“What must I do to be saved?” is life’s most important question. The Bible gives God’s answer: salvation is by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. A–B–C is a simple way to remember that answer: Admit that you are a sinner and repent toward God; Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins, was buried, and rose again; and Call upon Him in faith for salvation. These are not works that earn heaven. Come to Christ in repentance and faith, trusting Him alone to save you.
A — Admit That You Are A Sinner
We have all sinned against God and cannot save ourselves. Admit your guilt and turn to God in repentance.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” — Romans 3:23 (KJV)
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” — Acts 17:30 (KJV)
Repentance is a change of mind toward God about your sin and your need of Christ. It is not cleaning up your life or performing works to earn salvation. Come to Him as a sinner who needs His mercy.
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Acts 20:21 (KJV)
B — Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ
Sin brings death and separation from God. Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Trust Christ alone and His finished work for your salvation.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:31 (KJV)
Salvation is God’s gift, received by faith—not earned by anything you do.
C — Call Upon Him In Faith
Come to Jesus Christ now, turning to God in repentance and trusting Christ alone to save you. Call upon Him in faith.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” — Romans 10:9 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV)
You may express your faith to God in prayer, admitting your sin and asking Him to save you because of Jesus Christ. A prayer itself does not save. Repeating words or following a formula cannot give eternal life. Jesus Christ saves the sinner who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
Will you trust Him today?
You Can Know You Are Saved
If you have come to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, your assurance rests on God’s promise—not on your feelings, your works, or how well you prayed. God wants believers to know that they have eternal life.
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” — 1 John 5:13 (KJV)
“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 (KJV)
Take God at His Word. The Saviour who gives eternal life is able to keep you.
After Salvation: Grow In Christ
Salvation comes first. Baptism, church membership, good works, religion, holy living, and Christian service do not save you or keep you saved. Jesus Christ alone saves and keeps those who trust Him.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
After salvation, God calls His children to grow in faith and obedience. Read the Bible, pray, follow the Lord in baptism, join a Bible-believing church, and serve Him. These are responses to His grace, never the price of salvation.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Please contact us using “Talk With Somebody About The Gospel” above. We would love to hear from you, encourage you, and help you take your next steps in following Christ.