Beech Tree News Network

This question is a perennial question. Concerned people asked this several times in the book of Acts, and many ask it today. When one asks, “What must I do to be saved?” let us allow the Lord to answer the question.

To be saved, one must believe in Christ. Jesus said, “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). This faith (trust) that Christ is God’s Son comes through hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Repentance is also required if one is to be saved. When I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died as a sacrifice for my sins, then sin will not look the same. I will repent of the sins I have committed. To repent is to turn away from sin and wrongdoing and determine to live for Christ. It is a change of mind that results in a change of life. Some have equated repentance with sorrow, but it is more than that (II Corinthians 7:10). Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Paul told those on Mars’ Hill, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Next, confession of one’s faith in Christ is necessary. The Bible says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). The Ethiopian eunuch made this confession when he told Philip, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37). Peter also made this confession. This confession is the foundation upon which the church was built (Matthew 16:16-18).

Finally, if one wishes to be saved, he will be baptized in water for the remission of sins. We see this happening in Acts 2:38 when after the people had heard the gospel (Acts 2:22), and believed that Jesus is “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36), the people asked, “what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter responded that they needed to “repent and be baptized ... for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). On another occasion, after Philip “preached Jesus” to the eunuch (Acts 8:35), when “they came to a certain water,” the eunuch asked, “what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). When he was told to believe in Christ, and he confessed his faith (Acts 8:37), “he (the eunuch) commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). The teaching of Philip and the response of the eunuch parallels not only Acts 2:36-38 but also Mark 16:15-16.

Friend, this is what the Bible says you must do to be saved. Don’t delay any longer. Let us help you “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Why not be saved from your sins today? “...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2) “To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167