How to Know God

The short answer for “how to be saved.”

In a nutshell, you need to know that Jesus is the means God has given for salvation. In fact, He is the only way you can be saved. Salvation is only in and through Jesus. Here are some verses that tell us about that truth: Acts 4:12; John 3:36; 14:6.

The short answer for “why you need to be saved.”

We need to be saved from Jesus by Jesus. Yes, you read that right. God appointed Jesus as the judge of all the earth. Every person must stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give account for his sins. But God also sent Jesus to save us from our sins. Jesus saves us from the judgment we all deserve by standing in our place. He bore the punishment for our sins, and when we turn to Him in faith, accepting that gift of salvation, He clothes us in His righteousness. It’s as if we never sinned when Jesus gives us His righteousness. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice saves us from the just and righteous wrath of God. Through salvation we need never fear condemnation from God because we have been “justified,” which means it’s like we have never sinned before. Here are some verses that explain more about what Jesus did: Romans 5:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24.

The short answer for “what should I ‘do’ to be saved?”

The Bible makes “how to be saved” very simple. Listen to this, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).” Different places in the Bible use words like believe, repent, trust, faith, but the Bible makes it clear that we must accept the free gift of eternal life offered to us in Jesus. Trusting, believing, putting our faith in Jesus alone for salvation, is it. The Bible explains that there are no deeds we can do to earn salvation, to be “good enough” to gain God’s favor. Faith in Jesus is what pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). Here are some verses you can look up to learn more: Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:3-7.

The short answer for “how will I know that I’m truly saved?”

One pastor put it this way, “Jesus didn’t require people to change before coming to Him, but after meeting Him, they changed!” Your life will be different from the moment of salvation onward. The Bible says we are completely transformed. In fact, we are made “new creatures.” We’re actually given a new heart that has new purposes and goals. In salvation we want to give God glory in everything we do. Look up these verses to learn more: John 3:3; Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 17; Philippians 1:21.

The short answer to “let me think about it.”

Did you know there is an urgency to the gospel message? This gift of salvation is offered to you today. The Bible tells us not to presume upon tomorrow, for we don’t know how many days have been allotted to us by God. Don’t wait for tomorrow—you may not have a tomorrow. Today, if something inside you is propelling you to know God, then by all means, do not wait. Today, place your faith in Jesus, trust Him to take away your sins, turn away from your old sinful ways and turn to Jesus. Seek Him earnestly. The Bible tells us that those who diligently seek the Lord will be found by Him. Here are more verses about seeking the Lord: Deuteronomy 4:29; Isaiah 55:6-7; Acts 17:24-31. The Bible tells us not to put off being saved. God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). It tells us that “today is the day of salvation.” You can read these passages to learn more about responding to God’s message of salvation: Mark 8:34-38; Luke 12:16-21; 13:24; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Hebrews 4:6-7.

Today, take the gift of salvation God has offered to you. Do not reject His gracious gift. Confess your sin and your complete inability to save yourself, your inability to change your heart and life, the hopelessness you feel at living life any longer without Him. Ask the Lord Jesus to wash you and make you clean by putting His righteousness upon you. Ask the Lord to help you live the rest of your life for Him, loving Him, obeying Him, serving Him with your whole heart, mind, and strength.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).”