Through the years various analogies have been used by gospel preachers to represent the plan of salvation. Some have referred to it as rungs on a ladder, or steps in a stairway. One well remembered evangelist would frequently compare the plan of salvation to a combination lock. He would explain that each step had to be taken in the right order – just like entering the numbers on the combination lock – or success could not be achieved.
It seems that we’ve often gotten away from such simple preaching of the gospel fundamentals. God has made His plan so plain that folks with the most basic of reasoning abilities can understand it. Yet it seems that too often we’ve failed to really educate people with the most important and basic facts concerning their souls and eternity. We need to get back to those “first principles,” and teach them in a way that can not be misunderstood.
And, in case you’ve forgotten, here is that “combination” for salvation…
- Hear the word (Romans 10:17)
- Believe (Hebrews 11:6)
- Repent of sins (Luke 13:3)
- Confess faith in Jesus (Romans 10:10)
- Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Every Christian should know this plan by heart, and be ready to share it with others. And anyone who has not obeyed these simple steps needs to carefully study the scriptures and obey without further delay. It’s God’s plan - very simple - ultimately important!