A first-century jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). This question remains relevant today. We often feel guilt for our actions, sensing we deserve judgment. How does God rescue us?

An Overview

Creation. God created the world and humanity in His image, for unhindered fellowship. His creation was initially “very good” (Genesis 1:1, 27, 31).
Rebellion. Adam and Eve rebelled, bringing sin and breaking fellowship for all humanity (Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 5:18). This rebellion resulted in spiritual death (Romans 3:1-20; Ephesians 2:1-10) and a curse on creation (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:20). All humans sin (Romans 3:23).
Redemption. God, in His mercy, initiated a plan of redemption. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). John 3:16 summarizes this: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Believing in Jesus means trusting Him for forgiveness and repenting (turning from sin) (Mark 1:15).
Restoration. God’s plan culminates in consummation, where He restores creation (Romans 8:21; 2 Peter 3:7-13; Revelation 21:1). Redeemed people will live in God’s presence (Revelation 21:1-22:6).

Filling in the Details

God
The Bible describes God as the one true God, existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He acts according to His perfect plan and great mercy (Ephesians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3).

Man
Humans are made in God’s image, reflecting His rule and possessing spiritual and rational qualities (Genesis 1:27-28). Due to Adam and Eve’s sin, all humans are born fallen, inclined toward sin, and under God’s judgment (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). We need salvation from this state.

Jesus Christ
When humanity was helpless, God sent His Son (1 John 4:10).

Fully God: The Son of God, eternally God, became human (Mark 10:45). Jesus is fully God (John 10:30; 20:28).
Fully Man: Jesus was also fully human, experiencing life and temptation, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Perfect Life: Jesus lived a perfect life, always obeying the Father (John 12:50).
Teaching: Jesus taught God’s truth, explaining who He is and what He came to do (Mark 1:38; Luke 24:44).
Crucifixion: God sent Jesus to die for us (Mark 10:45; John 3:16-18). Christ’s death paid the penalty for our sins, bearing God’s wrath (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Resurrection, Ascension, Return: God raised Jesus from the dead, showing acceptance of His sacrifice (Romans 1:4). Jesus ascended to heaven and will return to complete God’s plan (Acts 1:11).

Response
To be saved, we must turn to God in Christ. This includes repentance (turning from sin) and faith (trusting in Christ as a living person).

Turn to God: We must orient our lives toward God (Acts 26:20; Acts 15:19).
Turn away from sin: Turning to God means turning from sin. Our lives will no longer be directed by sin (1 John; Galatians 5:17).
Believe and trust: We believe God’s promises in Christ and commit to Him (Mark 1:15; Ephesians 2:8-9). This initial repentance and faith is often expressed through prayer.
Grow in godliness: Saving faith is a gift from God. Christians experience an internal struggle against sin, but God frees them from sin’s power. We examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and grow in godliness (2 Peter 1), reflecting our salvation.

Result
God’s plan is to save His people from sin and bring them to Himself (Matthew 1:21). Christians are saved from sin’s penalty, are being saved from sin’s power, and will be saved from sin’s presence when with Christ.