What Must I Do to Be Saved?

Welcome to Part 7 of my 10-part blog series What Is Salvation? You have questions about salvation; the Bible has the answers.

Want to go to Heaven when you die? This article will tell you how. No hoops here to jump through. No guesswork. Just a clear, biblical answer.

If you’ve made it this far in the series, chances are something’s stirring in your heart. Maybe you’ve realized that being a “good person” isn’t enough. Maybe you see that sin separates you from God. And maybe, just maybe… you believe Jesus really did die for you.

So now the big question hits: What must I do to be saved?

Great question. In fact, someone in the Bible asked the exact same thing, and the answer was beautifully simple.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
– Acts 16:30–31 (KJV)

Let’s unpack what that means and what it doesn’t mean.

🚫 You Cannot Earn Your Salvation

Let’s clear this up first: You don’t need to clean yourself up, fix your past, or “get your life together” before coming to Jesus.

If that were true, salvation would be something you work for, not a gift.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

You don’t have to climb a spiritual ladder; you just need to believe God’s promise and accept His gift.

🙌 So What Does It Mean to Believe?

This is more than head knowledge. It’s not just knowing Jesus existed or agreeing He died on a cross. Even the devil believes that much, and he’s obviously not saved.

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” – James 2:19 (KJV)

To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ means to trust Him fully. To stop depending on yourself and depend entirely on Him to save you.

It’s placing your faith in

• Who He is: the sinless Son of God
  
• What He did: died for your sins and rose again
  
• What He promised: forgiveness, eternal life, and a relationship with God
  

❤️ Salvation Is a Heart Response

It’s not about fancy words or repeating a scripted prayer. It’s about a genuine decision of the heart.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9 (KJV)

This is personal. It’s not just “Jesus saves.” It’s Jesus saves me.

And when that belief is real, it naturally leads to a moment of calling out to Him.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13 (KJV)

That’s a promise. Not a maybe. Not a wait-and-see. It’s clear and definite.
Shall. Be. Saved.

🛑 Still Wondering If You’re “Ready?”

If you’re reading this and your heart is stirred, that’s not a coincidence. It’s the Holy Spirit convicting and calling you.

Salvation isn’t something you “grow into” like a new pair of shoes. It’s a decision you make the moment you realize:

• I’m a sinner.
  
• I can’t save myself.
  
• Jesus is the only Savior.
  
• I want to trust Him fully, right now.
  

🙏 What Do I Do Right Now?

Talk to God from your heart. You don’t need a pastor. You don’t need perfect words.

Just be honest. Confess your need. Believe the gospel. Call on Him.

You could say something like this (but remember, it’s not the words, it’s the faith behind them that saves):

“Lord, I know I’m a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose again.
I can’t save myself, but I believe You can.
I’m trusting You alone as my Savior. Please forgive me and save me. Amen.”

If you’ve truly believed in your heart and called on Him, then He saved you. Period.

🗣️ Let’s Recap in One Sentence

To be saved, you simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him fully to forgive your sins, save your soul, and give you eternal life.

🎉 What Now?

If you’ve just trusted Christ, that’s the greatest decision you’ll ever make. Congratulations!
And don’t worry, we’re not done yet. In a future post, we’ll talk about what happens after you’re saved.

✨ Next Time

“Can I Lose My Salvation Once I Have It?”
Spoiler alert: The answer is no. I’ll explain why next time.