You are not alone in your quest for assurance. Many of us have asked, “Lord, how can I be saved?” The answer is found in Scripture. As John the Apostle wrote, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). John’s purpose was to affirm that we are saved from God’s wrath and granted eternal life.
But what are we saved from? Often, when I ask people about salvation, they say, “Jesus died for my sins so that I would be in heaven one day.” When I follow up with, “What does the resurrection mean to you?” they usually respond, “Well, it proves that Jesus was God.”
I remember when I first heard the gospel message at 30, during a time of deep depression. While listening to Christian radio, I came across a conversation that changed everything. A caller named Joe asked about salvation, saying, “Jesus died for my sins.” The host probed, “Is that it? What are you saved from?” Joe replied, “Jesus took away my sins so I can go to heaven.”
This exchange resonated deeply. I learned that we are born spiritually dead, in need of life. Unlike Adam, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), we inherit a fallen nature. Romans 5:12 tells us, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned.”
The good news is that faith in the resurrection of Jesus gives us new life. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life” (John 10:10). John 3:16 assures us that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 5:24 confirms that those who hear His word and believe have crossed over from death to life.
The purpose of the cross is to forgive us of all our sins and to keep us saved. The Spirit of God will never leave us because all our sins are forgiven. We don’t have to keep asking for forgiveness, as we are already forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 2:13-14). Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
To understand salvation fully, we must recognize our condition of spiritual death before coming to God for His provision of forgiveness and new eternal life in Jesus. Many people have never been taught that they are spiritually dead in need of life, rather than just sinners in need of forgiveness.
When they hear this full picture of salvation, they often say, “Why wasn’t I told this earlier?” I’m thankful for the understanding I’ve gained and have shared this good news with my loved ones, who now also share it with others.
I pray that you, too, will tell those you love that Jesus came to give us life. Amen.
If you want to know more about salvation and be sure you are 100% saved, listen to our podcasts and check out the book “Classic Christianity” by Bob George.
Listen to Grace Coach Podcasts
You Can Not Lose Your Salvation
Romans 5:1-11 – Salvation Defined
Romans 5:12-21 – Saved By His Resurrected Life
Eternal Security – Part 1
Eternal Security – Part 2
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