God’s Simple Plan of Salvation: Believe and Be Saved

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On February 19, 2025

Salvation is a gift so simple that a child can understand it, yet so profound that we will never fully grasp its depth until we stand in glory. It is not a process but an event—one that transforms us from spiritual death to life in Christ.

 

The Problem: Sin and Separation from God

 

The first law God gave humanity was clear: sin results in death. When Eve responded to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, she acknowledged God’s command:

 

“But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.'” (Genesis 3:2-3)

 

The same principle is echoed throughout Scripture:

 

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

 

No matter how good we try to be, we all fall short. The first step to salvation is recognizing our need for it—understanding that we are sinners in need of a Savior.

 

The Solution: The Gospel of Christ

 

If sin results in death, then payment must be made. But instead of leaving us in our fallen state, God provided a way through Jesus Christ:

 

‘For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.’ (II Corinthians 5:21)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1:16)

 

What is the Gospel? The Apostle Paul gives the clearest definition in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:

 

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

 

Jesus Christ took our place. He bore the punishment for sin so that we wouldn’t have to. His death on the Cross paid the penalty, and His resurrection secured our victory over death.

 

Faith: The Only Requirement

 

Salvation is not about cleaning up our lives first. It’s not about joining a church, performing good works, or following rituals. Just as a dead battery cannot recharge itself, we cannot bring spiritual life to ourselves. Outside power must be applied. That power is the Gospel (Read Romans 1:16), and we receive it by faith:

 

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

 

Faith is not merely acknowledging Christ’s existence—it is trusting in His finished work on the Cross. It is believing that His sacrifice was enough to pay for our sins and that His resurrection guarantees our eternal life.

 

The New Birth: Becoming a Child of God

 

When we place our faith in Christ and believe the gospel, something incredible happens:

 

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection.” (Romans 6:5)

 

We identify with Christ—Our old sinful nature is crucified with Christ, and we are born again, restored to fellowship with God. We receive His righteousness, and His Spirit comes to dwell in us. This marks the beginning of our Christian walk, a journey of growth in grace and knowledge.

The Choice is Yours

 

God does not force salvation upon anyone. He offers it freely, but we must receive it by faith. The Gospel is not about religion; it is about a relationship with the living God. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Believe the gospel, and you will be saved.

 

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

 

The question is not whether salvation is available—it is whether you will believe. The work has been done, the price has been paid, and the door is open. Will you walk through it?

 

For your edification.

Thank you for reading.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

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When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

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What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

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What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

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What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

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Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

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Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

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

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

Mesa Bible Study Groups – In-Depth Bible Study in Phoenix, AZ

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