Though Paul declares that salvation is a gift of God in Ephesians 2.8, salvation is neither quid pro quo nor is it a free gift as we Westerners define a gift that is free, for there are seven critical steps in the salvation process, which can occur over a short period of time or over a span of years; omission of one of these steps may leave a lost person dead in their sin. The seven critical steps are as follows: 1) Called unto Christ by the Holy Spirit; 2) the presentation of the Gospel message; 3) the Gospel message is both understood and accepted into one's body, soul, and spirit; 4) the costs to follow Christ is counted and accepted; 5) one dies to one's will as Christ becomes Lord of his or her life; 6) Jesus seals one with the Holy Spirit; and 7) one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit which gives power in order to be effective in your witness.