How can I be saved?

The Biblical plan for being saved, also called salvation, is a fairly simple one. The following is an explanation of each step.

First,
we must come to a realization that we are sinful people. Romans 3:10 tells us that no one is righteous. When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, his sin was imputed all mankind, and that continues to this day - Romans 3:12. Romans 3:23 tells us that ALL have sinned. When you break a traffic law, there is a penalty for that, and usually a payment has to be made to the court. Romans 6:23 tell us that there had to be a payment for sin, or wages of sin, and that payment is death.

Second,
we also need to realize that we, as sinful people, have no way to fix this ourselves. So, what can be done about this, so we can be restored to a right relationship with God? We have seen that the penalty for sin is death, BUT, the good news is that God has already provided the means to "fix" it. Why? John 3:16 tells us that God so loved us who are in the world, that He WILLINGLY gave His Son, Jesus - and His Son's life - to pay the penalty, or payment for our sins. According to John 3:17, God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn us, but, that through the shed blood of Jesus we could have the opportunity to be saved from the penalty of our sins. That is really good news, because John 3:18 tells us that those who come to Jesus, and accept His payment for our sins, are no longer condemned! BUT, those who do NOT accept that payment are condemned already, because he/she has not believed in the name of God's only Son, Jesus. Romans 5:8 confirms that before we ever knew we were sinners, God demonstrated, or showed, His love for us -- that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and so that fellowship could be restored with God.

So, how does this happen?
The second half of Romans 6:23 tells us more good news! It tells us that salvation is a gift from God. When someone gives you a gift for your birthday, what do you have to do to take possession of it? You open your hands and reach out and take hold of it! You don't pay for the gift - you simply accept what has already been purchased.

Third,
We must repent (change our minds toward God and away from sin), Acts 26:20. Romans 10:9 makes this promise: that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, that we WILL be saved! Not maybe saved. Not could be saved, but that we WILL be saved. Romans 10:10 goes on to explain that it is with the heart that we believe, and with the mouth we confess, that we agree with God's declaration that Jesus is Lord.
Romans 10:13 gives us another confirmation that, if we will call upon, or ask, Jesus to come into our hearts, we SHALL BE saved. It's a done deal. You have become saved, or "born again" - your sins are forgiven and you have a clean slate. You have a new heart and a new life in Jesus Christ.

Fourth,
Romans 5:1 tells us that we have been justified by our faith in the finished work of Jesus. We have peace with God. Our debt of sin has been paid for, and we have a whole new relationship with God. That relationship will bring not only peace, but comfort, joy, and a sense that whatever comes along in your life, you will never have to face it alone.