Why we need it, what it cost, and how it's received.
All have sinned:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23
And the wages of sin is death — we deserved to die and be separated from God:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
That's the debt. Left there, we'd have no hope.
But Christ died for us while we were still sinners:
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
He was buried, and rose again the third day:
"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
That's the gospel. Good news.
No one comes to Jesus unless God draws them:
"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:44
It happens in four simple steps.
God draws you through His Word — this is where it starts.
The Holy Spirit convicts you of your sin. Not guilt, not fear of punishment — just seeing your sin the way God sees it. (John 16:8)
You repent — turning away from sin, toward God. You don't repent to be saved. You repent because you're already convicted. (Acts 3:19)
You confess Jesus is Lord and believe He rose from the dead. You don't say it to be saved — because you're saved, you say it. (Romans 10:9-10)
Hear it. Feel it. Turn from it. Say it.
Once you're in Christ:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
"...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1
"Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
You were dead in sin. Christ died and rose for you anyway. When you hear, feel conviction, turn, and say Jesus is Lord — you're saved.
Not earned. Not a reward. A gift you need to accept.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith... not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8–9