People often appeal to single passages on how to be saved, but ignore an entire book in the New Testament that shows people going from a lost condition to being saved. That book is called ACTS. It contains the founding of the church of Christ at Pentecost, and the conversion of the lost to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Cases of Conversion in the book of Acts.
1. The first of these conversions happened on the notable day of Pentecost when the church was established. The text (Acts 2:14) shows that they had the Gospel preached to them; they heard (vv. 36-37); they repented of their sins (v. 38); and they were baptized into Christ (v. 38). The result was that they had their sins washed away.
2. In Acts 8:4-5, Phillip preached to the people of Samaria; they heard (v. 6); they were baptized (v. 12).
3. Phillip also preached to Simon (Acts 8:4-5); he heard the Gospel (v. 6); he was baptized (v. 13).
4. Phillip preached to the Eunuch (Acts 8:35-39); he made the good confession (v. 37); he was baptized (v. 38) and rejoiced in the forgiveness of his sins (v. 39).
5. Ananias preached to Saul, later called Paul (Acts 9:17); he was baptized (Acts 22:16), and the rest of his life he taught others to do the same (I Cor. 12:13).
6. Peter preached to Cornelius (Acts 10:34-35); he and his family heard (v. 44); they repented of their sins (Acts 11:18); they were baptized (v. 48). They were saved (Acts 11:14).
7. Paul preached the saving message to Lydia on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:13); she heard (v. 14); she was baptized (v. 15).
8. Paul preached to the Jailor (Acts 16:32); he repented (v. 33); he was baptized (v. 33).
9. Paul preached to and converted souls at Corinth (Acts 18:5); they heard (v. 8); they were baptized (v. 8).
10. Paul preached to Crispus (Acts 18:5); though it is not recorded in the book of Acts that he was baptized, he was baptized according to Paul’s writing to the Corinthian church (1Cor. 1:14).
11. The Ephesians had the Gospel preached to them (Acts 19:8); they heard the message of salvation (Eph. 1:13). They were baptized (Acts 19:5) and were in this way saved by grace (Eph. 2:8-10).
agape,
spencer
Here is a link to another article on the conversions in Acts.
“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3)
If one can pray AMISS, then it stands to reason that we can do other commands of God in a manner that He won’t accept. There are examples of people…
Preaching a different Gospel: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:8)
Following a different Jesus: “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2Cor 11:4)
Obeying the Law of Moses: “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 15:1)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal 5:1-4)
Practicing vain worship: “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7)
From these few examples it’s clear that we can appear to be obeying God, but in reality, we’re disobedient. How can we know?
Can we be Baptized AMISS?
If you’ve been baptized to be ADDED to a denomination, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
The Lord adds to the church, and never to a denomination. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41).
Getting baptized solely as a requirement to join a specific denomination or church, rather than for the biblical purpose of remission of sins and entrance into the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27), misses the true purpose (cf. 1Cor 1:10-13).
Some might get baptized to gain favor in a political or social context, which is not a biblical reason. Some might seek baptism to gain prestige or authority within a religious community, which is not a biblical reason.
If you’ve been baptized as a MERITORIOUS work, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
Some believe that baptism is a meritorious work that earns salvation, whereas the New Testament teaches that baptism is an act of faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12). It is not legalism to comply with the conditions of salvation given by God.
Any reason for baptism except to obey the gospel through faith in Jesus Christ for the remission of sins is no reason at all. It’s possible to outwardly comply with a command of God, but inwardly. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt 15:8,9)
Believing that baptism will bring material or physical blessings, such as health, wealth, or prosperity, is not a biblical reason for baptism. Repentance is a prerequisite for baptism (Acts 2:38).
If you’ve been baptized as an INFANT or by any mode other than IMMERSION, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
Infant baptism is contrary to the doctrine of Christ. “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” (Mark 10:14,15). To Cleanse from Original Sin is not a doctrine taught in the New Testament. The doctrine of original sin and its cleansing through infant baptism is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that baptism is for the remission of personal sins (Acts 2:38).
Baptism is a burial (immersion in water) for those that believe. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Col 2:12). Getting baptized without personal faith and understanding, possibly under coercion or pressure, is not scriptural. Baptism requires belief.
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36,37)
If you’ve been baptized after you think you were SAVED, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
The bible teaches that a person is baptized to be saved. “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:” (1Peter 3:21).
Saul of Tarsus (later to become Paul the Apostle), was baptized to wash away his sins. How can one be saved then have their sins washed away? “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
The idea that baptism is merely a symbolic public declaration of faith without any salvific purpose contradicts the biblical teaching that it is essential for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
Viewing baptism as merely a religious tradition or ritual without understanding its significance in salvation contradicts the New Testament teaching (Romans 6:3-4).
If you’ve been baptized for SOCIAL acceptance, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
There are some who are baptized for social acceptance among their Family or friends, or to fit in. Some have been baptized to make their parents happy. Some are baptized so they can make a future spouse happy. If we’re baptized to please a person and not for the remission of sins, then we’ve been baptized amiss. It’s a very nervous thing for parents who desire that their children obey the gospel, but they want it to be on the child’s own volition and not just to please their parents.
Jesus taught about counting the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:28-33). Baptism should not be entered into lightly or without understanding its lifelong commitment. The concept of being baptized because one has already been saved through a prior “decision” for Christ overlooks the New Testament’s connection of baptism with the forgiveness of sins and new birth (Acts 22:16; John 3:5).
I know of several young people who get baptized because their older peers had obeyed the gospel, rather than out of personal conviction and obedience to Christ. because they didn’t want to feel left out.
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
(Mark 16:16)
There are other reasons people give for baptism. The practice of baptism for the dead, as practiced in some religious groups, is not supported by New Testament teaching and is mentioned only ambiguously in 1 Corinthians 15:29 without endorsement.
The idea that baptism is an emergency ritual to be performed in dire circumstances, without the individual’s faith and understanding, does not align with the New Testament teaching.
Any reason for baptism that does not align with the biblical teaching that it is for the remission of sins, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to be added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:38; 1Corinthians 12:13) is not according to the Bible.
It is crucial to emphasize that baptism, according to the New Testament, is an act of faith and obedience, necessary for the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and entrance into the body of Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27).
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15).
Being a personal worker is hard. Not only does the personal worker need to be able to present the truth with love, we must also combat error. I’ll admit it, I’ve often taken the “you’re wrong here’s why” approach to evangelism.
Almost on a daily basis, especially Since I started preaching in Borger, I am told fantastic stories of how folks claim to have been saved. At no point is there ever a “thus saith the Lord” with a bible book, chapter, verse reference.
What do we say after those kinds of tales? It’s too easy to shake your head and close off the conversation because we don’t know how to respond.
I’ve discovered a better way, and I want to share it with you. Instead of running away, I see it as an opportunity to share the true Gospel, (Romans 1:16).
It’s called the “As for me…” principle as found in Joshua 24:15. The Apostle Paul used a similar tactic on Mars Hill. “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:22-24).
Here’s how it works. First, I ASK if I can open up to them about my own salvation. I then tell them how I was SAVED according to the commands of God. I had to Hear the gospel (Matt 7:23-29). I Believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24). I Repented and continue to live a penitent life (Luke 13:3). I have Confessed and continue to Confess Jesus before all (Matt 10:32). I was Baptized in Water, just as the Lord commands to have my sins washed away (Mar 16:16; Acts 2:38), and I strive to be Faithful to the Lord all the days of my life even if doing so causes me hurt (Mat 28:20; Rev 2:10). “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2Tim 1:12).
Sometimes there are questions about what I’ve said. I answer by saying, “I’ve FOUND that there are many discrepancies between what people say and what God teaches in His word. This next part is important. I ask if I can show them what I did. Then OPEN an actual printed bible for them to see and read for themselves.
I READ to them, (or let them read) those passages that I saw when I first learned the truth. Sometimes I need a few MARGIN notes to remind me where they are. I let the gospel be the power of God unto salvation and not myself for the converting of the soul. Whenever I’ve relied on my own ability to quote scripture, I’ve been met with resistance. One person said, “Satan quoted scripture too.” That push back was helpful because it revealed to me what people are thinking whenever I have quoted verses (even if accurately). It’s hard for people to argue against the Word. They’ll try, but they’ll fail.
Finally, I have no EXPECTATIONS of them. Certainly, my desire is that they come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved, but that’s God’s work. My job is to scatter the seed on the ground of the heart (see Mark 4:14-20). “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1Cor 3:6).
Agape,
Spencer
Go here For some helps with scripture when sharing the gospel.
By Grace (Gen 6:8) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
By Faith (Heb 11:7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
By Obedience (Heb 11:7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
In the Ark (1Pet 3:20) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
By Water (1Pet 3:21) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us
What does the bible say about how WE are saved?
By Grace (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
By Faith (Rom 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By Obedience (Heb 5:8-9) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
In Christ (2Tim 2:10) Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27; Col 2:11; Acts 8:35-38; Rom 6:3-5) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.
Which of the following sentences are true? Let them that oppose it erase the one he says is NOT true.
I contend that baptism comes before salvation. Some claim salvation comes before baptism.
Which does the Holy Spirit place first?
A. Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;”
(1) Belief, (2) Baptism, (3) Salvation.
B. Acts 2:38 “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.”
(1) Repent, (2) Baptized, (3) Remission of sins.
C. Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
(1) Arise, (2) Baptized, (3) Wash away sins.
D. Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
(1) Baptized, (2) Into Christ, (3) Put on Christ.
E. 1Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…”
(1) Baptism, (2) Saves.
If they’re correct that salvation comes before baptism, is it not strange that the Holy Spirit never one time had these in the right order?
The phrase “God has a plan for you” is one of the most Disheartening, Destructive, and Dangerous false Doctrines taught today. It’s based on an abuse of the context of Jeremiah’s prophecy. God does have a plan for you. It’s the same plan for everyone. Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Mark 16:15-16 KJV And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; [12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
God’s PLAN for you and me. God is no respect of persons. Acts 10:34. He has the same PLAN for the whole world. SADLY, MOST WON’T FOLLOW IT. 1) PUT on Christ. Galatians 3:27 KJV For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Mark 16:15-16 KJV And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 2) LOVE the Lord, His commands, His children, and everyone. Matthew 22:37,39 KJV Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 1 John 5:3 KJV For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 3) ASPIRE to live a quiet and peaceful life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 KJV And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; [12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Timothy 2:2-4 KJV For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 4) NEVER quit being faithful even in the face of pain, persecution, and personal struggles. Revelation 2:10 KJV Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Matthew 10:22 KJV And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
4 Examples of those who READ the Bible, and the Results.
#3 examples in ACTS.
Acts 8:32 the Eunuch
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Ac 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Acts 17:11 The Bereans
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
LESSON FOR US TODAY.
We can know how to obey the Gospel when we READ.
Let’s read the bible through in 2023
Here’s a link to some printable Bible reading Bookmarks.
If you live in the Borger area and would like to study the bible better, we invite you to one of our services with the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper.
An objection to BAPTISM is often posed something like this…
“What if a person hears and believes the truth and desires to be baptized, but they get into a car accident and dies on the way to be baptized, will God still save them?”
This is a very emotional appeal to a not very likely scenario. But, since you asked, let us go to scripture and ask some more questions. Can one be saved without Confession, Repentance, or even belief?
Can we be saved without…
BURIAL in Him? Col 2:11-12
Can we be saved without…
ADDED to the church? Acts 2:38-47
APPEAL to God. 1Pet 3:21; Acts 23:16
Can we be saved without…
PUTTING on Christ? Gal 3:27
Can we be saved by…
TRANSGRESSING the command of Christ, (& Apostles)? Luke 6:46; Mark 16:16; 1Cor 14:37; 2Thess 1:7-9
Can we be saved without…
IMMERSION INTO the likeness of His death? Rom 6:3-4
Can we be saved without…
SINS washed away? Acts 22:16; Is not SAVED. 1Pet 3:21
Can we be saved without the urgency to obey at…
MIDNIGHT, MIDDAY, or in the MIDDLE of an INCONVENIENT time? Acts 16:33; 26:28
LET’S TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE BIBLE.
What if Cornelius had Died before Peter came to him to “tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” (Acts 10:1-6). Would he have been saved? If not, why not? Some will have him be saved based solely on the intent of the heart.
What if the Eunuch died before he heard Jesus Preached to him by Philip (Acts 8:35)? Would he have been saved because of the intent of his heart? He was reading about Jesus in Isaiah.
We must be careful to teach the whole counsel of God. Baptism is essential to salvation, but not the ONLY thing that saves. This is why we read of the urgency of those who hear Jesus being preached. “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36; cf 16:33)
WHEN IS IT TOO LATE TO OBEY THE GOSPEL?
When life EXPIRES. Luke 12:19
When TIME is no more. Jas 4:14
Take TOO long. Acts 26:28
When you suffer brain damage through ACCIDENT, or Disease. Belief is essential to scriptural baptism. Mark 16:16.
People often ask questions about what happens if a person is not water baptized. “What if you’re on the way to the baptistry and you’re killed on the way?”
For the answer we appeal solely to the word of God. We can know nothing about it except that it was revealed by God.
Without water BAPTISM.
Was not BURIED with Him, Col 2:11-12
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Not ADDED to the church. Acts 2:38-47
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Did not PUT on Christ. Gal 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
TRANSGRESSED the command of Christ, (& Apostles) Luke 6:46; Mark 16:16; 1Cor 14:37; 2Thess 1:7-9
Mr 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
2Th 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
Did not follow Christ INTO the likeness of His death. Rom 6:3-6
Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Did not wash away SINS. Acts 22:16; Is not SAVED. 1Pet 3:21
Ac 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1Pe 3:21 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:
We MUST be baptized into Christ to be saved by Grace. Acts 19:1-5; Eph 2:8-10
Ac 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger Texas
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 