WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

(Acts 16:30.) 

THIS question is sincerely asked by the sinner. Va- 
rious preachers will point out various ways. He 
naturally becomes disgusted with the confusion in the 
religious world. He picks up his New Testament. He 
has already finished the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke 
and John; and he wonders if the whole thing is a 
myth. He opens to the Book of Acts. He reads the 
first chapter and finds it very interesting. He reads 
the second ; and, to his amazement, he finds a multitude 
of people asking the same question he has been asking, 
"Sirs, what must we do?" (Acts 2: 37). He finds the 
answer in the very next verse (Acts 2: 38). He reads 
the book through, and at the end of it he has found 
out the Way. 

Let us examine the representative conversions in 
1 Acts and study them as a whole. This is the only way 
we can study the Bible honestly. We must allow Scrip- 
tures to explain Scriptures. What was done in the days 
of the apostles should be done to-day. The way is said 
to be very plain (Isa. 35: 8). 

1. The three thousand (Acts 2). 

a. Heard Peter's sermon (vs. 14-36). 

b. Believed (v. 37). They were convicted of cru- 
cifying the Christ. 

c. Repented (v. 38). They showed their repentance by their baptism. 

d. Were baptized (vs. 38, 41). 


2. The Samaritans (Acts 8). 

a. Heard Philip's preaching (vs. 5, 6). 

b. Believed (v. 12). 

c. Were baptized (v. 12). 


3. The eunuch (Acts 8). A typical example of con- 
version. 

a. Heard Philip's preaching (v. 35). 

b. Believed (v. 37). 

c. Confessed his faith (v. 37). 

d. Was baptized (vs. 36-39), and went on his 
way rejoicing. 


4. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9, 22 and 26). 

a. Heard what to do from Ananias (9:6-17; 
22:14, 15). 

b. Believed (9:6; 26:19). 

c. Repented (9:8-11; 26:19). 

d. Was baptized (9:18; 22:16). 


5. Cornelius and his household (Acts 10). 

a. Heard the gospel from Peter (vs. 34-43). 

b. Were baptized (vs. 47, 48). 


6. Lydia and her household (Acts 16). 

a. Heard the Word from Paul (v. 14) . 
b. Were baptized (v. 15). 


7. The Philippian jailor and his household (Acts 16). 

a. Heard the "Word (v. 32). 

b. Believed (v. 31). 

c. Were baptized (v. 33) the same hour of the 
night. 


8. The Corinthians (Acts 18). 

a. Heard; b. Believed; and c. Were baptized 



Thus we see that in every instance there is special 
mention of faith and baptism. Why? Because faith is 
the first thing necessary to salvation, and baptism is the 
last step in the process. 

In several instances there is no mention of repen- 
tance whatever. Repentance is turning to God. Faith 
and repentance are both demonstrated by baptism. 
Where there is no special mention of faith or repen- 
tance, there is always an unmistakable inference of both 
in the willingness of the person or persons to be 
baptized. 

So we can readily see the process. They heard the 
gospel ; believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of 
God; confessed their faith, and were baptized into 
Christ. Note the simplicity of the plan. 

The apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel 
and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy 
Spirit. Thus we can see that they fulfilled the com- 
mission. If you are 

1. An unbeliever, or a heathen, like the Philippian 
jailor, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 16: 
31) would be the command. 

2. A believer, as were the three thousand on the day 
of Pentecost, you must "repent, and be baptized in 
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your 
sins" (Acts 2: 38). 

3. A penitent believer, like Saul of Tarsus, you must 
"arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, call- 
ing on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22: 16). 

4. A baptized penitent believer, you must "give all 
diligence to make your calling and election sure" (2 
Pet. 1:5-11). 

5. Or a backslider, like the prodigal son in the par- 
able, come to your senses; and, with an open confes- 
sion of sin, in a humble, contrite spirit, implore the 
Father's forgiveness (Luke 15). 

When God outlines a program for man to perform, 
man must fulfill every item in the program to obtain 
the end desired. For instance, Joshua before the walls 
of Jericho, and Naaman the leper. The law of restora- 
tion is just as positive and unchangeable as the law 
that brings the oak from the acorn. Salvation is not 
enjoyed until the last item in the law is fulfilled.