In Luke 1:76-77, Zechariah prophesies over his newborn son, John the Baptist, saying:
“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:76-77, NLT)
John’s mission was to point people to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He called people to repentance and prepared the way for Christ’s ministry. The question remains: how do we find salvation and forgiveness today?
1. Recognize Your Need for a Savior
The first step to finding salvation is recognizing that we are sinners. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin separates us from God, and we cannot save ourselves through good works or religious efforts.
2. Believe in Jesus Christ
The heart of the gospel is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again, proving His victory over sin and death.
3. Repent and Turn to God
Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. John the Baptist preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). True repentance isn’t just feeling sorry for sin but making a decision to change and follow Christ.
4. Confess Jesus as Lord
Romans 10:9 tells us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation comes through faith and confession—publicly acknowledging Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
5. Receive God’s Grace by Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” We don’t earn forgiveness; we receive it as a free gift from God through faith in Jesus.
6. Walk in New Life
When we receive Christ, we are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” We begin a new life of following Jesus, growing in faith, and living in obedience to God’s Word.
7. Be Baptized and Join the Family of God
Jesus commands His followers to be baptized as a public declaration of faith (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation. Being part of a church community helps us grow and stay strong in our faith.
Final Thoughts
Salvation and forgiveness are found in Jesus Christ alone. John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus, and today, we also call people to turn to Him. If you have never made this decision, now is the time to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. Simply pray, confess your faith in Jesus, and begin your journey of walking with Him.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Have you experienced the forgiveness of Jesus? If not, He is ready to receive you today!
