God created a perfect world with set guidelines for us to live in it. But our relationship with God was wrecked when humanity opted to defy God. That defiance was catastrophic, bringing sin and death into the world. The word ‘sin’ means wrong actions and wrong thinking. It is as if our sin leaves us permanently stained. However, God is pure and holy. He cannot tolerate sin, but he wants our relationship with him to be restored, so He opens the door of salvation for us.
If you are feeling guilty and want to ease the burden off your chest, read this guide from a Pentecostal preacher to let go of it and start anew.
Salvation in the Eyes of Jesus
Salvation, as envisioned by Jesus, is a transformative and liberating experience that exceeds mere religious rituals. For Jesus, salvation is not just about adhering to rules or traditions but involves a profound personal relationship with God. He emphasized the importance of repentance, faith, and genuine love for God and one's neighbor.
According to Jesus, salvation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or background. His teachings share the boundless mercy and grace of God, offering hope and redemption to all who seek it. Jesus exemplified selfless love, sacrifice, and forgiveness, inviting people to follow Him and experience the fullness of life that comes from being reconciled with God.
Pentecostal Preacher Insights: Steps to Find Salvation in the Lord
Here are 5 steps one follows to repent and redeem oneself in the eyes of God.
1. Hear
As the Bible states, “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV). Being born into a Christian family does not guarantee automatic salvation. Faith is a personal choice and cannot be inherited. Christianity is fundamentally about learning and understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ. Without hearing and comprehending the Gospel, which proclaims the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, salvation is unattainable.
2. Believe
After hearing the Gospel, the next essential step is to believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared in John 8:24, “…except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” When the jailer at Philippi inquired Paul and Silas about salvation, they responded unequivocally: “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house” (Acts 16:30-31). So, to truly remove your past sins from your soul, Pentecostal preachers encourage you to blindly trust the Lord Jesus.
3. Repent
Repentance is the heartfelt recognition and regret for our wrongdoings, combined with a sincere intention to change and live better. It's not just admitting our mistakes but genuinely wanting to turn our lives around and follow a more righteous path. Repentance leads us to seek forgiveness and strive for a closer relationship with God.
One should bring real change in our actions and attitudes, showing that we are committed to living in a way that aligns with God's teachings. The Bible states that when someone repents, he turns away from his sins (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He additionally shows his repentance by performing good works (Matthew 3:8).
4. Confess
After that, Pentecostal preachers urge believers to openly acknowledge and declare their beliefs. Confessing is an essential aspect of the Christian journey toward salvation. It is a public affirmation of one's faith and commitment to Christ.
Confession involves verbalizing and owning our beliefs, not just to ourselves but also to others, with the motivation to share transparency and sincerity in our relationship with God. By confessing our faith in Jesus Christ, we affirm His divine nature, His sacrificial death and resurrection, and our reliance on Him for salvation and spiritual guidance.
5. Be Baptized
Being baptized is an important step for Christians on their journey towards salvation. It's a way to show your commitment to following Jesus Christ and your belief in the Gospel. Baptism is a meaningful experience that represents a person's decision to turn away from sin and start anew with faith in Christ.
When someone is baptized, Pentecostal preachers fully immerse them in water. This symbolizes being buried with Christ and rising to a new life. This act of baptism signifies the forgiveness of sins and the cleansing grace that comes from Jesus. It's a public declaration of faith and the beginning of a life dedicated to living according to God's word.
The Bottom Line
Understanding and accepting the principles of salvation as taught by Jesus is a great way for spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and eternal life. His message of love, grace, and redemption resonates across time.
So, If you're looking for a community that embodies these teachings and offers support on your spiritual journey, we warmly invite you to join the Messengers of Hope congregation. With our Pentecostal reachers., we can grow in faith and contribute actively to the community and beyond.
