International Bible Teaching Ministries
What Must I Do to be Saved?
This question was asked by the jailor in Acts 16:30. This question should be asked by every man and woman. We also need to see the importance of where we look for the answer to this question. Man can not direct his own way in matters of religion (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12). We must have Bible authority for all we practice in religion (Colossians 3:17; I Peter 4:11). Not everything in religion that men do is right (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:21-23; Mark 7:7). We must obey God’s word and not the doctrines of men. The book of Acts is the New Testament book that gives us the examples of conversion. The following chapters in Acts list the examples of conversion: Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24 and 26. When you read these chapters you will know the answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?” These examples show us that there are five steps in God’s plan of salvation. Let us consider each of these five steps.
First, the word of God must be preached or taught. Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world, to every nation and to preach the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-47). Preaching the gospel of Christ is very important. There is power in the gospel (Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 1:21). Men and women will not obey the gospel until they first have heard the gospel.
Second, we must believe the gospel. Faith in God and His plan is very important (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus said if we did not believe in Him we would die in our sins (John 8:24). We learn how faith and hearing are tied together when we read Romans 10:17: “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” In Acts 8:35-37 this man wanted to be baptized but was told he could not unless he believed. Not all believers act upon their faith. Some believe that Jesus is the Christ but they do not obey Him (John 12:42).
Third, we must be willing to repent of our sins. Sin is a problem for all men and women (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). Sin is transgressing God’s law (I John 3:4; I John 5:17). Jesus taught in Luke 13:3 that all men are to repent. God commands all to repent (Acts 17:30-31).
Fourth, we are to confess the name of Christ before all (Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37-38; Romans 10:9-10). Notice this confession is not confessing that you are a sinner or that you have been saved; it is confessing that you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God.
Fifth, we are commanded to be baptized. Baptism is not for babies, Mark 16:16 says one must believe before baptism. Acts 2:38 teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins; see also Acts 22:16. When we are baptized we are added to the one body or church (I Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:47). Every example of conversion in the book of Acts mentions baptism. Many religious groups practice baptism but for the wrong reason.
Read these examples of conversion in the book of Acts. Have you done what the New Testament teaches in order to be saved? If not you should obey the gospel of Christ today and find a faithful congregation of the church of Christ and worship and work with them.