From the archives of Oral Roberts
I’m frequently asked what the expression “being saved” means. It expresses the act of asking God’s forgiveness for your sins and making full and complete surrender of your will and life to Jesus Christ! It is your entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. It means that you are born again and that your desires, ambitions, and plans are given over to God’s design for your life (See John 3:3.)
Salvation is for everyone. It is not earned, and you cannot become “good enough” to be saved. You come to Jesus just as you are, and He meets you at the point of your need. Jesus Himself says, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). It’s not hard to receive Jesus as Savior — you must simply ask. You can be anywhere, at any time. All that is required is that you repent and believe.
Repentance is simply changing your mind and being genuinely sorry for your sins. But it is far more than an intellectual decision. Repentance is made up of three things: change of mind, which only you can do; change of heart, which only God can do; and change of living, which is the result of giving your life to Him. (See II Corinthians 5:17.) Whosoever believes on Jesus and His transforming power can be saved. John 1:12 says, As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
The Bible also says you must confess Jesus as Lord. Confessing the Lord publicly is as important as believing in Him with your heart. Romans 10:9-10 NIV says, If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. When you do that, you can begin a personal relationship with Him that changes your life forever!