WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Generally, sin is defined as any thought, word, or action that goes against God's will and breaks His commandments. It is a separation from God and a rebellion against His perfect and holy nature. Sin is seen as a universal problem that affects all human beings since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, as stated in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The consequences of sin before God are severe. The Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), which refers to both physical death and spiritual separation from God. Hence, sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, preventing a close and intimate relationship with Him. It also leads to guilt, shame, and a sense of spiritual emptiness.

Despite the consequences of sin, God offers forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for humanity's sins, offering salvation and the opportunity for reconciliation with God. By repenting of our sins, accepting Jesus as their Savior, and following His teachings, we can be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. The question now is, how can I be saved?

In the book of Acts 2:37-41: "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls".

Sin is the root cause of our separation from God and the path that leads to eternal destruction. Among the myriad of questions one could ask, "How can I be saved?" stands as the most crucial and profound. It addresses the very essence of where we will spend eternity once our earthly lives come to an end. The Bible provides a clear answer: salvation is attained through belief in Jesus (Acts 16:31). This belief determines our eternal destiny, making it a matter of utmost importance. In recent times, the sinner's prayer has become increasingly relied upon as the means of accepting Jesus' offer of salvation. Our eternal destiny surpasses all other concerns in this world. While peace, happiness, and love are universally sought after, only a select few truly understand the concept of abundant life. God's love is available to all, but it requires a willingness to receive and embrace it. By understanding God's nature of love, identifying barriers, and taking practical steps to cultivate a relationship with Him, you can experience the abundant life He has planned for you. Don't miss out on the incredible love that God offers; open your heart and allow His love to transform your life.

1. GOD’S LOVE: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God's love is not conditional or limited; it is an inherent part of His nature. He loves you unconditionally, regardless of your past mistakes or shortcomings. Understanding this fundamental truth is crucial in experiencing His love fully.

1. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

2. MAN’S PROBLEM: Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the consequences of sin, which has caused us to lose our inherent nature and the privileges that come with it. Sin acts as a barrier, separating us from God and preventing us from fully experiencing His love and the abundance of life He intended for us. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Recognizing the reality of this separation is the first step towards seeking a solution. Only by acknowledging the existence of this barrier can we begin to explore ways to overcome it and restore our relationship with God.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1,2).

3. GOD’S SOLUTION: Fortunately, there is indeed a way out of the separation caused by sin. Recognizing that our own efforts are insufficient, God, in His infinite love for humanity, devised a plan of salvation. He understood that we would be unable to find a solution on our own. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” – (Ephesians 2:4). By accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and embracing His sacrifice, we can experience redemption and find a way out of our separation from God. It is through this act of faith and surrender that we can receive forgiveness for our sins and embark on a journey towards a restored and abundant life in communion with our Creator.

4. MAN’S RESPONSE: Indeed, while salvation is a free gift from God, it requires our personal response in order to fully benefit from His love and provisions. God's offer of salvation is available to all, but it is up to each individual to personally receive and accept this gift. “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).

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). Just as a gift remains unopened and unused until it is received, we must actively accept and embrace God's gift of salvation in order to enjoy its full benefits. It is through this personal response that we can enter into a life of restored relationship with God, experiencing His love, forgiveness, and the abundant life He has prepared for us.

STEPS TO SALVATION

Salvation is not a matter of following specific steps to earn it; rather, it is a gracious gift bestowed upon us by God through our faith in Jesus Christ. This gift encompasses complete deliverance from the consequences of sin, and it is through our belief in Christ that we attain this salvation. Consequently, it is important for Christians to openly acknowledge Jesus as their Savior. While it is true that we should turn away from sin and dedicate our lives to obeying God, these actions do not serve as prerequisites for salvation. Instead, they are the natural outcomes of receiving salvation. Our sinful nature renders us incapable of earning salvation in any way. This is precisely why Jesus sacrificed Himself on our behalf. We are utterly unable to repay our debt of sin to God or cleanse ourselves from it. Only God could accomplish our salvation, and He has done so. God Himself has fulfilled the necessary "steps" and now extends salvation to all who are willing to accept it from Him. The steps are:

1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned and comes short of the glory of God. [and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23).

2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9). deals with where we will spend eternity after our lives in this world are over. deals with where we will spend eternity after our lives in this world are over.

3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).

A SUGGESTED PRAYER FOR SALVATION:

"Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise … For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. " (Jeremiah 17:14; Romans 10:12-13). Therefore, you can choose any of the suggested prayers of repentance below for salvation:

Here is the late Billy Graham’s example, from his book How to Be Born Again (169). “O God, I acknowledge that I have sinned against You. I am sorry for my sins. I am willing to turn from my sins. I openly receive and acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Savior. I confess Him as Lord. From this moment on I want to live for Him and serve Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Almighty God, I thank you because you love me. When I was lost in sin, you sent Jesus Christ to die for me. I believe that the blood He shed was for my pardon. Today, I repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and be my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for coming into my heart according to your promise. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come before You with a sincere and humble heart. Acknowledging my sins, I repent wholeheartedly and seek Your abundant mercy. Let your blood shed on the cross of calvary wash away my sins and make me whole. In Your forgiveness o Lord! may I find salvation for my soul. Enable me to turn from my wrongful ways, embracing Your divine precepts and sin no more. Amen!

Heavenly Father, I come to you with a repentant heart, seeking your forgiveness and salvation. Please cleanse me of all my sins through the blood of my Lord Jesus Christ and help me to live a life that is pleasing to you from today onward. Amen!

AFTER SALVATION, WHAT NEXT?

After experiencing the transformative power of salvation, the ultimate objective is to foster a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. This entails not only growing closer to Him but also cultivating connections with fellow believers, striving for godliness, righteousness, and actively working towards the salvation that has been granted. It is crucial to persevere in the journey of grace, seeking subsequent encounters with Christian sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, all in order to wholeheartedly serve God until the glorious day we meet Jesus face to face.

1. Go and sin no more. In John 5:14, Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. Afterward, Jesus finds him in the temple and says to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you”.

2. Read and live by the WORD of God every day – (Psalm 119:9,11). This means, you need to attend the bible study with other children of God, but more importantly, personal time for reading, understanding and meditating on the Bible must be a priority, allowing them to shape your thoughts, actions, and character. The Bible is a divine roadmap that illuminates the path to a closer relationship with God.

3. Spend some time in PRAYER every day – (Philip. 4:6). Engage in heartfelt conversations with God, expressing your gratitude, seeking guidance, and pouring out your innermost thoughts and desires. Prayer is a powerful tool for deepening your connection with Him.

4. FELLOWSHIP with other believers in the Church so that you can be cared for and grow up spiritually – (Hebrews 10:25). Though salvation is a personal decision, the journey afterwards cannot be navigated in isolation. New believers need the encouragement of more established and spiritually matured brethren, participating in small groups, and attending church services can provide opportunities for mutual encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth.

5. YIELD your life to God, be baptized: As a new convert in Christ, baptism by immersion in water is simply non-negotiable, (Acts 22:16). WITNESS daily for Christ and BRING others to Him – (Mark 1:17).

6. Serve others selflessly: (1 Peter 4:10-11; Hebrews 1:14). Follow in the footsteps of Jesus by actively demonstrating love, compassion, and kindness towards others. Engaging in acts of service not only reflects God's character but also deepens your understanding of His love and grace.

7. Embrace spiritual disciplines (2 Corinthians 13:5-7; 2 Peter 1:5-11): Incorporate disciplines such as fasting, solitude, and silence into your spiritual routine. These practices create space for reflection, self-examination, and a heightened awareness of God's presence.

8. Engage in worship and praise (Isaiah 43:21; Psalm 150:6; Hebrews 13:15): Lift your voice in adoration and thanksgiving, both privately and in community. Worshiping God through music, song, and expressions of reverence helps to cultivate a spirit of intimacy and awe.

9. Stay connected to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14-17): Continually seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Allow Him to lead, teach, and transform you, enabling you to live a life that honors God.

You are now born again because of following the steps stated above! Therefore, continue in His love, word, and the new life of obedience to God. Remember, growing your relationship with God is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine desire to know Him more intimately. By actively engaging in these practices, you will find yourself drawing closer to God, experiencing His love, and being transformed into the image of Christ. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples; indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32).

OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). The word of God provide solution to the problems of humanity if rightly applied. Abstinence of God's word in man's heart amount to disobedience and cause problems including depressions, sicknesses, and sudden death. Depression the emotional state characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest, physical symptoms, and other challenging symptoms. While it is a multifaceted condition with biological and psychological underpinnings, it also holds spiritual significance for many, particularly in the Christian faith. Common Symptoms of Depression Include:

• Deep sadness or emptiness

• Apathy and loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

• Agitation or restlessness, or conversely, physical inactivity

• Sleep disturbances

• Changes in weight or appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of excessive guilt, self-reproach, or worthlessness

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Morbid thoughts of death or suicide.

From a biblical viewpoint, Proverbs 15:13 says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Depression however is the manifestation of the emotional and spiritual struggles that humans experience in this fallen world. The Bible reveals that life is full of challenges, suffering, brokenness, and mental health challenges like depression because of this fallen nature of humanity. But the good news for every Christian is that faith and the Word of God play a vital role in coping with depression. The Bible is the source of comfort, encouragement, and hope in the hopeless situation. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship, every believer seek God's presence and find strength in the inner man to overcome. .

Causes of depression:

" And David said, what have I now done? Is there not a cause...as the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come" (1 Samuel 17:29; Proverbs 26:2). Depression is a complex condition influenced by various factors. While its exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Here's a comprehensive exploration of these causes, along with biblical references that provide insight and comfort:
1. Biological Factors:
• Depression can be linked to imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine reported by the medical experts.

• Hormonal changes, structural or functional brain differences, and a family history of depression can contribute.

• My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever" (Psalm 73:26). This reminds us of the enduring strength found in Christian faith.
2. Genetics:
• Evidence suggests a genetic predisposition to depression, but it's not a guarantee. There is evidence to suggest that certain genes may make individuals more susceptible to depression.

• "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:11). This is the transformative power of faith and the indwelling of God's Spirit that can correct every genetic composition in the body.
3. Environmental Factors:
• Life events like trauma, loss, abuse, neglect, divorce, loss of a loved one, financial struggles, and chronic stress can trigger or worsen depression.

• But "the LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). This reminds us of God's presence in times of emotional turmoil for those who believes.
4. Psychological Factors:
• Personality traits, low self-esteem, and negative thought patterns, overthink or ruminate, can make individuals more susceptible to depression. In addition, individuals with a history of other mental disorders, such as anxiety or eating disorder, are vulnerable depression.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as mentioned, helps in recognizing and changing these patterns. A psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

• The Bible encourages us as well to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 4:12) and find strength in God's Word.

5. Medical Conditions:

• Some physical health conditions and medications can increase the risk of depression. Hear what God has promised you as a believer in Christ:

• "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 30:17). This offers hope for physical and emotional healing through faith in God.

The depression's causes are multifaceted and interconnected, and causes can vary from person to person. A holistic approach considers biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While depression is a challenging condition, seeking professional help is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment, while faith and spiritual support can provide comfort and strength through seeking God's healing power and presence.

Prescription for Depression

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life…Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (Proverbs 4:23;1 Peter 5:8-9). Depression can indeed be a challenging emotional state, often associated with confusion and negative thoughts. For many Christians, turning to their faith and embracing biblical principles can help to develop more realistic and balanced thinking patterns, which in turn can lead to heathier emotions and behaviors. Here are some key biblical solutions that individuals struggling with depression often turn to:

1. Seek God's Presence:

• Spending time in prayer and meditation can be a source of comfort and strength.

• "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11) highlights the joy and solace found in seeking God's presence.

• Belief in God's compassion and understanding provides comfort and peace during difficult times.
2. Find Hope in God's Promises:
• Christians derive encouragement and hope from the promises of God as found in the Bible.

• "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4) reflects the faith in God's faithfulness and His plan, even in suffering.

• Trusting in God's love and faithfulness to His promises offers solace in times of struggle. This helps us to confront and overcome our fears in all situations.
3. Seek Support from the Christian Gathering:
• Gathering and fellowship with fellow believers is essential for sharing burdens and finding support.

• "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25) emphasizes the importance of Christian community.

• Trusted pastors, counselors, or support groups within the church can provide guidance, encouragement, and prayer.
4. Practice Gratitude and Praise:
• Cultivating a spirit of gratitude by counting blessings and expressing thankfulness to God can shift focus from negative thoughts. • "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:19-20) highlights the power of praise and thanksgiving.

• Worship and praise can uplift the spirit and bring joy and peace.
5. Embrace Self-Care and Healthy Habits:
• Christians prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, rest, and engaging in joy-filled activities.

• Renewing the mind through positive thoughts, avoiding negative influences, and seeking professional help when needed are also important.

• "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (Proverbs 17:22) emphasizes the value of a joyful heart.
Holistic Approach:
• Combining biblical principles with professional counseling, therapy, and medical treatment provides a holistic approach to addressing depression.

• Christians believe that faith can complement medical and therapeutic interventions, offering a comprehensive path towards healing. This will equip individuals in this situation with practical skills and strategies to manage their thoughts process, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to make positive changes in their lives.

Therefore, faith plays a central role in how many Christians navigate the challenges of depression. They find strength in seeking God's presence, trusting in His promises, and finding support within their Christian community. By practicing gratitude, embracing self-care, and seeking professional help, when necessary, individuals can approach depression with a holistic perspective that encompasses both their spiritual and emotional well-being. "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:2).