Salvation through Jesus Christ is a central theme in Christianity, emphasizing that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned by human effort. According to Christian teachings, to be saved, one must first admit to God that they are a sinner and then ask for forgiveness, which God provides when asked for mercy. This process involves faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The core steps to salvation include:
- Admitting Sin: Recognizing that you are a sinner and acknowledging your need for forgiveness.
- Repentance: Turning away from sin and making a commitment to live a life in accordance with God’s will.
- Baptism: Being baptized by proper priesthood authority, which is a necessary step for salvation.
- Receiving the Holy Ghost: After baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is essential for continued guidance and sanctification.
Salvation is not an event but a process that involves ongoing faith, repentance, and obedience to God’s commandments. It is a journey that begins with accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and continues with living a life dedicated to Him.
According to the Bible, salvation is made possible only through the merits, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. Our efforts to follow Jesus and keep His commandments are necessary but insufficient to qualify us for salvation. The doctrine of Christ helps us understand that through His grace, we can learn the gospel, receive ordinances, and press forward on the path that leads to eternal life.
Salvation is conditional and depends on an individual’s continuing in faithfulness, or enduring to the end in keeping the commandments of God. Individuals cannot be saved in their sins; they cannot receive unconditional salvation simply by declaring a belief in Christ with the understanding that they will inevitably commit sins throughout the rest of their lives.
In summary, salvation through Jesus Christ involves acknowledging your sinfulness, asking for forgiveness, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, and living a life dedicated to following His teachings and commandments.