Salvation Issues
Salvation comes no other way than through Jesus. This area is dedicated to issues about obedience to the Gospel. The Bible clearly answers “What must I do to be saved”.
God adds people to the church. It is up to believers to bring others to God. It is the responsibility of each believer to share their beliefs with others. It was necessary for the eunuch to hear words from Philip (Acts 8 ). It was necessary for Saul to hear words from Ananias (Acts 9). It was necessary for Cornelius to hear words from Peter (Acts 10). God has seen fit to spread his word to mankind through the mouths of believers.
The salvation of a man’s soul has 2 necessary parts: God’s part and man’s part. God’s part is the big part. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love God felt for mankind led him to send his Only Son Jesus into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God’s part in salvation. There is no dispute that Grace saves, but this is God’s part.
Though God’s part is the big part, man’s part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has set forth in His Word. This is called “Obeying the gospel” for a reason. Childlike obedience is required, not Man’s easy-step altar call or prefabricated prayer.
Man’s part can be clearly set forth in the following steps:
- Hear the Gospel. This part is fulfilled by a believer who presents the message.
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). - Believe.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6). - Repent of past sins. (a change of thoughts and actions) Sadly, the world is focusing away from this idea. They somehow forget that we must die to our old man, and put off our filthy sins.
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). - Confess Jesus as Lord.
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36-37). - Be baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sins. Death, burial and rebirth are all symbolized in this act. This is the step according to scripture that puts a believer “into” Christ.
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
“no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5) - Live a Godly life based on the examples you have been shown, and the life of Jesus. Meet with other true believers.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9).
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
“Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (John 6:53) - Pass on what you have learned. Lead others to Jesus.
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 10:32,33)
These are of course only steps. Once you learn to walk, you keep walking.
