Is Finished'
Jesus' final words on the cross: 'It is finished.' The work of salvation is complete. Nothing needs to be added.
John 19:30 - When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head.
What Jesus Did on the Cross
Understanding the three crucial aspects of Christ's work on the cross
Substitution
Jesus took your place. He died instead of you, bearing the punishment you deserved.
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree"
— 1 Peter 2:24
Propitiation
Jesus satisfied God's wrath. He absorbed the full fury of God's anger against sin, so you don't have to.
"He is the propitiation for our sins"
— 1 John 2:2
Reconciliation
Jesus restored your relationship with God. The barrier of sin is removed, and you can now have fellowship with God.
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself"
— 2 Corinthians 5:19
The Complete Work
Jesus didn't just die—He accomplished everything necessary for your salvation. His substitution paid your debt, His propitiation satisfied God's wrath, and His reconciliation restored your relationship with God. It is finished.
Faith & Repentance
How do you respond to God's offer of salvation? Through faith and repentance—here's what they really mean.
What is Saving Faith?
Faith is More Than Belief
Even demons believe in God (James 2:19). Saving faith is trust and reliance on Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Faith Means Total Dependence
Saving faith means abandoning all hope in yourself and depending completely on Jesus. You trust Him like a drowning man trusts a lifeguard.
Faith is a Gift from God
Even your faith is a gift from God. You cannot generate faith on your own. Ask God to give you saving faith.
What is Biblical Repentance?
Repentance is a Change of Mind
The Greek word 'metanoia' means a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. You stop trusting yourself and start trusting Christ.
Repentance Produces Change
True repentance results in a changed life. If there's no change, there's no real repentance. You'll still sin, but you'll hate it and fight it.
Repentance is Ongoing
Repentance isn't a one-time event. It's a lifestyle. You continually turn from sin and turn to God throughout your Christian life.
What Happened When You Got Saved
Salvation is not a vague concept—it's a supernatural transaction where God radically changed your identity and destiny. Here's what happened:
You Are Justified
Declared Righteous Before God
Justification means God declares you righteous based on Christ's finished work, not your performance. You stand before God as if you never sinned.
You Are Redeemed
Bought Back from Slavery to Sin
Redemption means you were purchased out of the slave market of sin. Jesus paid the price with His blood. You are no longer owned by sin—you belong to Christ.
You Are Adopted
Made a Child of God
Adoption means you are now a child of God with full legal rights and privileges. You have a new Father, a new family, and a new inheritance.
You Are Sanctified
Set Apart for God's Purpose
Sanctification means you are set apart as holy. Positionally, you are already holy in Christ. Practically, God is making you more like Jesus every day.
Test Your Assurance
Answer these questions honestly. The Bible gives us tests to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again?
Have you repented of your sins and surrendered your life to Christ as Lord?
Has the Holy Spirit changed your desires, giving you a new love for God and His Word?
Do you have a growing desire to obey God, even when you fail?
Do you love other believers and have a concern for the lost?
Remember This Truth:
If you answered "Yes" to most of these questions, you have strong evidence of genuine salvation. If you answered "No" to most, it doesn't mean you're damned—it means you need to examine your faith and cry out to God for real salvation.
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
The Bible teaches that true believers are eternally secure. Here are 5 biblical proofs:
God's Promise is Unbreakable
God promised eternal life—not temporary life. If you could lose salvation, it wouldn't be eternal.
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
— John 10:28
- "Eternal life" = Life that never ends
- "Never perish" = Absolute promise
- "No man" = Not even yourself can pluck you out
God's Power Keeps You
You're kept by God's power, not your own strength. Since God's power never fails, neither does your salvation.
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
— 1 Peter 1:5
- You're kept by God's power, not yours
- God's power never weakens or fails
- Your salvation is secure until eternity
Nothing Can Separate You from God
Paul lists everything that CANNOT separate you from God's love—and nothing is excluded.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
— Romans 8:38-39
"Any other creature" includes you. Not even YOU can separate yourself from God's love.
You're Sealed by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God's seal on you—a guarantee that you belong to Him forever.
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession."
— Ephesians 1:13-14
- Sealed = Marked as God's possession
- Earnest = Down payment guaranteeing full inheritance
God Finishes What He Starts
Salvation is God's work from start to finish. He began it, and He will complete it.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
— Philippians 1:6
God doesn't give up on His children. If He saved you, He will keep you saved.
Important Clarification
Eternal security does NOT mean:
- You can live however you want without consequences
- You won't face God's discipline if you sin
- Anyone who prays a prayer is saved (some "professions" are false)
True believers WILL show evidence of salvation through changed lives (1 John 3:9-10).
Answering Common Doubts
Every believer struggles with doubts at some point. Here's how to overcome them.
"I don't feel saved"
"I keep sinning—maybe I'm not really saved"
"What if I lose my salvation?"
"I prayed the sinner's prayer, but nothing changed"
Continue Your Journey
Keep growing as a believer with these essential resources
Common Questions About Salvation
Honest answers to questions you might be afraid to ask
What if I'm not sure I'm saved?
Examine the evidence: Do you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again? Have you repented and trusted Him? Has your life changed? If yes, you're saved. If you're unsure, pray and ask God to save you RIGHT NOW.
Can I lose my salvation if I sin?
No. Salvation isn't based on your performance—it's based on Christ's finished work. True believers are eternally secure (John 10:28). However, persistent, unrepentant sin without any desire to change may indicate you were never truly saved.
What if I prayed a prayer but nothing changed?
Saying words doesn't save you—trusting Christ does. If nothing changed, you may not have truly repented and believed. True salvation produces a new heart with new desires (2 Corinthians 5:17). Ask God to give you genuine faith.
Do I have to be baptized to be saved?
No. Baptism is an important act of obedience AFTER salvation, but it doesn't save you. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism (Luke 23:43). Salvation is by faith alone, not faith + baptism.
What if I've done terrible things?
Jesus' blood is sufficient for ALL sin—no matter how bad (1 John 1:7). God saved murderers (Paul), adulterers (David), deniers (Peter), and persecutors. No sin is too great for God's grace. Come to Him in repentance and faith.
Can I be saved if I keep struggling with sin?
Yes. Every believer struggles with sin (Romans 7:15-25). The difference is that true believers HATE their sin and FIGHT it, even when they fail. If you have no desire to change and no conviction, examine whether you're truly saved.
What about people who've never heard the gospel?
Everyone has seen God's existence through creation (Romans 1:20) and has God's law written on their hearts (Romans 2:15). Those who reject that light are without excuse. God will judge fairly, but the Bible says faith in Christ is the only way to be saved.
Do I have to give up everything to be saved?
You must be willing to surrender your life to Christ as Lord (Luke 14:33). This doesn't mean you'll be perfect immediately, but it does mean Jesus becomes your highest priority. If you're unwilling to make Him Lord, you're not truly saved.
Ready to Be Saved?
Use one of these prayers to express your faith in Christ
Remember: It's not the words that save you—it's the faith behind them. Pray from your heart.
Simple & Direct
If you want a straightforward prayer
"God, I know I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sins and trust Jesus alone to save me. Forgive me and make me Your child. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Desperate & Broken
If you're at the end of yourself
"God, I'm desperate. I've ruined my life with sin. I can't save myself. I believe Jesus died for me. Please save me. I give You everything—my past, my present, my future. Make me new. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Intellectual & Honest
If you've wrestled with doubts
"God, I've examined the evidence and I believe Jesus is who He claimed to be. I believe He died for my sins and rose from the dead. I acknowledge I'm a sinner who needs Your grace. I trust Christ alone for salvation. Save me, and help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Repentant & Surrendered
If you're ready to surrender all
"Lord Jesus, I confess I'm a sinner. I've lived for myself, not for You. I turn away from my sin and turn to You. I believe You died and rose again. I surrender my life to You as Lord. Take control. Change me. Use me. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Did You Pray One of These Prayers?
If you genuinely repented and trusted Christ, YOU ARE SAVED!
Want Rock-Solid Assurance?
This page explains what happened at salvation. For deeper assurance and confidence in your salvation, explore the comprehensive guide covering eternal security, dealing with doubts, and God's promises.
✓ 25 pages • ✓ Eternal security explained • ✓ Overcoming doubts • ✓ Scripture promises • ✓ Evidence of faith