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.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Heb 5:12-6:2).
In the book of Hebrews, the writer admonishes believers to progress from the foundational principles of the doctrine of Christ towards spiritual maturity, (Heb 5:12-14).
Believers are likened to infants who require milk, unable to digest the deeper truths of the gospel. Instead, they are urged to embrace the “strong meat” of the Word, reserved for those who are mature and spiritually discerning. The writer then lists 6 foundational principles that believers are to be building upon.
The first principle is repentance from dead works. Galatians 5:19-26 underscores the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and fruits worthy of repentance.
The next is faith toward God, which is central to the doctrine of Christ. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust in the character and promises of God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Heb 11:6). Believers are commanded to add to their faith (2Peter 1:5-11).
The third is the doctrine of baptisms which encompasses various forms of baptism, including water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 9:10 references the ceremonial washings prescribed in the Old Testament law, while Ephesians 4:4-6 emphasizes the unity of believers through the one baptism in Christ. Believers are called to understand the significance of water baptism as the moment one’s sins are washed away and marks the beginning of a new life in Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:35-39; 22:16; Rom 6:3-4).
Next is the laying on of hands which has 3 forms in the NT Apostolic age of the church; the impartation of spiritual gifts, in healing the sick, and commissioning for ministry. Acts 8:17 shows through the laying on of the Apostles’ that the Holy Spirit was given, while Acts 6:6 and Acts 13:3 shows the ordination of individuals for service in the early church. Believers today are only able to practice the ordination of men to the work of the ministry.
Fifth is the resurrection of the dead which is a foundational truth of the Christian faith, affirming the hope of eternal life. Scriptures such as Matthew 22:23 and 1Corinthians 15:12-19 underscore the reality of resurrection and its implications for believers. Acts 17:32 shows how the resurrection is a stumbling block for unbelievers. As followers of Christ, believers are called to live in light of eternity, knowing that death is not the end but the beginning of a glorious new existence in Christ (1Thess 4:13-18).
Finally, believers are reminded of the reality of eternal judgment, wherein every person will give an account for their actions. Matthew 25:26 and Mark 9:41-50 emphasize the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Believers are called to live in reverence and obedience to God, knowing that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2Cor 5:10-11a).
The doctrine of Christ is not merely a set of beliefs to be acknowledged but is foundational truth from which we are expected to grow & mature, and become effective citizens in the Lord’s Kingdom. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2Pet 3:18).
You are invited to visit one of our services in Borger Texas. Here is a link to information about finding a church, who we are, and why we’re different.
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?
We need to know enough to be able to speak the SAME things.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the SAME thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME mind and in the SAME judgment. (1Cor1:10)
Can you know too much about SALVATION? Are all churches teaching the SAME thing as The Bible? Are we teaching the SAME thing as Jesus.
What did Jesus say about SALVATION?
Matthew 7:24 KJV
Therefore whosoever HEARS these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
John 8:24 KJV
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye BELIEVE not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Luke 13:3,5 KJV
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish.
Matthew 10:32-33 KJV
Whosoever therefore shall CONFESS me before men, him will I CONFESS also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 16:16 KJV
He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
It’s water baptism. Notice what the first Christian evangelists taught.
Acts 8:35-36 KJV
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?
Baptism is a burial in water.
Colossians 2:12 KJV
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.
Matthew 28:20 KJV
Teaching them to OBSERVE ALL THINGS whatsoever I have COMMANDED you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Does your church teach the SAME as Jesus about how to be saved? Does it teach the SAME purpose?
Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, water Baptism, & Faithfulness.
Which can you add, change, or remove and still be speaking the SAME thing as Jesus, Peter, Philip, Paul & the rest of the NT?
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Eph 2:8
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb 11:6
FAITH without WORKS is dead being alone.
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” James 2:24
There are no WORKS of God to save without GRACE.
“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 2:11
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Eph 1:7
“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7
GRACE, FAITH, WORKS of God. Rom 5:2-10.
“2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (see 1Cor 15:1-4) 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:2-10
What shall you do with God’s Gift of GRACE?
Are you seeking to better understand God’s Grace and his word?
Send me a message and we can have a home Bible study in person or have one sent to you.
Part two of this five point series can be found here. Part three is here. Part four here.
Faith is ACTION based on the information. James 2:14-24 “justified by works and not by faith only.”
Faith is INSISTENT on standing firm. Hebrews 11:24-25
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”
Faith is Believing and TRUSTING in the results from keeping God’s word. Colossians 2:12. “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.”
Faith is HOPE that the Lord will reward those that keep His word.
Hebrews 11:1, 6 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Faith is listed among the 9 spiritual gifts early saints could receive during the writing of the New Testament (1Cor 12:8-9; 13:2; Matt 17:20).
These several senses above all combine to mean FAITH. Where there is no word of God there can be no faith in God. This is an unquestioned teaching of God’s word. (See also John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17: Eph 3:1-4) If therefore, God says nothing concerning a given course, there can be no faith. Since we are to walk by faith, it follows that in any matter whatsoever in which we are not directed by the word of God, we are neither walking by faith nor pleasing God.
To walk by FAITH is to act upon God’s revealed word, the faith, and not by opinion. If people are seekers of God, they will seek His will before acting, rather than acting and hoping God will sanctify the actions.
One man said it this way about a particular religious action he had taken. “I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I just do my best and ask God for mercy.” If you don’t know if it’s right, then DON’T DO IT. There’s a principle that speaks directly to this; “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom 14:23).
Let’s state it another way. God accepts no gratuitous service in matters to be rendered exclusively to Him. Man possesses an undeniable right to exercise his own judgment in the management of his personal affairs, as long as he does not violate any principles of moral correctness or righteousness. Man is guided in his personal life by God’s moral law and is given liberty to make individual choices under generic authority live, prosper and enjoy (1Thess 4:1-12; 1Tim 6:17; 3John 2).
However, In the service to be rendered exclusively to God, He has legislated. He has ordained the worship to be rendered to Him, and human wisdom must neither add to, take from, nor in any way modify what he has prescribed, otherwise those who do so are walking by their own judgment, and not by faith. Let’s review a few examples…
Water Baptism has been commanded by Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-36; 22:16; 1Pet 3:21). Who are we to alter it or even hint that one can be saved without it? Note the urgency of Baptism in the book of Acts. “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:33).
Adoration in vocal song (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). Who are we to do what God has commanded not by introducing instrumental music? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
The Lord’s Supper is given to be observed by the assembled local church (Matt 26:26-30; Luke 22:15-20; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1Cor 11:17-34). Who are we to move it to a digital venue, or a cruise ship vacation, or to any other place of convenience where there is no local church assembled? The idea that any group of Christians is a church is false. (see Matt 18:16, a distinction is made between a 2-3 individuals and the church)
We are commanded to Keep the faith “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7), and to Keep God’s commands (1John 5:3). Who are we to tell anyone that they may be saved without obedience to the faith, or that they can never fall from grace? “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Heb 12:15).
“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name” (Rom 1:5).
We must walk by FAITH, not by the sight of our own opinions.
For several years it has been my custom to carry my bible into the public and to read privately, but openly. Many folks will comment, or be complimentary. Many more will walk on by. A few will stop to talk about their faith.
This article is a blending of several of those conversations. These two examples are representative of almost all of them. Most of these folks have the identical objections to the Bible. The objections are so common that I’ve actually made a list of the top 10 most common ones along with scriptural answers.
I have not raised my voice, become angry (Jas 1:20), and have avoided any rudeness on my part. I wish it could be said of the other part. Some have been very pleasant and have resulted in a few conversions.
Person A: You don’t have to be baptized to be saved? You just need to ask Jesus into your heart.
Person B: So, you believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth and is (NOT) baptized shall be saved.”
Person A: My grandma was a wonderful woman. She never went to church, never had religion, but she was so kind to all.
Person B: So, you believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth (NOT) and is (NOT) baptized shall be saved.” Are you suggesting a works-based salvation?
Person A: I have a friend whose baby was baptized (sprinkled).
Person B: So, they believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth (NOT) and is baptized (sprinkled) shall be saved.” Babies are incapable of faith, so they’re safe according to Jesus (Mark 10:13-15).
Person A: I have heard that there’s only heaven and not eternal hell.
Person B: So, you believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth and is baptized shall (NOT) be saved.” Jesus said, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matt 25:46). Jesus uses the same word (aiōnion) to describe both. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” It’s so simple, let’s just do what Jesus said.
Person A: you’re going to hell if you believe baptism saves you.
Person B: “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:” (1Pet 3:21)
Person A: what about the thief on the cross? Ha! Gotcha.
Person B: The thief received his inheritance before the testator died. (Think about how WILLS work). Now that the Testator (Jesus) has died (and rose again to heaven), we are bound to follow His will. “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Heb 9:16-17)
Person A: (screaming) YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED TO BE SAVED!!!!!
Person B: I see that you’re upset. I’ll not talk to you about it anymore. (Matt 15:14)
Person A: Satan quoted scripture too.
Person B: have a nice day.
“That’s just your opinion”
(Based on an actual conversation)
Person B is handing out religious tracks at the fair.
Person A: (using person B’s personal pocket Bible they used to show scripture) the Bible says; “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16)
Person B: That’s just your opinion.
Person A: wait, what? I just read the scripture directly.
Person B: That’s just your interpretation.
Person A: I didn’t interpret nor did I comment. I just quoted the passage. We could read the whole chapter (Bible) and it wouldn’t change it.
Person B: You’re just a legalist.
Person A: How’s that? I’m reading the words of Jesus. Are you saying Jesus is a legalist too?
Person B: We’re saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Person A: Are you interested in reading the only passage in all of the Bible that says “by faith alone?”
Person B: (closes their pocket New Testament & places it in back pocket) “nope.”
Person A: I’m sorry to have bothered you. Have a nice day.
Person B: ☹
Agape,
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger Texas.
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
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
(Eph 2:8)
Some would have you believe that there is nothing a man must do to receive the GRACE of God. However, that extreme position teaches universal salvation to unbelievers, unrepentant, active sinners, and wicked & vile people.
These same teachers would then say, “well, you have to believe.” The scriptures teach that a person must believe before they can be saved (John 8:24). Again, this “faith only” extreme position teaches salvation to any ‘believer’ regardless of willful sins.
By the way, belief is a work that man must do. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29; cf. 1Thess 1:3).
These very same teachers then tell me, “Well, you must repent.” At this point we’re getting closer to the truth. At least some of them agree with the scriptures that repentance is a requirement of salvation. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30; cf Luke 13:3).
They will also teach to be saved a person must confess Jesus. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). They agree with the scriptures, but they need to read just one verse farther, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” There is something man must do to receive the GRACE of God.
Is it any stretch then to teach that a person must do something to RECEIVE the Grace of God that has appeared to all men? GRACE is Received by man when they obey the Gospel. Read just a little further in Romans 10:16; “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” Obedience is connected to Belief.
Grace is the Gift of God. As seen above, mankind must RECEIVE (obey) that gift. Grace is the provision for salvation through Christ. Without His perfect sacrifice we could not be saved. How do we receive salvation through His Grace?
Paul wrote this, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2Tim 2:5, NKJV). To be saved one must follow the RULES of Christ. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2John 9).
When Peter preached at the beginning he told the new believers in Christ, “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” (Acts 2:38). Before anyone can receive the Gift of Salvation, they must believe and REPENT. It is commanded by Christ, It is taught by the Apostles, It is repeated by Paul, and it is a requirement for restoration of those who have obeyed but have sinned (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Rev 2:5).
The person that believes must REPENT AND be BAPTIZED. Believers are immersed in (go UNDER) water to be saved. When Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch, he asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Paul explained that Baptism (going UNDER water by faith) is accessing the working of God through faith for the circumcision of the heart. “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 2:11-12).
Peter wrote that water baptism saves, “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). Ananias told Saul of Tarsus that baptism will “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
Those that have obeyed the Gospel by putting on Christ in Baptism must then LIVE Faithfully. Paul said that it is possible to receive the Grace of God in vain (2Cor 6:1). That is what happens when believers LIVE unfaithfully to Christ. He wrote the Galatians that they could “fall from grace” (Gal 5:4). This happens when we turn from Christ to another gospel (cf. Gal 1:6-10; 2Cor 11:4). Paul wrote Titus telling him that grace is “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11).
When we obey the gospel through faith, we can ENJOY the comfort & hope of God’s Grace. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2Thess 2:16-17). We can have assurance in Eternal life when we do what is commanded for us to do.
The grace of God also gives opportunity to STAND us back up when we fall in SIN, and when we SUFFER trials. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16; cf. 1John 1:9).
Grace is an exceedingly wonderful Gift from Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Grace is the opportunity, obeying the Truth is receiving His grace. (1Peter 1:22)
Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 