A personal precpetive from Joseph Sullivan.

I'm going to talk about salvation to the person who wants hope in life, meaning and purpose. I know this will help you because it has helped me.  I have found hope through God's word, the Bible.  It's because of this hope that I am complete. Since I was a young teenager, I had something missing. I thought gratifying my own wants would fulfill me, so I tried a lot of stuff and did many things.  Yet, none of these actions helped. It was when I started living for God, and not going about this search by myself, I found a life of purpose-- both meaningful and rewarding.  Having God gives hope to my life and is utterly fulfilling.

This pursuit can be compared to anything we do, in our relationships, jobs or hobbies, the more you put in and invest into something/someone, the more you get back in return. When you and I put our time and energy into pleasing God, we get the best return of all: a comforting hope, inner fulfillment, a higher life purpose, and a faith that is supportive in our times of crisis.

Please reflect on the following verses about God's plan for your life. His message that, when followed, gives you a relationship that is fulfilling, a salvation that supplies hope, and purpose and security. The Bible speaks about this when it says "Give and it will be given to you...For with the measure you use it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) This is true in following God's purpose for your life. A purpose He has given from the pages of the Bible. A purpose that will give you a new life of fulfillment as you live for Him.

How to Get Salvation

First, in finding salvation from sins one must understand that the Bible is the only true standard of divine authority. God's thoughts are revealed to us, so that we can live a life that is purpose-driven.  Living for someone more then one's self, living for Him and obeying His Commands.

Many people have strong opinions about religion, but they don't understand the Bible because they don't have knowledge. Romans 10:2-3 says "For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge." Reading the Bible is something everyone must do for knowledge and personal growth.

Only by this can a person know what God has said and use His words as a compass for their life. In Psalm 119:105 the scripture says "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path." God does not want us to stumble through life in ignorance or to be confused. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that "God is not a God of confusion, but of peace." From His book we can understand His message.  For all the past "secret things" and beautiful "mysteries" from heaven are now revealed to us through the Bible. "When you read, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ." says Ephesians 3:4.  With study and desire we can learn what God has said and through Him receive forgiveness to live richer and fuller - spiritual - lives.