How can I be saved?

There is no more important issue than our eternal destiny. Thankfully, the Bible is abundantly clear on how a person can be saved. The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). Paul and Silas responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Why do I need to be saved?

We are all infected with sin (Romans 3:23). We are born with sin (Psalm 51:5), and we all personally choose to sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8). Sin is what makes us unsaved. Sin is what separates us from God. Sin is what has us on the path to eternal destruction. Because of our sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23). While the physical consequence of sin is physical death, that is not the only kind of death that results from sin. All sin is ultimately committed against an eternal and infinite God (Psalm 51:4). Because of that, the just penalty for our sin is also eternal and infinite. What we need to be saved from is eternal destruction (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15).

How did God provide salvation?

Because the just penalty for sin is infinite and eternal, only God could pay the penalty, because only He is infinite and eternal. But God, in His divine nature, could not die. So God became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. God took on human flesh, lived among us, and taught us. When the people rejected Him and His message, and sought to kill Him, He willingly sacrificed Himself for us, allowing Himself to be crucified (John 10:15). Because Jesus Christ was human, He could die; and because Jesus Christ was God, His death had an eternal and infinite value. Jesus' death on the cross was the perfect and complete payment for our sin (1 John 2:2). He took the consequences we deserved. Jesus' resurrection from the dead demonstrated that His death was indeed the perfectly sufficient sacrifice for sin.

What do I need to do?

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). God has already done all of the work. All you must do is receive, in faith, the salvation God offers (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sins. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). God is offering you salvation as a gift. All you have to do is accept it. Jesus is the way of salvation (John 14:6).

You have made a life-changing decision. Perhaps you are asking, "Now what? How do I begin my journey with God?" The five steps mentioned below will give you direction from the Bible.

1. Make sure you understand salvation.

   First John 5:13 tells us, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."" God wants us to understand salvation. God wants us to have the confidence of knowing for sure that we are saved. Briefly, let's go over the key points of salvation:

   1. We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God (Romans 3:23).
   2. Because of our sin, we deserve to be punished with eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23).
   3. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved. Jesus' resurrection proved that His death was sufficient to pay for our sins.
   4. God grants forgiveness and salvation to all those who place their faith in Jesus—trusting His death as the payment for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).
   5. The Holy Spirit comes to reside permanently within us at the moment of faith. He assures us of everlasting life. He teaches us God's Word and empowers us to live according to it.

   That is the message of salvation! If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are saved! All of your sins are forgiven, and God promises to never leave you or forsake you (Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 28:20). Remember, your salvation is secure in Jesus Christ (John 10:28-29). If you are trusting in Jesus alone as your Savior, you can have confidence that you will spend eternity with God in heaven!

2. Find a church that teaches the Bible

   The first purpose of the church is to teach the Bible. Find a church in your area that believes the Bible is God's perfect Word so you can learn how to apply God's instructions to your life. Understanding the Bible is key to living a successful and powerful Christian life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." When you find a Bible-believing church in your area speak to the pastor. Let him know about your new faith in Jesus Christ.

   A second purpose of the church is that believers in Jesus Christ fellowship with one another. You have been adopted into the family of God and God desires for you to spend time with your new family in fellowship. Romans 8:15-16

   A third purpose of the church is worship. Worship is thanking God for all He has done! God has saved us. God loves us. God provides for us. God guides and directs us. How could we not thank Him? God is holy, righteous, loving, merciful, and full of grace. Revelation 4:11 declares, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

3. Set aside time each day to read the Bible and Pray

   It is very important for us to spend time each day focusing on God. Some prefer to set aside time in the mornings, while others prefer the evenings. It does not matter what you call this time or when you do it. What matters is that you regularly spend time with God. These two things will be helpful for you to understand your new faith and how to love God; when you find a church they will be able to understand everything you need to know to live the Christian life.

   1. Bible reading. The Bible is God's Word to us. The Bible is essentially God's instruction manual for how to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him and satisfying to us. We would suggest starting in the Book of Luke then the Book of Acts, and then the Book of Ephesians. Once you start attending a church they can help you get on a schedule with other Christians in that church.
   2. Prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. Remember that God knows everything about us and loves us. We can talk to God about everything going on in our lives. Talk to God about your concerns and problems. Ask God to give you wisdom and guidance. Ask God to provide for your needs. Tell God how much you love Him and how much you appreciate all He does for you.

In 2007, 5:8 Ministry was originally founded by three students at SEBTS as an itinerant preaching ministry known as 180 Turn or Burn Ministries. In 2008, 180 Turn or Burn Ministries reformed as 5:8 Ministry at Richland Creek Community Church (RCCC) under the Motorcycle Ministry (MM) outreach group known as the Richland Creek Riders (RCR). From 2008-2021 RCR has been the primary group (Mother Chapter) of 5:8 Ministry and for the past 14 years RCR has been the driving force for the ministry and outreach to the local communities it serves, as-well-as at many motorcycle events throughout the eastern seaboard of the U.S. As RCR grew through member relocation and new growth in other states, RCR members unofficially ministered as missionary Nomads dislocated from the mother chapter. In 2022, RCR along with the Nomad groups re-organized under the 5:8 Ministry banner to continue serving in local churches and ministering to the local community in which they are located.