Salvation is a gift made available to those who repent, believe and confess their belief that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead to save mankind (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10). The gift cannot be earned through good deeds or by simply being a "good person" (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a matter of faith (acting out on what you believe according to God's Word concerning salvation). Furthermore, salvation involves a process that will not only guarantee you entrance into heaven, but will also position you to experience a complete life on earth.

Steps to Salvation:

1. Recognize and admit that you are a sinner.
When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, his sin separated him from God. Now all of his descendants inherited the curse of sin and death (Romans 5:12-14; Psalm 51:5). As a result every human being is born a sinner, not because of any wrong they’ve done but because of Adam’s decision. It is therefore necessary to become saved.

2. Repent of your sins.
To repent simply means to "change one's mind or direction; to have a change of heart." It involves making a 180-degree turn away from sin and leading a life pleasing to God. Repentance does not mean "I'm sorry." It is a quality decision to ask for forgiveness of your sins and to be cleansed from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

3. Confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Confession is verbally declaring that Jesus is the ultimate authority over your life. It is to say out loud that He is your Lord and believe that He lived, died and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins.

4. Be baptized in water.
Water baptism is a symbolic representation of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Just as He was baptized, you must be baptized (Matthew 3:13). Your entrance into the water represents the death of your former lifestyle (Romans 6:3-11) and your emergence from the water represents your new birth, and the start of your new life in Christ.

5. Receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
When you become born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live in your heart to be your Teacher, Comforter and Guide through life (John 14:16-17, 23, 26). When you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8), the anointing—the power of God to remove burdens and destroy yokes—comes upon you (Isaiah 10:27) and is demonstrated when you speak in tongues, an unknown spiritual language (Acts 2:1-4). Praying in tongues is effective because the fear, doubt and distraction in your mind are no longer an issue; it flows directly from your spirit. This enables you to supernaturally pray God’s perfect will. (Romans 8:26-27).

6. Obey the Word of God.
Living according to the Word positions you to enjoy the benefits that your salvation guarantees. Jesus’ sacrifice makes you righteous, and God requires that you live a holy life that lines up with His Word (Romans 12:1; Proverbs 3:1-4; 1 John 5:3). The Word must be your foundation and the final authority by which you live. Make sure every decision you make in life is biblically based.

7. A Prayer of Salvation:

Heavenly Father, I recognize and admit that I am a sinner. I turn away from my sins. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord. I believe that Jesus lived, died and was raised from the dead for my salvation. I receive my salvation and all of its benefits right now. Lord, thank You for saving me this day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!