How Can We Receive Salvation? Series

HOW CAN WE RECEIVE SALVATION?

Pastor Joel Bernardino – October 16, 2025

In Acts 16, the jailer asked Paul and Silas,

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

And they answered clearly and simply:

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:30–31)

That single verse summarizes the message of the gospel:

Faith in Jesus Christ alone is enough to be saved!

SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE

Yes, as believers we are called to obey God, to serve Him, and to live faithfully.

But these are results of salvation, not requirements for it.

The Bible is very clear — salvation is not something we can earn through our own goodness, religion, or effort.

It is a free gift of God’s grace received through faith.

Ephesians 2:8–9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for our sins.

Nothing more needs to be added.

His sacrifice is complete and sufficient to save us.

That’s why salvation is not a reward for the righteous,

but a gift for the guilty — those who humbly believe in what Christ has done.

FAITH IN JESUS ALONE BRINGS ETERNAL LIFE

So, what kind of faith brings salvation?

Let’s look at four aspects of genuine saving faith.

1. FAITH THAT BELIEVES JESUS DIED FOR MY SINS

We were all born sinners, separated from God.

No matter how good we try to be, we cannot remove our own guilt.

But God, in His love, sent His Son Jesus to die in our place.

He paid the full price for our sins on the cross.

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

When you put your trust in what Jesus did, His death becomes your pardon, and His sacrifice becomes your salvation.

2. FAITH THAT RECEIVES JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR

Salvation is not about religion — it’s about a relationship.

It begins when you personally receive Jesus into your life and say:

“Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Savior and surrender my life to You.”

When you do that:

• Jesus becomes the One you honor.

• Jesus becomes the One you serve.

• Jesus becomes the Lord who directs your life.

You are no longer the master of your own life — Jesus is now your Lord.

3. FAITH THAT LETS JESUS REIGN IN YOUR HEART

When you are saved, the Holy Spirit begins to live inside you.

He changes your desires, your attitude, and your direction.

You start to love what God loves, and hate what He hates.

You begin to live a life that pleases Him — not because you have to, but because you want to.

You can now say,

“It’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

4. FAITH THAT MAKES YOU A CHILD OF GOD

When you receive Jesus, you are no longer just His creation — you become His child.

John 1:12

“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

You now belong to God’s family.

You are accepted, forgiven, and given the assurance of eternal life with Him.

FOLLOW-UP REFLECTIONS

• What is the only requirement to be saved?

? Faith in Jesus Christ alone.

• Is it “Believe in Jesus + good works = salvation”?

? Wrong.

Good works are evidence of salvation, not the condition for it.

• Is it “Believe in Jesus + nothing else = salvation”?

? Correct!

Faith alone, by grace alone, in Christ alone — that’s the gospel.

CONCLUSION

Salvation is not about what you can do for God —

it’s about what God has already done for you through Jesus Christ.

You don’t earn it. You simply receive it by faith.

When you believe:

• God forgives your sins,

• Gives you new life,

• Fills you with His Spirit,

• And secures your place in heaven.

So if you haven’t yet received that gift,

today is the perfect time to open your heart to Jesus.

Believe in Him — and you will be saved.