What is Salvation?

At Stillwater Lutheran Church, our goal is to teach people about the gift of salvation. But while salvation is actually a simple concept, it can seem complex. This page intends to explain salvation and show you the power of this gift.

What is salvation?

Salvation is God’s plan of saving His people from spending eternity in Hell. Salvation means that, through Jesus Christ, we have been saved from eternal condemnation. Romans 6:23 tells us that “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is supported in Romans 8:1 where we discover, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Is salvation only available through Christ?

Yes, absolutely. In Acts 4:12 we learn that “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Why do we need to be saved?

Every person that has ever been born comes into the world a sinner before God. This is confirmed in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

We are sinners not because of the things we do, but because of the sinful nature we have inherited. As Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.”

Because of our sin, we have been separated from God and condemned to an eternal punishment in Hell. If we want to escape this punishment, we need to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Why would God want to save us?

God knew that we could never be good enough to save ourselves from sin. He loves us so much that He did not want us to be separated from Him forever. So He formed a plan to save us.

He sent his only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for all the sins of the world. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life,” according to John 3:16.

How does salvation work?

Salvation is a gift of God. There is nothing you can do to earn or deserve it. It does not matter if you are rich or poor and it does not matter if you are young or old. God loves you apart from anything you have done, are, or will ever be. In fact God loves you so much that He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die in your place. Jesus took the punishment you deserved upon Himself so that you could be forgiven and live eternally with Him.

How can I have my sins forgiven?

Salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life are gifts from God. You do not do anything to deserve forgiveness. Christ has done it all. We are simply called to repent of our sins (confessing and acknowledging that we need forgiveness) and believe that Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.”

What can I do to be saved right now?

Confess that you have sinned against God and deserve eternal punishment, and believe that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins. Do you want to have your sins forgiven? Do you want to live eternally with God? Believe that Jesus dies and rose that your sins could be forgiven and that you might have eternal life.

What if I have more questions about salvation?

If you are looking for more answers about salvation, please contact us today!

 

1401 Church Drive

Kalispell, MT 59901

(406)257-4614

stillwtr@cyberport.net

www.stillwaterlutheranchurch.com