Plan of Salvation
We would be remiss if we did not take the opportunity to share the Gospel Message with those visiting our website that may not know Christ as Lord and Savior. Below, the reader will find a list of scriptures and short explanations describing the need for salvation through Christ. Please take the time to read the scriptures below and should you desire to make a decision afterward please reach out to us so we can discuss your thoughts, help you and celebrate with you. After a salvation decision, you will be a new creature like a brand new baby (2 Cor. 5:17). Let us help you find a place to grow in your new faith, whether that place be at Darlington or with another body of believers.
All of mankind is inherently sinful
In our statement of faith, Article III concerns man and his fallen state. In short we believe the Bible teaches that man is inherently sinful and is incapable of goodness. Once sin entered the world, the world and all in it is cursed. (Genesis 3:17-19). Since all mankind is sinful, not only are they incapable of goodness, they are unable to satisfy the requirements of God (Romans 3:9-12; Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:1-3). Romans 3:23 states: "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."
The penalty for sin is death
In our statement of faith, Article II speaks of God, His holiness and perfection. The penalty for sin is death, which is eternal separation from God (Genesis 3:22-24). This death penalty is not given to us but is our "reward" for our behavior. In other words we earned our fate by choosing to voluntarily live contrary to God's command. Romans 6:23a states: "For the wages of sin is death..."
God loves us
In light of all of the sin in the world, God loves us and desires relationship with the pinnacle of His creation (Genesis 1:26-27). He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save all who believe in Him from their sins (John 3:16-17). So, even though we are technically enemies of God or at enmity with Him, He loves us enough to send Christ to die so we can be reconciled to God through Christ. Romans 5:8 states: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Salvation cannot be accomplished on our own
Salvation is a gift from God demonstrating His grace and mercy. Without His gift, we would be unable to atone for our sins because there must be a shedding of blood for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Therefore, God offers His gift for free to those choosing to believe. Romans 6:23b states: "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We must be born again
Since we are born into sin, we are unable in our current state to become purified. We must be "born again". Jesus explains this to Nicodemus in John 3. John 3:3 states: "Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of of God." John 3:5 states: "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God'...."
Jesus is the only way
Jesus is the only way we can come to the father. There is no other means because He is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter. 2:4, Hebrews 4: 15, 1 John 2:1-2, 1 Timothy 2:5, Matthew 5:17). These scriptures and others are why Christ states in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
Confession
The process of transformation starts with confession. Jesus speaks concerning things coming from the mouth being a reflection of the heart (Matthew 15:11). Therefore, in the same context, Romans 10:8-10, 13 states: "8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. ... 13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
Transformation
Once we are "born again" or born of the Spirit, we become like new. Our heart of stone is replaced with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Essentially, we become a new person. We not longer seek to live with our old desires but seek to live serving Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:15, 17 states: "...and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf...Therefore if anyone is in Christ, [he is] a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
Celebration
When a sinner comes to repentance, there is a great celebration. This is the best decision a person can make. Jesus tells us in Luke 15:10: "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Jesus is waiting
God has initiated salvation and is waiting for a response as the Gospel is for all people (Ro. 3:29-30). Rev. 3:20 states: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, i will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."