Brand New | Part 5 | The Life-Changing Process of Salvation ✝️

Salvation is a profound and transformative journey, one that begins with God's calling and ends with glorification. It’s a process that invites each of us into a deeper relationship with Him, offering freedom, peace, and eternal life. At City Church Rockford, we celebrate this incredible transformation through baptism, communion, and the shared joy of community. Today, we’ll explore the steps of salvation and how they shape our lives forever.

Step 1: God Calls Us

Before we were even born, God chose us. His call is universal, extending to every person who hears His voice. This divine calling is the first step in the process of salvation. As the speaker shared, “The Holy Spirit is calling to you… to come forward, to move on in your relationship with Him.”

This moment of conviction is transformative. It’s the realization of our need for God and the start of an incredible journey. No matter where you are in life, God's call is there, waiting for you to respond.

Step 2: Conviction and Repentance

Salvation begins with conviction—a heartfelt awareness of our sin and need for God’s grace. This leads to repentance, which is simply a decision to change our minds and embrace Jesus. As the speaker explained, “Repentance isn’t a scary word; it’s the realization that we can’t live without Jesus anymore.”

When we repent and turn to Him, we accept the gift of salvation and eternal life. It’s a moment of surrender and transformation that brings us closer to God.

Step 3: Justification – Declared Not Guilty

Through repentance and faith, God justifies us. This means we are declared not guilty of our sins, and we receive peace with God. As Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Justification is a free gift, not based on anything we’ve done but on what Christ accomplished for us. It brings freedom from guilt, a new identity as a child of God, and the assurance of heaven.

Step 4: Baptism – A New Beginning

Baptism is the next step in the salvation process. It’s a public declaration of our faith and a symbolic act of dying to our old life and being raised into a new one. “When we go under the water, we’re dead to everything that ever was, and we’re raised washed clean to live a completely new life as a child of God,” the speaker shared.

It’s a powerful step of obedience that signifies our commitment to follow Jesus and live for Him.

Step 5: Sanctification – Growing in Holiness

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s purposes. This phase requires our participation and effort as we renew our minds and grow in godly character. As Romans 12:2 instructs, “Do not be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

In this stage, the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin, develop a deeper relationship with God, and fulfill His plan for our lives. It’s a journey of spiritual growth that prepares us for eternity.

Step 6: Glorification – Eternal Perfection

The final step in the salvation process is glorification, where we receive a new immortal body and enter into eternal life with God. This is the ultimate freedom from sin, death, and pain. As the speaker passionately shared, “The final thing we get is a body that doesn’t want to sin, overeat, lie, or steal. It’s immortal, perfect, and pure.”

It’s a beautiful promise of hope and restoration, where we are fully united with God forever.

Salvation: A Gift for Everyone

Salvation is a free gift, available to all who believe in Jesus and accept His grace. No matter your past, there’s always an open invitation to experience His love and transformation. The speaker shared a heartfelt reminder: “You might say, ‘You don’t understand my life.’ But I do. I’ve seen the underbelly of the world, and I’m telling you—the exit ramp is Jesus.”

Through faith, repentance, and surrender, you can step into a new life filled with freedom, purpose, and eternal joy.

Take the Next Step

If you’ve never asked Jesus into your heart, now is the time. As Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or need prayer and guidance, City Church Rockford is here for you. Join us as we celebrate salvation, grow in faith, and embrace the incredible plans God has for our lives.

Are you ready to take the next step in your faith journey? Let us know how we can support you. Together, let’s celebrate the life-changing process of salvation and live out the legacy of faith God has called us to. 🌟