How do we receive the salvation God offers us in Christ?

How do we receive the salvation God offers us in Christ?

Scripture Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Key Verse(s): Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" He replied, "The door to heaven is narrow. Work hard to get in, because many will try to enter." (Luke 13:23-24)

Salvation is not to be received lightly or casually.
Receiving salvation requires more concentrated effort than most people are willing to put forth. Obviously we cannot save ourselves--there is no way we can work ourselves into God's favor. The effort we must put out to enter through the narrow door is earnestly desiring to know Jesus and diligently striving to follow him whatever the cost. We dare not put off making this decision because the door will not stay open forever.

Receiving salvation is a deep and total commitment.
The people were eager to know who would be in God's kingdom. Jesus explained that although many people know something about God, only a few have acknowledged their sins and accepted his forgiveness. Just listening to Jesus' words or admiring his miracles is not enough--we must turn from sin and trust in God to save us.

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:15-24
Key Verse(s): Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a privilege it would be to have a share in the Kingdom of God!" (Luke 14:15)

Receiving salvation is not to be put off until later.
The man sitting at the table with Jesus saw the glory of God's kingdom, but he did not yet understand how to get in. In Jesus' story, many people turned down the invitation to the banquet because the timing was inconvenient. We too can resist or delay responding to God's invitation, and our excuses may sound reasonable--work duties, family responsibilities, financial needs, or whatever they may be. Nevertheless, God's invitation is the most important event in our life, no matter how inconveniently it may be timed. Are you making excuses to avoid responding to God's call? Jesus reminds us that the time will come when God will pull his invitation and offer it to others--then it will be too late to get into the banquet.

Receiving salvation means also receiving the Savior.
It was customary to send two invitations to a party--the first to announce the event, the second to tell the guests that everything was ready. The guests in Jesus' story insulted the host by making excuses when he issued the second invitation. In Israel's history, God's first invitation came from Moses and the prophets; the second came from his Son. The religious leaders accepted the first invitation. They believed that God had called them to be his people, but they insulted God by refusing to accept his Son. Thus, as the master in the story sent his servant into the streets to invite the needy to his banquet, so God sent his Son to the whole world of needy people to tell them that God's kingdom had arrived and was ready for them.

Scripture Reading: John 17:1-5
Key Verse(s): This is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. (John 17:3)

Receiving salvation includes entering into a personal relationship with God.
How do we get eternal life? Jesus tells us clearly here--by knowing God the Father himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. Eternal life requires entering into a personal relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. When we admit our sin and turn away from it, Christ's love lives in us by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:14-41
Key Verse(s): Peter's words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:37-38)

Receiving salvation is a powerful, personal response to the gospel.
After Peter's powerful, Spirit-filled message, the people were deeply moved and asked, "What should we do?" This is the basic question we must ask. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins--we must let God forgive them, and then we must live like forgiven people. Has God spoken to you through his Word or through the words of another believer? Like Peter's audience, ask God what you should do, and then obey.

Receiving salvation means we must repent of our sins.
If you want to follow Christ, you must "turn from your sins . . . and be baptized." To "turn from sin" means changing the direction of your life from selfishness and rebellion against God's laws. At the same time, you must turn to Christ, depending on him for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and purpose. We cannot save ourselves--only God can save us. Baptism identifies us with Christ and with the community of believers. It is a condition of discipleship and a sign of faith.

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-15
Key Verse(s): Salvation that comes from trusting Christ--which is the message we preach--is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (Romans 10:8-10)

Receiving salvation is simple, direct, personal, and public.
Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?" These verses give you the beautiful answer--salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Key Verse(s): To those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God. This "foolish" plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:24-25)

Receiving salvation is simple, yet many still refuse.
Paul continues to emphasize that the way to receive salvation is so simple that any person who wants to can understand it. Skill and wisdom do not get a person into God's kingdom--simple faith does--so no one can boast that his or her achievements helped secure eternal life. Salvation is totally from God through Jesus' death. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation; we need only accept what Jesus has already done fo