“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

According to the story of a young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26, who had lived his whole life obeying every religious law he knew, never stealing, always telling the truth, honoring his parents. Yet deep down, something still felt missing. One day, he ran up to Jesus, knelt before Him, and asked, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

This man, though outwardly righteous, sensed a gap. Like many today, he had religion but lacked assurance. Jesus’s response revealed that salvation isn’t just about doing good it’s about surrendering to God fully.

Why did the rich young ruler, who had kept the law, still feel uncertain about salvation? This question introduces the difference between external religion and internal transformation which is a major issue in salvation.

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Salvation is not something we can earn through human effort or religious works. It is a gift from God, made available through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Yet, the Bible outlines clear steps that bring us into this gift.

Each step is not just a ritual but it reflects a personal response to God's invitation:

1. Hearing the Word of God

Salvation begins with hearing. Before anyone can believe, they must first hear the truth of the Gospel.

 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

The Word of God reveals our need for a Savior and the hope we have in Christ. This can be through preaching, reading Scripture, or personal witnessing, this is where the journey starts.

2. Believing the Gospel

To be saved, a person must believe in their heart that Jesus is the Son of God, who died for their sins and rose again.

 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

 “...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day…” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

This belief is not just intellectual agreement, but a trust that leads to relying on Jesus alone for forgiveness and eternal life.

3. Confessing Jesus as Lord

True faith expresses itself openly. Confession is acknowledging Jesus as Lord with our mouth and life.

 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9

This confession is both a declaration of allegiance and a break from former identities and beliefs. It marks a turning point where Christ becomes the center of one's life.

4. Repentance from Sin

Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin but rather a decision to turn away from sin and toward God.

 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” – Acts 3:19

Genuine repentance brings about a change in attitude, behavior, and priorities. It involves godly sorrow that leads to life, not mere regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).

5. Baptism

The concept of water baptism has been argued over the years as to the fact that it does not save any man. However, it is a command of Jesus and an outward sign of inward faith. It represents dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ.

 “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” – Acts 2:38

 “We were buried with Him through baptism into death… that we should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4

Baptism shows our identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It is a testimony to the world of our new life in Christ.

Grace vs. Works: What Truly Saves?

Salvation is not a reward for good behavior or religious effort; it is the gift of God, freely given through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9

This means no one can earn salvation by obeying the law, giving to the poor, attending church, or living morally. If salvation could be earned, grace would no longer be grace (Romans 11:6).

However, the Bible is clear: true faith never stands alone—it produces fruit.

 “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – James 2:17

Good works are not the cause of salvation, but the evidence of it. When a person is genuinely saved, the Holy Spirit begins a work of transformation in them. Their desires change, their lifestyle shifts, and their actions begin to reflect the life of Christ.

So we are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.

 “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

In summary:

• Grace is the means by which we are saved.
• Faith is the hand that receives that grace.
• Works are the fruit that follow a life truly changed by grace.

What Salvation Is Not

Not inherited by church attendance or family background

Not earned by charity, morality, or rituals

Not automatic for “good people”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I lose my salvation?

 A true believer is secure in Christ, but Scripture warns against falling away. Genuine salvation endures. (John 10:28, Matthew 24:13)

2. Do I need to be baptized to be saved?

 No. Baptism is a command and sign of obedience, but not the basis of salvation. (Luke 23:42–43, Acts 2:38)

3. Is repentance a one-time act?

 No. Repentance starts at salvation but continues throughout the Christian life. (Luke 13:3, 1 John 1:9)

4. What if I still struggle with sin after believing?

 Struggles are part of growth. Keep trusting Christ and turning away from sin. (Romans 7:15, 1 John 1:9)

5. Can a morally good person be saved without Christ?

 No. Morality cannot replace faith in Jesus. Only He can save. (John 14:6, Romans 3:10)

What then?

Salvation isn’t earned by works but received through faith in Jesus Christ. Like the rich young ruler, many do all the right things yet miss the heart of it, surrender. 

The true requirements are hearing the Gospel, believing it, confessing Jesus as Lord, repenting from sin, and walking in obedience.

We are saved by grace, not by good deeds, but true salvation always produces a changed life.

Today, if you hear His voice, don’t harden your heart.