They say some things are “as easy as A-B-C!” Getting saved, or being born again, is like that. Don’t let anybody muddy the waters with vague talk of strict rules or complex doctrine. The Gospel (the Good News about Jesus Christ) is simple to understand.
The ABCs are fundamental. Kids learn the alphabet before they read or write. The ability to read and write then facilitates learning about everything else. That’s why we call these the “ABCs of Salvation” or “Salvation in ABC”. Your right relationship with God begins here.
These are the three basic points (ABCs) of the Bible’s message about God, you, and the way to forgiveness and eternal life (salvation). Read them. Learn them. Apply them to your life right away. In other words, ABC ASAP!
*This Gospel presentation is a revised and expanded version of the typical version of ABCs of Salvation.
A = Admit
Admit that you’re a sinner and need forgiveness.
There is a God–one Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is perfect, holy, and worthy of worship. The Bible is a record of His words to mankind, and it says that all people have sinned, including you and me.
This means we have not met God’s standard of moral purity. We have denied Him. We have violated His laws. We have made gods of ourselves by serving our own desires instead of Him.
As sinners, we have earned His judgement. God cannot fellowship with evil; He must punish the guilty. That’s justice. So our sin separates us from God in this brief life, and for eternity afterwards in a terrible place of punishment.
B = Believe
Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead.
God is merciful and wants you to live. He doesn’t need your company, but He loves you and wants you to know Him. So He stepped in to save us from the terrible consequence of our sin.
Sin costs, and somebody has to pay the price for our rebellion. So He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to take our punishment upon Himself. As God, He is perfect and deserved no punishment of His own. As a man, He was able to die in the place of guilty men (and women), including you and me.
He submitted to death on the cross, at the hands of the sinners whom He came to save, to pay our penalty. For the believer, there is no longer a penalty to be paid, because He already paid it. He took my sin upon Himself and put His righteousness on me. He promises to do the same for you, if you believe.
And there’s more. Three days after He was crucified, God raised Him back to life from the dead. This showed that the debt was paid and death was defeated. All who believe on Him will be forgiven now and, like Him, raised to eternal life later. Only through faith in this Gospel can we receive this gift that He offers.
C = Confess
Confess your faith in Jesus Christ and His Lordship over your life…
As a sinner you need salvation, but you don’t deserve it and can’t earn it. In His mercy and great love He provided it for you. Now come to Christ to receive it.
God isn’t asking you merely to agree with these points; He’s saying you need a saving faith. Saving faith trusts in a sinless Savior. Saving faith places God on the throne of your life. Saving faith says, “Take me, Lord. I’m yours.” This repentance–turning to God from your old ways–is what begins your new relationship with God almighty.
So confess these things to Him; tell Him openly. Tell Him that you know you’re a sinner. Tell Him that you believe He died for your sins and rose again. Tell Him that you want Him to be the Lord of your life. Then ask for His forgiveness.
He wants everybody to turn and live. He won’t make them do it, but He accepts all who come to Him in truth. He cleanses us and makes us spiritually new–alive. He gives us His Holy Spirit in our heart to help and guide us.
The Sinner’s Prayer
The Sinner’s Prayer is not a bunch of magic words. Getting saved isn’t a cheap parlor trick, and God isn’t fooled by feigned sincerity. He reads the heart. Words can’t save you; only God can save you, through Jesus Christ.
The Sinner’s Prayer is just a model. You don’t have to be a professional speaker to pray to God, nor is He impressed by our words. If you desire Him, He knows it, and He’ll respond according to His promise. Saying these particular words just helps some folks, because many of us just don’t know where to start when we first talk to God (myself included).
Do you admit that you’re a sinner? Do you believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for you and rose again? Are you willing to confess it, to say it? Then call on Him for forgiveness.
Dear God,
I’ve sinned against you and deserve your wrath. But I believe that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me. I believe He rose again on the third day. You did this to make a way for me to come to You, so that’s what I’m doing.
Thank You for loving me, and please forgive me. Be my God, and accept me as Your own. Change me, and help me love You and live for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now What?
Well, if you prayed that prayer in faith, you are now saved!
Maybe you feel a great relief. Maybe not. Just remember, salvation and the truth of God’s Word doesn’t depend on your feelings. It’s backed by His power and authority, which is absolute, forever.
For some basic guidance, check out First Steps for New Christians. These are some important tips that I wish somebody had told me as a new believer, decades ago. May the Lord work in, around and through you, for your good, the good of others, and His glory.
