God’s forgiveness is a free gift offered through His own great love (John 3:16; 4:10, 14; Romans 3:24; 5:15-16; 6:23). “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). We could never earn our way back into God’s presence. God is too high, too holy, too pure, and we are too sinful (Isaiah 6:1-5; 59:1-2). But thanks be to God that He did the work that earned our salvation.
He sent His own Son, a part of Himself, to become flesh and to live among us on the earth (John 1:1-14). This Son, Jesus, took on Himself the punishment we should have suffered (Isaiah 53; Hebrews 2:9). He carried our sins in His body on the cross (1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21). There He paid the terrible price of separation from God (Matthew 27:46). So He became the Lamb to be sacrificed, offered once for everyone, to take away the sins of the whole world (John 1:29; Hebrews 10:10-14). Through His blood every person on earth can enjoy full forgiveness, and come back to live with God forever (2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 John 2:2).
Like any other gift, the gift of salvation must be accepted. No person— however sincere—can make up his own way of accepting God’s gift. Many sincere, religious people have been lost (John 5:39-47; Acts 22:3-4; Romans 10:2-3). Jesus warned that “many” who expect to be saved by Him will be rejected. Why? Because they follow their own way to salvation, instead of God’s (Matthew 7:21-23). In this matter as in all matters, Jesus is still Lord. God is still God. Since God is the One who forgives sins, people can only receive the free gift of forgiveness His way (Hebrews 5:9). In the New Testament, He has clearly shown us how people receive the free gift of His forgiveness.
- Become like children, humbling yourself before God, being willing to learn (Matthew 18:3-4; 19:14; 5:3; John 7:17; James 4:6).
- Listen to the message of Christ (John 6:45; Matthew 7:24; 13:23; Acts 2:37-41; Romans 10:17).
- Believe in God, and in His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1).
- Confess that faith in Jesus as Lord, that is, Ruler over all (Romans 10:9-10).
- Repent (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30). This means making the firm decision to turn to God and away from sins. Repentance should continue to be a daily decision (Luke 9:23).
- Be baptized in water, into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 19:5) in order to receive forgiveness and the gift of His Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:12,38; 22:16).
- Be faithful to Jesus and His people, because our new life in Christ is a journey together (1 John 1:7-10; Philippians 1:27-28; Hebrews 3:13-14).
Having received forgiveness and become Christians:
- Continue to learn from Christ and follow Him (Matthew 28:20; John 8:31; 15:4; Acts 2:42).
- Walk (live) with Christ, repenting of sins and confessing them, receiving the continued cleansing of Christ’s blood (1 John 1:5-9; 2:6; John 8:12; James 5:16).
- Give similar love and mercy to others (Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15; 7:2; 25:31-46; James 1:27-2:13; 1 John 4:7-11).
- Keep your confidence and hope in Christ (Romans 8:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 3:6, 14; 10:36-39).
- Do the obedient deeds of such faith (Matthew 7:21, 24; James 2:14-26; Revelation 2:5; Romans 2:7; 15:18).
- Be ready to suffer with Christ (Romans 8:17; Mark 8:31-35; John 12:25; Acts 14:22; Revelation 2:10).
- Overcome (keep winning) by the blood of Christ and by your message (Revelation 12:11; 3:21; Romans 8:31-39; 1 Timothy 4:16).
Each of the matters just noted is tied, in the Scriptures, to salvation. Since these are God’s terms (not man’s), each one is essential. These are the responses of real faith. As made clear by Ephesians 2:8-9, they in no way attempt to earn salvation. Having done all God commanded, we are still “unworthy servants” (Luke 17:10).
When one believes in the Gospel, confesses Christ as Lord, repents, and is baptized for the forgiveness of sins, he is saved (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-39). The moment he is saved he is “added” by Christ to His church (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13).