Salvation: the process?

On Friday December 7th, we discussed salvation. What is salvation and how does it work? Is life all about being "saved" or is it all about being a disciple of Jesus? Is salvation the beginning and the end of the process of being a Christian? First you must accept Jesus in your heart and be saved, then you must walk with Him to become a disciple. Once you die and go to Him in heaven, He will save you from eternal death. Could this be the process that Christianity is professing? Or could it be like the flow of a river; it starts as a puddle, but after more water comes, it flows to a bigger body of water. This is related to our walk with Jesus; first we start our journey as a disciple, then go to Church and become educated in His teachings, lastly after death we end up being with Him. So, why does there seem to be such a process? Shouldn't it just be this constent walk with Jesus? Jesus says that He is the door and whoever enters through Him will be saved (John 10:9); so how do you enter this door? Is it like crossing the "bridge of peace" that we discussed on Saturday December 3rd? My question to you: what is true salvation and how does it work?