The following steps will help you obtain and maintain the salvation experience. It involves a process that will not only guarantee you entrance to heaven, but also position you to experience the benefits of heaven on earth.

1.  Recognize/Admit That You Are a Sinner.
Because of Adam's sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, all of humanity was affected by, and infected with, sin (Romans 5:12-14). Mankind took on the nature of sin. Therefore, everyone that was born after Adam was born into a life of sin and death (Psalm 51:5).

2.  Repent of Your Sins.
To repent simply means to "change one's mind; to change one's direction; to have a change of heart." It involves making a 180-degree turn away from sin and heading in the right direction toward God.

Repentance does not mean "I'm sorry." It is a quality decision to ask forgiveness of your sins, turning away from ungodly living and submitting to God's will for your life (1 John 1:9).

3.  Confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Confession affirms Jesus' lordship (place of authority) over your life. It means to literally tell the truth, "I can't live my life without you Lord.   Believe that He lived, died and was raised from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins.

4.  Be Baptized in Water
Water baptism is a symbolic representation of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Just as He was baptized, so must you be baptized (Matthew 3:6). You go down into the water, carrying your old man (lifestyle) with you, and die to yourself and your old way of living (Romans 6:3-11). When you come up out of the water, you are a "new" person. You're not baptized to be saved, but you're baptized because you are saved.

When you become born again, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your heart to become your Teacher, Comforter and Guide through life (John 14:15-17, 23, 26).

5.  Obey the Word of God.
Maintaining your salvation and enjoying its benefits is done by living according to God's Word (Proverbs 3:1-4; 1 John 5:3). Make His Word the final authority by which you live. Make sure every decision you make in life is biblically based. The Word must be your foundation.