What Must I Do to Be Saved? The Biblical Plan of Salvation

If you were to ask ten different religious leaders, "What must I do to be saved?" you would likely receive ten different answers. Some might tell you to "say the sinner’s prayer." Others might say, "Just believe in your heart." Some might tell you that you were saved before you were even born, while others suggest a long process of sacraments and rituals.

In the midst of this confusion, where do we find the truth? Within the churches of Christ, we believe the answer must come directly from the Book that will judge us. When we look at the Book of Acts—the history book of the early church—we see a consistent pattern. People heard the Gospel, and they responded in a specific way. I am a member of the church of Christ because we strive to follow that biblical pattern without adding to it or taking away from it.

Hearing the Gospel

Salvation begins with information. You cannot believe in a Savior you have never heard of, nor can you follow a path you don't know exists. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Before any person in the New Testament was baptized, they first listened to the "Good News"—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hearing requires an open ear and a receptive heart. It is the moment where the seed of the Word is planted in the soil of the soul.

Believing in Jesus

Hearing leads to conviction. Once we hear the evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, we must make a decision. Do we trust Him? Faith is more than just mental agreement; it is a total trust in Christ's authority. Jesus said: "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). However, the Bible is clear that "faith alone" is not enough. Even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). Biblical faith is a faith that moves us to action.

Repenting of Sins

When the truth of the Gospel hits a heart, it produces "godly sorrow" for sin (II Corinthians 7:10). This leads to repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry; it is a change of mind that results in a change of direction. It is a decision to stop living for self and start living for God. "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Repentance is the "turning" point. It is where we leave the broad road of destruction and set our feet toward the narrow gate.

Confessing the Deity of Christ

With a heart full of faith and a mind set on repentance, we are called to use our voices. We must be willing to publicly acknowledge our allegiance to King Jesus. "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). This is not a confession of every sin we’ve ever committed, but a confession of the person of Christ—the same confession Peter made: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Being Baptized for the Remission of Sins

This is often the most debated step in the religious world, yet it is the most clear in the New Testament. In every single conversion story in the Book of Acts, the process ends with baptism. Why? Because God’s Word connects baptism to the "remission of sins." On the day the church began, Peter told the convicted crowd: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). Baptism is a burial in water—a physical act that mirrors the spiritual reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the moment we "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27) and our sins are washed away by His blood (Acts 22:16). We don't believe there is "magic" in the water; the power is in the blood of Jesus and our obedience to His command.

Walking in Newness of Life

Baptism is not the "finish line"; it is the "starting line." When a person rises from the waters of baptism, they are a "new creature" (II Corinthians 5:17). They have a clean slate and a new family—the church. We are called to be "faithful until death" to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). This means a daily commitment to grow, to serve, and to reflect the character of Jesus to a dark world.

Conclusion

The biblical plan of salvation is simple enough for a child to understand, yet profound enough to change a life forever. It doesn't rely on human feelings or "signs from heaven." It relies on the promise of God. Have you followed this pattern? If you have heard, believed, and repented, why are you waiting? "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). I would be honored to study more with you in the future on this subject. Reach out if you would be interested in a FREE Bible study.

You are loved.

Ray Reynolds

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