How to Be Saved: Moving Beyond Religion to Relationship

Many religions offer a checklist for salvation, but the Bible presents a different way. Learn why we are incapable of saving ourselves and how God completed all the "steps" for us through His Son. This post breaks down what it means to believe in Jesus and invites you to consider if you are ready to trust Him with your future.

William Neal Craig, Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Candidate in Theology and Apologetics, Liberty University, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity

2/9/20262 min read

Finding Hope: Understanding Your Need for Salvation

Have you ever wondered about your eternal destiny or asked the question, “How can I be saved?” This is the most important issue any of us will ever face. Below is a simple guide to understanding what the Bible says about salvation.

Why We Need Salvation

The core reason we need to be saved is sin. Every person is born with sin and personally chooses to sin, which separates us from God. Because God is holy and just, the penalty for sin is death—not just physical death, but eternal destruction and separation from God.

The Bible describes our natural state as being “totally lost,” “spiritually dead,” and even “at odds with God”. Because our hearts are hardened by evil, we are incapable of saving ourselves or earning God’s favor through our own efforts.

What It Means to Be Saved

To be saved means to be rescued from the just penalty of our sins. It is a “new birth” where you are reconciled to God and brought into His family as an adopted child.

When you are saved, you receive the gift of eternal life and the complete forgiveness of your sins. It means being set free from the power of sin and Satan, moving from a state of condemnation to a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

How to Be Saved

Many people believe they must follow a long list of religious steps or perform good works to be saved, but the Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace. You cannot earn it; you can only receive it through faith.

The “step” to salvation is simple: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. To be saved, you must:

  • Admit your need: Acknowledge that you have sinned and cannot meet God’s perfect moral standard on your own.

  • Trust in Christ’s work: Believe that Jesus, who is both God and man, died on the cross as the perfect and complete payment for your sins.

  • Believe in the Resurrection: Accept that Jesus rose from the dead, proving He has conquered sin and death.

Salvation is found in no one else; it requires placing your full trust in Jesus alone as the way to God.

Are You Ready?

God is offering you the gift of salvation today. It is not about religious rituals or “doing better”; it is about ceasing from your own works and accepting His mercy.

Are you ready to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and trust Him with your eternal destiny?.