What Must I Do to be Saved?

The Question This is the most important question you could ever ask. It is important because what you do now will determine where you will be in eternity. If you will search diligently for the answer and act upon it, you will never regret your decision.

Many Lost Sadly, very few people ask this question. Most are preoccupied with the everyday affairs of life. Jesus taught that many will be lost. He said, “... broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it” (Matthew 7:13).

Beware! Many sincere and well-intentioned people are ready to answer this question for you. But be careful! Jesus warned, “... if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14). The eternal destiny of your soul is at stake! You must find the Bible answer to this important question.

The Source The only reliable source in religious matters is the Word of God --- the Bible. Please search it diligently to be sure you understand what to do in order to be saved. The book of Acts records numerous examples of those who accepted Jesus as Lord. A study of these examples will help you to understand what you must do.

Be CarefulAs you study your Bible, please be careful to notice what it says. The Bible does not say, “Simply believe in the Lord Jesus.” The Bible does not say, “Pray the sinners prayer.” Please observe that those outside of Christ were not told to pray in order to be saved. These ideas are from men; not from God. Do not be misled by human concepts.

The Philippian JailerThe jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He was told, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved ...” He was then taught by Paul and Silas and was baptized that night. After he was baptized, he “... rejoiced greatly, having believed in God ...” (Acts 16:34). Belief must include obedience. Jesus saves those who obey Him, “... He became to all who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9).

The MessageIt is important to notice that Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to the jailer (Acts 16:31-32). The jailer understood that forgiveness of sin is found in Christ. He understood that those who accept Jesus as Lord are baptized into Christ. For this reason he was baptized immediately, that same hour of the night (Acts 16:33). This was obedience to Christ. The same message was proclaimed on other occasions. See Acts 10:48; 16:15; 18:8; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27; and Colossians 2:12.

The Key - BelieveThe Gospel According to John was written that you might believe. It gives an account of Christ, with evidence that will enable you to know that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God. When you believe He is the Christ, you will gladly accept Him as Lord in obedient faith. Jesus emphasized the necessity of such belief when He said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

If you believe, you will obey Jesus as Lord. If you do not believe, you will not obey. Do you believe God raised Jesus from the dead? Will you confess Him before others? Will you be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins in obedience to His instructions?

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

Please contact me, Dennis Crawford, at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell)for comments, questions, further Bible information, or for the location of a congregation belonging to Jesus Christ near you.