Salvation is commonly known as an escape from hell, which is eternal punishment and an admission into heaven, which is eternal life.  Even though it is true, the salvation according to the Bible is much more than this. Let us study the salvation of God strictly according to the Bible. In the process we will be answering the following questions. What is sin? What is salvation? What is God's purpose in offering us salvation? What are the conditions to obtain this salvation? How does this salvation apply to the whole world? What is false salvation? Are you saved? Etc.

Matt 4:23 Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.  Mark 16:15 He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel ---.

Sin is any transgression of the law of God; any disobedience of divine command; any violation of the will of God, either in purpose or conduct; or moral deficiency in the character of a person. "1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." Christians are taught that we are saved while we are yet committing sin. The Bible says that those who commit sin are sinners irrespective of what they profess or believe. "John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" However the mysterious phenomenon is that those who are prone to sin are sinners even though they are not committing the act of sin at the moment. Sinners will commit sin when they get the opportunity to do it. "Matt 5:28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 27 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." The real sinner is the inner man, who is the embodiment of the inherent character of the person, which is the soul. If this inner person desires sin he is a sinner even before he/she commits sin. If a person commits sin, it is proof that he/she is a sinner. The old man of sin is still in them. They are sinners until the old man pass away and they are born new that is of the Spirit. This happens only by the grace and the work of God. Grace is given to believers so that they do the work of obedience and God also does a work of salvation in them.

We saw in ‘section A’ that people sin because they are sinners and it is not that they are sinners because they are sinning.  The same principle applies here also. Normally, carnal (immoral) mind will relate to worldly, temporal, physical and even sexual desires. Spiritual mind desires godly things pertained to heaven. Those who are born of the Spirit will have the Spiritual mind and they will desire the things in heaven. "Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Envy, strife and divisions are carnal and they are even found among the evangelicals. "1 Cor 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?"

Salvation could be just an escape from the eternal damnation in hell.  "Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." But this escape does not come by a magic or by surprise. It comes as a reward according to our works.  "Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  The Bible asks us to work out our salvation. "Phil 2:12 --- as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." This salvation is an escape from our very act of sinning. "Matt 1:21 --- thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."  If we are saved from sinning, then only we are saved from hell.

"Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"  This verse refers to the status of a believer while he was living in trespasses and sins as he was dead.  It goes on to state that God has brought the believer to resurrected life (quickened), meaning that God brought them out of the life of "trespasses and sins" to a sinless life. "Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" Verse 2 describes their past life while they were yet living in sin.  "Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."  Verse 3 describes their past life while they had fellowship with sinners.  "Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)." Verse 4 & 5 says that God has raised them to the life of Christ from the life of sin which is death.  Before they were committing sins as well as having fellowship with sinners.  Now their life is with Christ which is not the previous life of sin.  Then, this conversion is summarized as God saved them.  In short, God has brought them from sinful lives to sinless lives.  This is the salvation given by God while we are on the earth. If it is so, how could a person commit sin and be saved at the same time? God forbid!

God became a man, and was named Jesus.  The very name "Jesus" foreshadowed what he would do.  "Matt 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."  Generally, Christians think that Jesus Christ saves people by forgiving their sins.  Of course he will forgive those who commit their lives to him, but not while they are yet committing sin.  The premise is that they must repent which is to feel remorse for their sins enough to turn away from them.  True Christians will obey Him rather than just saying Lord, Lord.  The true salvation is the rescue or escape from committing sins.  This is accomplished through grace, which is the divine power of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Savior. 

Christians are taught that we are saved while we are yet committing sin.  But Jesus Christ says that if we are doing sin then, we are sinners.   "John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"  If we stop serving sin and start obeying the doctrine of God then we will be delivered from the bondage of sin.  "Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."  As we serve God with the evidence of the fruit of holiness in our life then the everlasting life will be our reward.  "Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." This is the Bible Truth, no matter what the false preachers say.

Many ministers preach that as God forgives the sins of the people, he forgives their past, present and future sins.  According to them, one event of repentance for one sin will take care of the lifetime sins of the person and he/she will be saved. But this is not true and it is deception.  These preachers are ignorant of the truth in the word of God.  The grace of God applies to the forgiveness of the past sins only.  "Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."  After forgiveness they must live a life according to the doctrine of Jesus Christ in order to fulfill their salvation.  "Phil 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."  Their obedient life should continue until the end.  "Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."  

Christians show their love toward Jesus Christ through their songs, music, testimonies, clichés, offerings, etc.  But Jesus told them to show their love through their obedience. "John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:---."  Again he said that he and God the Father will abide with them if they obey God.  "John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  If the Seed of God abides in us we cannot and will not commit sin.  "1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not --- 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."  Thus we will be saved from our sinning by the abiding of God in us.  

God desires to save us. "1 Tim 2:3 … God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." So, we have to trust him or rather we must have faith on God, which is necessary for our salvation.  "Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith …" Some Christians claim that this salvation is the result of the unconditional love of God and it is the work of God alone and people have nothing to do with it.  But these kinds of teaching are far from the truth and they are the deception of the devil. Let us see a few conditions through which we obtain our salvation from God. 

Jesus Christ preached repentance as the first condition in order to obtain heaven. "Matt 4:17 … Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Apostle Paul confirms the commands of God that everybody must repent. "Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:."  After he was seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus Christ visited Apostle John to send messages to the Churches requiring them to repent. The members of the churches have repented, baptized and joined these churches. When they fell back God require them to repent again. "Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." This will apply to us also.  Without repentance for every sin there will be no salvation.

Most Christians take the blood of Jesus Christ for granted, downplay sin, and preach that salvation can be easily obtained by a simple ritual or a prayer.  God has rejected them by taking repentance away from them since they have considered the blood of Jesus Christ so cheap.  "Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."  If someone downplays sin without repenting, probably God might have rejected him already by not giving repentance.  The wrath of God will be upon those who know the Word of God and still commit sin without striving to quit.

"1 John 1: 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."  Apostle John was writing this letter to the believers who were in the Church. There were a few believers committing sin, but pretending as if nothing has happened. God requires them to repent and confess their sins in order to be forgiven. Some sinners take confession so lightly.  But confession is repenting for their sins as rebellion against God and offence against people and asking God and people forgiveness. Confession of sins is not just to submit a list or a statement of sins.

A person who does drug is a servant of drug and not the master of drug.  A person who does sin is not the master of sin, but the servant of sin.  So also a person who does righteousness is the servant of righteousness.  Either way a person is a servant and not a master.  But it is his choice to choose his own master by serving 'Sin' or 'Righteousness'. The dilemma for the people is that they want to pretend that God is their master while they serve sin.  God says that who ever they serve is their master, whether righteousness or sin. They cannot serve two masters.  This should be a real eye opener for us. "Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."  So if we obey God, that is if we are living in obedience to the doctrines of Jesus Christ, then we are saved.  If we do not obey God, then we do not know God.

While Jesus Christ was teaching his disciple to pray, he included a mandatory condition for forgiveness. At the end of the prayer he brought this one point again to re-emphasize that God will not forgive them unless they forgive others. "Matt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Again, Jesus Christ told another parable to show them that even after God forgave the sins of a person, later if the person did not forgive someone else, God will re-impose the penalty for the sins, which were forgiven before. So, 'forgive others' is a definite condition to receive forgiveness for our sins. "Matt 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."

"John 3:19 --- light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."  In the light we see everything.  In darkness we cannot see anything.  The same principle is emphasized here. Sinning who want to justify their sins will not come to the light so that their sins may not be reproved.  They keep themselves in dark that is away from the Truth.  "1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."  Here the Word says that if we walk in the light as God is in the light, in the truth of the word of God, then the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse our sins.  This means that if we do not walk in the light as God is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ will not apply to us.  In other words we must deal with the sins by confession and restitution instead of twisting the word of God to explain it away so that our sins may be forgiven.

God, who created all things, lives in a glorious place called heaven.  God created people in order to beget Children for himself.  God created Adam and Eve and the whole world of people through them.  He gives commandments to the people, chooses the obedient, grants them the Spirit and power to become holy and perfect, purifies them to the point that they are without spot or wrinkle. He will raise the holy people with the same glory of Jesus Christ and declare them as sons of God.  They will live with him as his children in heaven.  Thus God begets children for himself.  These men and women will live eternally with the status of God as joint heirs with Jesus Christ.  "Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth ---.  Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; ---.  Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."  (For detailed study you may click on the following topics: "The Begotten Son by Declaration" and "Are You a Begotten Son of God?").

"Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth….12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  Evangelists are using this verse to preach that the name of Jesus Christ is given for salvation and it is the only way. However, this verse is not at all given to teach salvation of the soul. In the context it says that Apostle Peter used the authority given by Jesus (in the name of Jesus) healed (saved) the lame (impotent) man. If we twist the word of God and teach believers to use the name “Jesus” as a magic formula (mantra) to be saved or to enter into heaven, it is deception. Please look at the word to see the context: "Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,  9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;  10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole… Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." The context of the statement is that Peter used the name of Jesus Christ to heal a person from sickness. However, if we look at verse twelve without the context, we may say that the name is given to save people. "Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." But, if we look at the definition of "saved" and if we look for the wholesome words for proof, we will know that this verse is not to be quoted for the salvation of souls.  

God gave His Son for the whole world, not for the religious Christians only.  "John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son --  Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." God is the most holy and the righteous Judge.  It is against God's righteousness to favor a group of people just because they call themselves Christians or Children of God.  The above verse says that a person 'with law' or 'without law' both will be punished according to their sins.  In other words, Christians or Jews or anybody else will be judged according to their sins and not according to their religious affiliations. 

Every person in the world is given by nature a heart with conscience and a mind with thoughts which will reflect the law of God.  They may choose to obey or choose not to obey according to their choice.  "Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."  Non-Christians may obey or disobey God as Christians obey or disobey God.  The disobedient people face the judgment of Jesus Christ.  The obedient people will receive the rewards from God.  "Rom 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 1 Cor 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."  God divides the whole world in two groups, the Obedient and the Disobedient.  Salvation belongs to the Obedient. 

Christians have the word of God, the Bible, which the Non- Christians do not have.  The word of God has all instructions that are needed for a person even to receive the abiding of God.  "Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.  Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at..."  God says, to whom much is given, much is required of him.  God requires more from Christians than he requires from Non- Christians.  But Christians generally think that God will wink at their sins just because they are called by his name and he will punish Non- Christians because they do not follow his religion.  But God look at the obedience in life and not the religion.  "2 Tim 2:19 ... Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"  Every sinner will face punishment starting with the sinning Christians.

Many preachers, who are unlearned in the wholesome words of God and are unstable in their walk of godliness, will twist the word of God and preach it for their own destruction.  "2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."  Here, Apostle Peter refers to the epistles of Apostle Paul in particular and every other scripture in general.  

Now we will see a reference for an example in the epistle of Apostle John.  "1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us  9 ---- 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."  Many preachers take verses 8 and 10 as an universal statement and they explain it out of context.  They read this to say that everybody will be committing sin. They say that there is no truth in those who say that they are living a life without sin.  They claim that nobody can live without sin no matter what happens.  But verse 8 is the continuation of verse 7 which refers to a group of people who are not walking in the light and are not cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Verse 10 refers to the life we lived before conversion as sinners.  The false preachers twist these verses to read that nobody can live without sin.  They are doing this in order to justify their own sinful life and to encourage others to live like them.   

The Holy Spirit through Apostle John wrote the first epistle with the purpose that Christians should not commit sin.  "1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not ---."  But if anybody among Christians have committed sin then God admonishes them to come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. "1 John 2:1 --- And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"  We like to emphasize two points in this verse.  (1) The purpose of writing the word of God is that his people should not commit sin.  If it is the purpose of God, then it is possible for the people to live without sin.  (2) The phrase "if any man sin" indicates that a lot of people in this group do not commit sin.  So according to the word of God, it is possible for a person to live without committing sin. 

The word of God says that those who abide with God will not commit sin and if the seed of God remains in them they cannot sin.  The word of God is so specific and definite.  "1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."  After they are born of God their lives are entirely changed and now they will not and cannot commit sin.  The false preachers are not even considering the fact that the Holy Ghost has inspired and recorded the above verses.  

"2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."  False workers have a form of godliness.  But they will deny the power of God which is given to the believers to become the children of God.    They do not believe in salvation from sin itself.  But they believe a salvation from hell as they live a life of sin.  They say that the grace of God will take them to heaven if they keep a form of godliness using the name of Jesus Christ while they continue a life of sin.  Perhaps they may not know that grace is the power of God given to believers to overcome sins. But they  are denying the power of God, which is grace itself, which will save them from their sins. "John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

The above is just one example.  There are several kinds of false preaching because of many false preachers.  They may convince many people to false salvation with their logics and twists. God calls them as blind leaders and their followers also as blind.  God says that both will fall into the ditch.  We are asked to leave them alone.  "Matt 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

Christians are tossed between different kinds of false teachings because of the false preachers in the Churches.  "2 Cor 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."  They say that God the Father, at the judgment seat, looking at the shed blood of Jesus Christ, will forgive those who claim the name of Jesus Christ. This is one of the many false teachings.  It is Jesus Christ who will sit on the judgment seat and judges according to what we have done in obedience to God and not according to what we say with our mouth.  "Rev 20:13 --- they were judged every man according to their works.  John 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. ---- 29 --- they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."  

Salvation is the freedom from the bondage of sin while we are living on earth.  "John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  If we obey God, he will deliver us from our sins.  This is done in a few steps.  (1) First step is the forgiveness of our sins which we have committed (past sins only).  God forgives us because of his mercy, which is the part of his grace.  "1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,--- Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,--- Romans 3:25 --- to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,---" (2) A repented forgiven soul will join the fellowship of the body of Christ which is the Spiritual Church.  This soul is nurtured in the ministry until it grows to the unity of faith, of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Jesus Christ.  This is the second step.  "Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"  (3) The full grown soul will grow into Jesus Christ who is the head of the body.  This is the abiding in Jesus Christ, which is the third step.  This is the quickened soul in which God has done a work.  This is the soul which God has given the grace, which is the reality of the presence of Jesus Christ along with the power of the Holy Ghost to subdue the flesh.  When the abiding is complete this soul is a perfect person.  "Matt 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: ---"  

Christians are very vulnerable to many kinds of false preaching.  The very subtle trick of  the devil is to convince the sinners that they are saved so that they may be damned as sinners.  He is doing a very good job at that with his counterfeit ministers.  So it is very important to verify our position even when we think that we are standing with God.  "1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves."  This is very important for a Christian. Salvation is our topic here. So, examine whether we are saved or not.  How do we do it?  Go to the pertinent verse in the Scripture which gives the answer.  Example: "John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."  We have a simple answer. That is, if we still commit sin we are still sinners.  We have to start all over from step one which is repentance.  If  we do not commit sin then we have the salvation of God.  "Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."  Jesus Christ saves his people from their sins. 

Let me quote enough verses from the Bible to bring a list of sins for the benefit of believers. This list will help them to avoid speculation of what sin could be and it will give an idea of God’s definition for sin. Those who commit sin are sinners.

Matt 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:  Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

We admit that everybody was born in sin.  An escape from the sinful life and entering into a sinless life is our salvation. Jesus Christ offers this salvation to His people.  "Matt 1:21 --- thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

Even Christians argue that nobody can live without committing sins.  Of course, with our own strength it is not possible to live without sin.  But if we receive Jesus Christ in us, God gives power to become his sons.  "John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"  If we use this power then we can become his sons/daughters.  As we become his sons we will not and we cannot commit sin.  "1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."  According to the proof of the above verses if you are born of God then you are saved. 

Have faith in God. Repent and confess your sins. Forgive others. Obey Jesus Christ. Walk in the light as He is in the light. Reject false teachings. Verify your salvation often. If there is sin in your life then repent, confess, etc.  Do not justify sin.  Have faith in God. Repent and repeat the process. Then God will give you power to overcome sin. God is faithful to his word. If we obey God, we will be saved.  We do not earn this salvation. It comes to us in a wide range of rewards according to the works of our righteousness. "Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  For some of us this salvation is just an escape from the eternal damnation in hell.  "Jude 1:23 -- others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire."  For some other of us this salvation will be the very throne of God, to be seated with him and to rule with him because we choose to suffer with him and to die with him.  "2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."  Do we love the better life on earth more than eternal life or do we love the eternal life more than the better life on earth?  This life may last another one hundred years.  Eternal life lasts for ever and for ever.  Which of these lives do you prefer?

Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.