WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED

ANDERSON CHURCH OF CHRIST

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WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? By Lanny Smith

The above question is no doubt “implied” in every case of conversion, but the New Testament shows that this question was specifically asked on three separate occasions (Acts 2:37; 9:6; 16:30). In each case, the answer was geared to the spiritual condition of the inquirer.

First of all, the Philippian jailor knew absolutely nothing about Jesus. Hence, he was told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). And “THEN,” the record says, “they spoke the word of the Lord to him” (v. 32); and the next verse shows that “he and all his family were baptized” (v. 33). This tells me that when one knows nothing about Jesus, we must begin with the beginning, and teach him the story of Jesus. From that teaching will come faith (Rom. 10:17), which will then be followed by baptism (Mark 6:15-16).

However, on the Day of Pentecost, these folk already believed in Jesus. I know this is true, for when Peter told them who Jesus was, “they were cut to the heart, and said...men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter told them to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:36-38). “THEN,” the record says, “those who gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). Sounds clear enough to me. Those who already believe in Christ must “repent” of their sins and then “be baptized” for the remission of those sins.

Finally, Saul of Tarsus, after seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus, believed that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 9:1-6), and was filled with repentance for having persecuted Christians (v. 9). So, when he asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (v. 6), all he was told to do was: “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16). THEN, the record says, “he arose and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). Once again, it is very clear that those who have already believed in Jesus, and repented of sin, now only lack baptism to complete the process of salvation from past sins.

To summarize, we note: 1.) that the answer in each case was geared to the spiritual condition of the inquirer; and 2.) that each case mentions baptism as essential to the process of being saved. These are facts which cannot successfully be denied.

Now let’s put this all together, and create a composite picture. When an alien sinner asks, “What must I do to be saved?” the complete answer is: 1.) Believe in Jesus; 2.) Repent of sin; and 3.) Be baptized. Don’t be fooled by those who would tell you that, “All you need to do is believe in Jesus Christ,” and that “Baptism has nothing to do with your salvation.” Though they are no doubt sincere, such people are as wrong as they can be about this matter. It is far better to put your trust in the word of God, than in the word of men. If we can help you to obey the gospel and become a Christian, please contact us!