What Must I Do to Be Saved?
This question is not new.
A man once asked it directly in the Bible:
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” — Acts 16:30
God answered that question clearly, simply, and lovingly.
First: Understand the Problem
The Bible teaches that every human being has sinned.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
Sin is not just doing bad things — it is living apart from God, trusting ourselves instead of Him.
Because God is holy and just, sin brings separation from Him.
“For the wages of sin is death.” — Romans 6:23
This is why the world is broken.
This is why the heart feels restless.
This is why effort alone never brings peace.
Second: Understand What God Has Done
God did not leave us separated.
He came to us.
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, sent to rescue sinners.
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Jesus lived a sinless life, then willingly died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve.
“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” — 1 Peter 2:24
Three days later, He rose from the dead — proving sin and death were defeated.
“He is not here, for He has risen.” — Matthew 28:6
Salvation is not about what you do — it is about what Jesus has done.
Third: What Does God Ask of You?
The Bible gives a clear answer.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” — Acts 16:31
Salvation comes through repentance and faith.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance means a change of heart and direction.
It means turning away from sin and self-rule and turning toward God.
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” — Acts 3:19
Repentance is not cleaning yourself up first. It is admitting you need forgiveness and surrendering your life to God.
What Is Faith?
Faith means trusting Jesus alone to save you — not your works, not your goodness, not religion.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
Faith says:
“I cannot save myself.”
“Jesus died for me.”
“Jesus is my only hope.”
You Do Not Earn Salvation
You do not work for salvation.
You do not deserve salvation.
You receive salvation as a gift.
“Not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His mercy, He saved us.” — Titus 3:5
What Happens When You Believe?
When you repent and believe in Jesus:
Your sins are forgiven
You are reconciled to God
You receive eternal life
You become a new creation
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
A Personal Invitation from Jesus
Jesus Himself invites you:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
And He promises:
“Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37
No matter your past.
No matter your failures.
No matter how broken you feel.
A Simple Prayer of Salvation
If you desire to be saved, you can pray from your heart:
“Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner and cannot save myself.
I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead.
I turn away from my old life and place my trust in You alone.
Forgive me, save me, and make me new.
I surrender my life to You and receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Amen.”
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13
What Should I Do Next?
If you have trusted in Jesus:
Read the Bible daily
Pray honestly
Turn away from sin
Connect with other believers
“As newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow.” — 1 Peter 2:2
Final Answer
What must you do to be saved?
Not earn it.
Not fix yourself.
Not become perfect.
You must repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” — Acts 16:31
Your salvation rests entirely on Jesus Christ, and He is enough.