The sin of man in the Garden of Eden it was not what God wanted, but it was man giving into Satan.

John listed the way sin occurs, and the way mother Eve sinned: the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Man went from innocence to the guilt of sin. God loved his creation and showed his love and compassion for man by sending a Savior for man.

During the time of the Old Testament, man did not receive the forgiveness but the promise that those sins would be forgiven when the Savior died for those sins. Countless gallons of blood were shed, but only the blood of Christ could forgive sin (Heb. 10:1-4). Christ came willingly to shed his blood so man could have salvation.

Luke by inspiration wrote for man to know how man could and can be saved. He recorded how men developed faith in Jesus. They heard the gospel preached and this developed faith (Rom. 10:17). Jesus came to earth and after he began his ministry did many signs and wonders that are recorded in the accounts of the gospel.

Peter on the Day of Pentecost told those present about this “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: John tells us why these things were done” (Acts 2:22).

On this great day Peter’s words touched the hearts of those listening. They realized their condition and their need of salvation.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:37-39).

Notice he told them to repent. They had been following God, but now there was a new way, the way of Christ.

As one looks at other accounts of conversion, it is seen that men confessed the name of Christ. This should not come as a surprise as Jesus during his earthly ministry taught about man needing to be willing to confess that he was the Christ.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32).

Later Paul would write, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). When the Ethiopian asked Philip about being baptized, he was eager to proclaim his belief in Jesus as God’s Son” (Acts 8:37).

Baptism is where one contacts the blood of Christ (Gal. 3:27). It is the blood of Christ that cleanses one of sin.

Peter wrote, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

God’s plan for man’s salvation is seen when one looks at the plan itself. Study God’s word and learn about Jesus.