The Way to Christ & Our Beliefs

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Christianity and the Plan of Salvation

SALVATION IS FREE!



                                   Mary Fairchild for JMBC Ministry on the Plan of Salvation

https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-gods-plan-of-salvation-700502


In the Old Testament, the concept of salvation is rooted in Israel's deliverance from Egypt in the Book of Exodus. The New Testament reveals the source of salvation in Jesus Christ. By faith in Jesus Christ, believers are saved from God's judgment of sin and its consequence eternal death.

Why Do We Need Salvation?

When Adam and Eve rebelled, humans were separated from God through sin. God's holiness required punishment and payment (atonement) for sin, which was (and still is) eternal death. Our own death is not sufficient to cover the payment for sin. Only a perfect, spotless sacrifice, offered in just the right way, can pay for our sin. Jesus Christ, the perfect God-man, came to die on the cross, to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrifice to remove, atone, and make eternal payment for sin. Why? Because God loves us and desires an intimate friendship with us. God's plan of salvation has one goal, to connect God with his redeemed ones in the closest of relationships. The Lord of heaven and earth wants to walk with us, talk with us, comfort us and be with us through every experience of life. 1 John 4:9 says, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." Accepting God's offer of salvation won't solve all of our problems. It won't make life easier. Unfortunately, that is just one of many common misconceptions about the Christian life. But we will find a love that changes everything.

We will also begin to experience a new kind of freedom that comes through the forgiveness of sin. Romans 8:2 says, "And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." Once saved, our sins are forgiven, or "washed away." As we develop in the faith and allow God's Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, we are increasingly set free from sin's power. More gifts from God are the result of salvation. 1 Peter 1:8-9 speaks of joy: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." And Philippians 4:7 speaks of peace: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Finally, we need salvation to discover our true potential and purpose in life. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." As we develop in our relationship with God, he transforms us by his Holy Spirit into the person we were created to be. Our fullest potential and true spiritual fulfillment are revealed as we walk in the purposes and plans that God designed for us and designed us for. Nothing else compares to this ultimate experience of salvation.


How to Have the Assurance of Salvation

If you've felt the "tug" of God on your heart, you can have the assurance of salvation. By becoming a Christian, you will take one of the most important steps in your life on earth and begin an adventure unlike any other. The call to salvation begins with God. He initiates it by drawing us to come to Him. You can learn more about what it means to be born again and how to get to heaven. But God makes salvation simple. His plan of salvation is not based on a complicated formula. It's not dependent upon being a good person because no one can ever be good enough. Our salvation is based firmly on the atoning death of Jesus Christ. Receiving salvation through Jesus Christ has nothing to do with works or goodness. Eternal life in heaven comes through God's gift of grace. We receive it through faith in Jesus, and not as a result of our performance: "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." (Romans 10:9)


A Salvation Prayer

You may want to make your response to God's call of salvation in prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God. You can pray by yourself, using your own words. There is no special formula. Just pray from your heart to God and he will save you. If you feel lost and don’t know what to pray, here’s a prayer of salvation. Romans's Road Salvation Scriptures Romans Road lays out the plan of salvation through a series of Bible verses from the book of Romans. When arranged in order, these verses form an easy, systematic way of explaining the message of salvation.


Get to Know the Savior

Jesus Christ is the central figure in Christianity and his life, message and ministry are chronicled in the four gospels of the New Testament. His name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew-Aramaic word "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh [the Lord] is salvation." A great way to get started on your salvation journey is to get to know your Savior, Jesus Christ.


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What We Believe

I. THE SCRIPTURES.

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men and divinely inspired. It is the perfect treasure of heavenly instruction and God is its author. The Bible is infallible in its nature, contains God’s plan for human salvation, and it reveals the principles by which God will judge us. It is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, andopinions shall be tried.

II. THE TRUE GOD.

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Yahweh. God is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love. We believe in a Trinitarian view of God as three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

III. THE FALL OF MAN. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state. Consequently, all humankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION.

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is a divine gift of grace through the sacrificial action of Jesus Christ; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins. Christ has risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.

V. JUSTIFICATION.

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to those that believe in him is justification. It is the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness. Justification is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God. It brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel. It is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel.

VII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH.

We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God. Whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy. At the same time we heartily receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and rely on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.

VIII. SANCTIFICATION.

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness. It is a progressive work, begun in regeneration, and carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter. Sanctification takes place through the continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

IX. A GOSPEL CHURCH. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel. The church observes the ordinances of Christ are governed by his laws, and exercises the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word.

X. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost. Baptism is a symbol of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. The Lord's Supper is a commemoration of the dying love of Christ through the sacred use of bread and wine and is always preceded by solemn self-examination.