SOAP: So how do I get to be saved?

Scripture: Romans 10:9

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Observation: All it takes is belief and an acknowledgement of belief to be saved.

Application: I remember acknowledging my belief in Jesus many, many years ago. And then I had the mountaintop, Christian experience.

Not long after that, however, junior high and high school life got in the way and I fell more into the flatlands (not necessarily a valley) of my faith. I prayed here and there but fell away from my quiet time and diligent reading of the Word.

Later, I began to question whether I really was saved. For years I re-prayed about it, just incase it didn’t stick the first time, or the second time, or…

I went to Sunday school, was involved in the church organizations, but still I had questions and wondered if I REALLY was saved.

Then I heard a sermon about this exact problem (I thought I was the only one who wondered) and the pastor pointed out that not everyone feels and instantaneous change the moment the say that prayer. Most grow gradually in their faith.

This reassured me like nothing I had ever heard. And then I was able to completely believe. And perhaps that was the moment I really was saved. Because that is when I was ready to really believe and trust in the Lord.

Just saying you believe is different then really believing.

If you are questioning your salvation, then get to know God, get to know Jesus. Spend regular time with Him by reading the Word and by praying regularly. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you if you must or write it on your to-do list. Just spend time with Him. And accept His gift of eternal life with him. All you have to do is truly believe and confess your belief and the gift is yours. And the gift will grow more valuable if you take the time to really nurture your relationship… but isn’t that the truth with any relationship?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your gift of eternal life with you. Thank you for continuing to call out to me and want me as your own.

Please help this post reach someone else who also is wondering as I was. Help it to reassure him or her and then bring her closer to you so that the real relationship can begin.

Thank you for never leaving my heart from that first moment, and for enabling me to grow as you intended. For that, I am eternally grateful.