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The word salvation is defined as "deliverance from the power and effects of sin." All have sinned (Romans 3:23), but we cannot save ourselves, because only a sinless person can save a sinful person. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ died for sinners

(1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:68).

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What we must do to receive the free gift of salvation:

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*Faith and Belief: Acknowledging Jesus Christ not only in our heads, but also in our hearts (see John 3:18, 36; 5:24; 6:47; Romans 10:9). Faith is a confiding trust. It involves our intellect, emotions, and will (see Mark 4:1617; Romans 10:9, 17; Ephesians 2:89; Hebrews 11:1, 6).

*Acceptance: True faith and belief in Christ will ultimately lead to an acceptance and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord (see Romans 10:910). The Apostle John confirms this when he wrote, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12 NKJV).
 

*Repentance: This is a sincere and thorough change of mind and heart toward sin (see Psalms 51:3; 2 Peter 3:9). We must not only turn from our sins, but we must also turn to God (see Acts 3:19; 26:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).

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What God has done to enable this:

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*Election: The Apostle Paul tells us, "For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters" (Romans 8:29 NLT).
 

*Regeneration: God makes us alive through Christ, enabling us to be born again, and to experience a new birth (see John 3:3). Without a new birth, we are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1)

*Adoption: Adoption means, "the placing of a son." God gives us the full rights of inheritance in His family as though we had been born into it (see Galatians 4:45; Ephesians 1:5).
>Sanctification: When we become Christians, God sanctifies us, or sets us apart, positionally, practically, and permanently for Himself (see 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Through sanctification, we become more and more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Some people think that because they have "prayed to receive Christ," they can live as they please. But we know salvation brings about a changed life (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) and motivates believers to follow God's purpose for their lives