- Jesus Christ is the one and only sacrifice for our sins and he arose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 3:16).
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:10).
- Every person has worth, but all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and therefore needs salvation (Romans 6:23).
- Forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life are available to those who trust and obey Christ as Savior and Lord (John 3:16; Hebrews 5:8-9).
- Those willing to obey the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:14-16; 10:17) should repent of sin, confess their faith, and be baptized into Christ for forgiveness of sins (Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38).
- The church is the Body of Christ on earth, is empowered by the Holy Spirit and exists to save the lost and edify the saved (Ephesians 4:1-16).
- As the church of Christ on earth, and following the New Testament pattern we worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) each Lord’s Day by singing, praying, giving as we have been prospered, teaching God’s word, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:19 ; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30).
- Jesus Christ will one day return to take God’s children to be with him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Biblical Salvation
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
“What must I do to be saved?” This is the question the Philippian jailer asked of the apostle Paul after an earthquake had released his prisoners (Acts 16:30). He knew to ask Paul and Silas because he had heard them singing and praying to God. This is, perhaps, the most important question one can ask. Here we want to briefly outline the biblical response to this question.
Recognition of Sin
The question is based on the knowledge that one has a need for salvation. This comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). This need for salvation results from the fact that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin causes spiritual death and separation from God. Before one can receive God’s forgiveness, there must be a recognition of being dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1).
Response of Faith
“Believe in the Lord Jesus,” Paul told the jailer (Acts 16:31). Biblical faith is trust. It is taking God at His word, and faith comes through hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Once we hear what God’s word says, we must choose to believe and act upon it. Through faith, we have access to the grace of God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2).
Repentance of Sin
If we recognize that we are sinners and respond to God through faith, then we must turn from sin and strive to live according to His word. God commands all people to repent (Acts 17:30-31). He does not want us to continue living a life that is opposed to His will. If we refuse to repent, then we are not responding properly by faith, for if we take God at His word, we will want to remove ourselves from a sinful life.
Confession of Jesus as Lord
Paul wrote, “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” (Romans 10:9). Confession of Jesus as Lord is an acknowledgement that Jesus is our owner and ruler, which implies that we are willing to do whatever He says. If we call Him “Lord,” then we must do His will (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23). If we are not willing to confess Him as Lord, then we are not responding in faith.
Baptism into Christ
Some on the day of Pentecost asked Peter the same question as the jailer after they heard the truth about Jesus (Acts 2). Peter responded, “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” (v.38). Baptism is immersion in water “for the remission [forgiveness] of sins.” If we want to complete our response of faith, we will be immersed in water to have our sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Some argue that this is not necessary because it is a “work,” and since we are saved by grace, we don’t have to do it. However, this objection is based on a misunderstanding of the nature of grace, faith, and works. We cannot earn our salvation. There is nothing meritorious in this. However, baptism is commanded by God, and if we are going to take Him at His word, then we are going to do it for the reasons that He states. When we are baptized, we are not relying on ourselves for salvation; we are relying upon the working of God (Colossians 2:11-13). One who responds in faith will be baptized to be united with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5).
A New Life
Baptism is the beginning of a new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians have Christ living in them (Galatians 2:20). They are striving to live a life consistent with the teachings of Scripture. This is walking by faith. We must constantly seek to grow and live as God tells us. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). God promises that He will help (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16). We will always have access to His throne. We can confess our sins to Him as Christians and He will forgive (1 John 1:7-9). Yet we must never turn our backs on Him. We must never cast away the confidence that we have as His children (Hebrews 10: 35), otherwise we will drift away from Him (Hebrews 2:1-4).
