Got Questions About God?

What do people mean when they talk about being “saved” or being
“born again”?

Why should I be saved?

If Jesus died, why do Christians use the phrase “accept Jesus as your
personal Savior”? How can someone who is dead save us today?

How can I be saved? What do I have to do?

How will I know if I am saved?

Do I have to be baptized to be saved or to go to heaven?

Is joining the church the same as being saved?

Can anyone be saved or is it just for certain people?

What happens after I am saved?

Basically, these terms refer to the same experience. Being “saved” involves (1) asking God to forgive you for everything you have done that is wrong (lying, breaking the law, disobeying someone in authority, stealing—anything) and (2) allowing God to help you change your life.

Those “wrong” things are called “sins.” We usually think of sin as being those “big, bad, hairy” actions such as murder, adultery, or grand theft auto. But sins can also be things we might consider as being minor (gossip, jealousy, or speeding). The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned.” You know what? That includes preachers, priests, and other clergy—everyone at some time has done something he shouldn’t have done.

So, you might ask, if everyone has sinned, what’s the big deal?

Why should I be saved?

Well, the Bible also tells us in Romans 6:23 that everyone who has sinned will die. I am quite aware that everyone eventually dies. But, this verse is talking about another kind of death, a spiritual death. Anyone who does not ask God to forgive him will be sent to a place called hell when he dies. Although his body will not be there, his “soul” will live in a place of fire and torment for ever and ever. God has already pronounced us “guilty” and given us a spiritual death sentence.

But then He did the most outrageous, unbelievable thing! Because He loves you so much, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place! He took your punishment! (Maybe you have heard someone quote this verse found in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”) And all He asks in return is that you believe Jesus did that for you and that you accept His pardon. You do that by asking Him to forgive you and to transform your life. That is why we call it being saved, or salvation—because we are literally saved from spiritual death when we ask God to forgive us and change us. The term “born again” illustrates that when you are saved you are a new person (like a newborn baby), with a new lifestyle, interests, and attitudes. You are literally given the chance to start over.

If Jesus died, why do Christians use the phrase “accept Jesus as your personal Savior”? How can someone who is dead save us today?

I am so glad you asked that question because now I can tell you “the rest of the story”! Even though Jesus was nailed to a cross and hung there until He died, He didn’t stay dead. God (His Father and our heavenly Father) brought Jesus back to life after three days. Yes, I know how absurd and bizarre that sounds. We don’t hear about many people coming back to life today—especially after being dead three days, do we? But let me tell you about it. When a group of women went to visit His grave (tomb/cave) where He had been buried, an angel was there and told them, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:5-6) When the women entered the cave, Jesus was gone leaving behind the cloths that He had been wrapped in.

After Jesus arose from the dead, He spent about forty days meeting with His disciples and followers. Then He went back to heaven. Now, He is sitting at the right hand of God. Because He died in our place and then came back to life, He is truly our Savior.

How can I be saved? What do I have to do?

You cannot do anything to “earn” salvation. Jesus has already done everything necessary. All you are to do is:
1. Believe—believe that Jesus loves you, that He died for you, and that He is the Son of God.

2. Ask—ask for forgiveness for all your past sins.

3. Confess—confess your sins to God. Admit you have sinned. Since you probably can’t remember everything you have done wrong, it is okay to ask Him to forgive “everything you have done that displeases Him.” If certain sins you have done come to your mind, ask forgiveness especially for them.

But, also tell others about the choice you have made, the prayer you have prayed, and how God has forgiven you. This “testimony” about what God has done for you helps strengthen the resolve you have made.

How will I know if I am saved?

God tells us in Romans 10:9, “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” That is a promise! Another passage in the Bible (1 John 1:9) says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” We are told over and over in the Bible that God is a God of truth: He does not lie. We are also taught He always keeps His promises. So, first we believe that He did what He said He would do. Second, many people also have a strong emotional experience of some type. For example, some have reported they cried or laughed uncontrollably while others felt a tremendous peace. However, some well-known Christians like Rev. Billy Graham have said they did not have such an experience. But whether or not you have such an experience, God in one way or another confirms to you that He has forgiven you.

Do I have to be baptized to be saved or to go to heaven?

No. Water might be able to clean you up on the outside, but it has no power to wash your sins away. While Jesus did tell us to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”), we are also told in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” In other words, if we could earn our salvation by doing something (even by being baptized), we would put more emphasis on that than on the death of Jesus that bought our salvation. Notice that salvation is a gift. Gifts are free, but just because they are offered doesn’t mean they are yours until you accept them. I’m sure you have had offers of a “free” gift where you were to call or return a form to indicate you would accept the gift. Usually there is a catch or gimmick involved, so we have learned to be suspicious of such offers. Before the gift of salvation is truly yours, you must accept it. I can assure you there is no gimmick associated with this offer. Being baptized does not wash our sins away, but it is simply a public demonstration to others that you have accepted the gift.

Is joining the church the same as being saved?

Joining a church does not save you. As we have already explained, nothing you can do, other than asking God to forgive you, will save you. However, becoming a part of a local, Bible-believing and Bible-teaching group of people who have also been saved will give you a support system to help you stay committed to your new life. You will have someone you can call when you have questions and to pray with you as you grow and mature as a new Christian.

Can anyone be saved or is it just for certain people?

Boy, do I have good news for you! The really great part about salvation is that it is available to all people. We read in 2 Peter 2:9, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Remember John 3:16 you read earlier? It said that “whoever” believes in Him will be saved. The last time I checked, “whoever” had no restrictions. God has made it possible for everyone to be saved; He wants us to accept the gift of salvation; and He has made it very easy for us to do so.

What happens after I am saved?

Since you are now a new person, you will need to grow and mature as a Christian just like a child grows and matures. To do that, you will need to read and study the Bible (God’s letter to us) and talk to Him (pray). You will find that it is easier to understand God’s Word if you join a Bible-based study group, such as a Sunday School class. We recommend that you request a book we have available to you (free) titled What’s Next? We also invite you to visit our services and find a group you can study with and be a part of.

If you have decided to accept Jesus’ offer, please pray the following prayer:

Dear Jesus, I know I’ve done wrong things. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and failed many times. The Bible calls what I’ve done sin. I understand you love me so much you died on a cross for my sins! I understand that you not only died, but you also came back to life after three days. If you are strong enough to defeat death, I believe you can help me defeat the sin in my life. Please forgive me of my sins. I invite you into my life right now. I put my trust in you. I believe that when you died on the cross you paid the penalty for my sins. Help me to learn to live for you. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, find someone who can encourage you and pray with you. That person should be one who has been a Christian for quite a while and someone you respect.

Read your Bible and other good Christian books. You can find daily Bible reading plans at most Christian bookstores. A pastor or Sunday School teacher can recommend good reading material for you. You can also order a free copy of our book What's Next.

Be committed to a local church by attending services every week. This gives you an excellent opportunity to connect with God and with other Christians. It also gives you the support system you need.

Don’t give up! Even if you mess up and sin again, simply ask God to forgive you and to help you not make that mistake again. Remember, God doesn’t want you to fail. He wants you to succeed. He is on your side!