Jesus came to earth and died on the cross in order to make salvation possible. But how can we take advantage of His sacrifice and be saved? The New Testament shows how this can be done.
So what is the plan of salvation? Let us consider four points in this article.
The Need for Salvation
Why is there a “plan of salvation” in the first place? The reason we need to be saved is because of sin. Sin separates us from God. Isaiah said, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Because of this separation, sin leads to eternal destruction. As Paul explained to the saints in Rome, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
However, after declaring that death is the penalty we deserve for our sin, Paul continued, “But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Thankfully, this gift of eternal life is available to all because salvation from sin is needed by all. Paul wrote earlier, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The “Steps” of Salvation in the Book of Acts
When Peter preached the first gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost, he convicted the audience of crucifying the Messiah: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Recognizing the truth of what he said, they asked what they needed to do (Acts 2:37). Peter answered, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). So in order to be forgiven of their sins, they needed to believe in Jesus, repent of their sins, and be baptized for the remission of their sins.
Another step that was not stated (but certainly was implied) was confession. Before his baptism, the Ethiopian eunuch confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). In every account of conversion in the book of Acts, these “steps” (belief, repentance, confession, and baptism) are either directly stated or are implied.
This Plan Originated with Jesus
After His resurrection, Jesus gave His apostles the Great Commission. Each of the gospel accounts emphasizes a different aspect of the same message.
- In Mark, the emphasis is on belief and baptism – “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
- In Matthew, the emphasis is on repentance and baptism – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Note: Even though the word repentance is not used, the concept certainly is. In order to become a disciple, one must turn from his old ways in order to follow Christ.
- In Luke, the emphasis is on repentance – “And that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).
Taken together, these three synoptic accounts provide a complete picture that harmonizes with what we see in the book of Acts – belief in Christ, repentance from sin, and baptism for the remission of sin.
Different “Plans” in the Religious World
Unfortunately, despite the importance of salvation and the simple manner in which it is presented in the New Testament, there are many different ideas that are common in the religious world that are contrary to what Jesus and the apostles taught. We sometimes hear of praying a “sinner’s prayer.” Others will talk about inviting Jesus into your heart. Some religious groups practice infant baptism. None of these are what we can read about in the New Testament. However, if we are looking for the Lord to save us, we need to follow His plan.
Conclusion
So what is the plan of salvation? As Jesus and the apostles taught, we must believe in Christ, repent of our sins, and be baptized for the remission of sins. If we will do this, we can be saved from our sins and have the hope of eternal life.
