How Do I Get Saved?

What Is Salvation?

“Salvation” implies that you and I are in need of saving; namely, that every human being is in grave danger and in need of rescue. Rescue from what? The Bible teaches that humankind faces three great threats to their created purpose to know and love God forever: sin, Satan, and hell. Sin describes both the corrupt human nature we inherit that inclines us to rebellion against God and personal acts of disobedience we commit against God and His good Law. The Bible teaches that sin causes a separation between us and God and provokes His “wrath”: His settled, judicial opposition toward evil. The eternal experience of God’s righteous judgment in the afterlife—the just punishment for our sin–is what the Bible means by hell. Satan is a real spiritual being in opposition to God who deceives and tempts humanity into committing more sin and rejecting God’s offer of salvation. God’s salvation is His rescue plan for humanity, a race “dead in sins and trespasses”, “following the [devil]”, and doomed to eternal “wrath” (Eph. 2:1-3). The good news of the gospel is that God, being rich in mercy, has made a way through His Son Jesus for sinners to be saved from all three dangers! Salvation is not something that can be bought, nor can it be earned by good works or spiritual exercises . Salvation is not something we can do in our own strength; after all, we are “dead in sin” and thus helpless in saving ourselves! . Salvation in Christianity is Savior-centered. That means we must rely on God, not ourselves, to be saved.

The Bible describes salvation as a singular event (“we are saved”), as an ongoing process (“we are being saved”) and as a future hope (“we will be saved”). In a moment, you can be saved from sin’s penalty (eternal judgment), but being saved from sin’s power—living an increasingly holy and Christ-like life–takes a lifetime. When a Christian dies or when Jesus returns, he or she will finally be saved from sin’s presence altogether: “we will be like him as he is” in perfect character and holiness (1 John 3:2).

So, the million dollar question is, “How do I get saved?” The Bible begins its answer with two key words: faith and repentance.

Faith and Repentance



To be a Christian, you must repent: decisively turn from your sins, confessing them as evil in the sight of God. Secondly, you must believe: put your faith alone in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. Faith is a resting of the soul, a reliance upon Jesus, the Savior whom God sent to die for your sins, bear your punishment, defeat death and Satan, reconcile you to God, and open up for you a new way of life.

God’s Love and Forgiveness

No matter what you’ve done or how ungodly you’ve been, God is eager to forgive you for your sins because he loves you. However, God saves us from the penalty of sin in order that we may be saved from the power of sin, enabling us to subsequently live according to our new status in Christ as those free from sin’s control and ever-more righteous like Him. As a Christian, you become an imitator of God and walk in love, sharing his word with others so that they might also be saved.

A Practical Way to Begin Repentance

Prayer is a powerful and intimate way to connect with God, laying the foundation for your journey toward salvation. It is through sincere and heartfelt prayer that we open our hearts to God's presence, seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and love. When you pray, you are engaging in a personal conversation with God, expressing your deepest thoughts, fears, and hopes.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means every person is a sinner. So we need to be saved. To do that, we must pray for forgiveness.

To begin, approach prayer with a humble and open heart. Acknowledge your need for God's grace and confess any sins or shortcomings. This act of repentance is crucial as it demonstrates your genuine desire to turn away from past wrongdoings and embrace a new path aligned with God's will.

Even though God created us and loves everyone, he still holds us accountable for our behavior. He can’t overlook our sins, and we will be judged unless we pray for redemption and the forgiveness of those sins.

Finding Salvation Through Community

Finding salvation through a community is akin to a tree growing strong and bearing fruit through its roots. At The Orchard, personal prayer and reflection are essential, but being part of a community of believers—your spiritual orchard—provides the nourishment and support needed to truly thrive. Engaging with a community offers encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom that deepen your faith and understanding of God's love.

In this community, we are intertwined like the branches of a tree, supporting one another as we grow in Christ. By participating in LIFE Groups and other church activities, we cultivate a rich environment for our souls to be rooted in Jesus. This shared life in Christ includes praying together, studying God’s Word, and encouraging one another to become more like Him.

As we grow together, we bear fruit through our character and conduct, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. At The Orchard, you're invited to plant your roots deep in a community that helps you grow in faith, hope, and love. Join us in nurturing a vibrant life in Christ, where together, we can bear fruit for His glory and share His love with the world.

A church community offers a space to learn more about the teachings of Jesus and the gospel. Through sermons, Bible studies, and group ministry work, you gain insights and perspectives that might not be discovered on your own. The collective knowledge and experiences of a faith community can illuminate the scriptures and help you apply their lessons to your daily life.

In a church community, you develop more than just friendships; you create a Christian synergy, deepening your relationship with God and experiencing His grace and truth. Participating in church activities and serving others is a powerful expression of faith. Volunteering, mission work, and acts of kindness within your community reflect the love and compassion of Jesus, reinforcing your commitment to living a Christ-centered life. These actions benefit others and bring a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose to your spiritual journey.

A community provides support—both collectively and individually. God calls us to gather in His name to grow and mature in our faith. Christians should unify to show the world we are one, reflecting the oneness of God's Spirit.

Take the next step in your faith journey with The Orchard!

Close to our Chicagoland locations? Find a campus near you and join us in person.

Farther away? Join us online and be part of our growing community.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

Finding Salvation Through the Bible

God gives us all free will. So you can choose to live your life your way or to live it God’s way. Even those who choose to live God’s way still sin sometimes. It is all part of being a fallen human being. And since God created us, he knows this. That leads to the question, “How can I ever get to Heaven if I am a sinner?” This is the part that confuses people sometimes.

God knows we are all sinners. So, he made a way for us to be saved. God loves us so much that he sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to be crucified and die on the cross on our behalf. Jesus, therefore, took the weight of all mankind’s sins and died on the cross. That means Jesus’s death was used as redemption for all our sins. Then, God raised Jesus from the dead.

Jesus now lives in resurrection glory. The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” That is in John 3:16. That means whoever believes in God is forgiven and washed free of their sins, all separation from God is removed, and they will be saved from eternal judgment.

So, to answer the question: “How do I get saved?” It states in Romans 10:9-10: “If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For this is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

That means that you must openly confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, that he died on the cross for your sins, and was raised from the dead.

How to Address Your Own Doubts about Salvation

Doubts about salvation are a natural part of the faith journey and can arise at any stage. It's important to recognize that questioning and seeking understanding can lead to deeper faith and greater spiritual growth. Here are some steps to help you address and overcome doubts about your salvation:



1. Acknowledge Your Doubts: The first step is to honestly acknowledge the doubts you are experiencing. Trying to ignore or suppress them can lead to more confusion and anxiety. Accepting your doubts as a normal part of your spiritual journey can be liberating and is the first step towards addressing them constructively.

2. Seek Understanding Through Scripture: The Bible is a rich source of wisdom and reassurance for those struggling with doubts. Spend time reading and meditating on passages that speak about God's love, grace, and the assurance of salvation. 

3. Pray for Guidance and Clarity: Bring your doubts to God in prayer, asking for His guidance, wisdom, and peace. Honest and heartfelt prayer can help you feel closer to God and more open to His reassurances. Ask Him to help you understand His word and to strengthen your faith during times of uncertainty.

4. Talk to Trusted Believers: Sharing your doubts with trusted friends, family members, or spiritual mentors can be incredibly helpful. These individuals can provide support, share their own experiences with doubt, and offer insights that you might not have considered. They can also pray for you and with you, helping you feel more connected and less isolated in your struggles.

5. Reflect on Your Faith Journey: Take time to reflect on your personal journey of faith. Consider how God has worked in your life, the moments when you felt His presence, and the ways in which your faith has grown. This reflection can help you see the bigger picture and reinforce your belief in God's ongoing work in your life.

6. Be Patient with Yourself: Understand that overcoming doubts is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust that God is with you every step of the way. Remember that faith is a journey, and it is normal to experience highs and lows along the way.

By addressing your doubts openly and seeking support through scripture, prayer, and community, you can find reassurance and deepen your faith. Remember that God is always there to guide you, and your sincere efforts to seek Him will not go unanswered.

Finding Community & Salvation with The Orchard

At The Orchard church, we want you to know that you are always welcome here! Our community is A Place to Grow, where everyone can take their next step in their spiritual journey. We believe that growth happens best in a nurturing environment, and we are committed to helping you connect with God and others as part of a vibrant Christian community.

We have created spaces designed to cultivate spiritual growth and deepen your faith. Whether it's through worship services, LIFE Groups, or other church activities, you'll find opportunities to grow closer to God and build meaningful relationships with fellow believers. 

We Invite You to Visit The Orchard, A Gospel-Centered Church

The Orchard is a faith-first style church. We want this to be a place where you feel you can grow. Our bible-based church is all about Faith, Hope, and Love. Just as God intended.

We invite you to join us at one of our six locations. Together, we can help lead ourselves and the world to Jesus Christ through salvation.