WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Have you ever pondered the question, "What must I do to be saved?" If you haven't, you should! It's the most crucial question you can ask! The answer to "What must I do to be saved?" holds great significance. We can't just seek answers from anyone; the Bible provides the true response. Let's explore what inspired men of God revealed about salvation so we can understand what we need to do.

The Day of Pentecost

On the Day of Pentecost, after Christ ascended to Heaven, Peter delivered the first sermon focusing on Jesus Christ. He proclaimed that Christ had died for the sins of humanity. After Peter concluded his message, the crowd asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). These individuals had heard about Jesus, believed in His message, and recognized their sinfulness. Peter replied, "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). Here, Peter provided a straightforward answer to the question. After believing, they were instructed to repent and be baptized to receive forgiveness for their sins. Thus, we must also repent and be baptized to have our sins forgiven.

The Ethiopian Eunuch

In Acts 8:26-40, we read about the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch. Philip shared the message of "Jesus" with him (Acts 8:35). While traveling, they came across some water, and the eunuch inquired, "See, here is water! What hinders me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36). Philip responded that if he believed wholeheartedly, he could be baptized. The eunuch affirmed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). Both Philip and the eunuch then went into the water, where Philip baptized him. This demonstrates that the eunuch heard about Jesus, believed in Him, confessed his faith, and was subsequently baptized.

Saul of Tarsus

The story of Saul of Tarsus (later known as the Apostle Paul) is found in Acts chapters 9, 22, and 26. On his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, Saul was struck blind, and Christ appeared to him. He instructed Saul, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6). Following these instructions, Ananias, a Christian, visited Saul in Damascus and said, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Saul was told to arise and be baptized to wash away his sins, indicating that he was not forgiven until he underwent baptism.

Cornelius

The conversion of Cornelius is recounted in Acts chapters 10 and 11. Cornelius was a Roman soldier and the first non-Jew to become a Christian. The Bible describes him as a "devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always" (Acts 10:2). Could such commendations apply to you? Despite being a good man, Cornelius was still lost, with his sins unforgiven. The Lord instructed him to send for Peter in Joppa, as Peter would "tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved" (Acts 11:14). After preaching Christ to Cornelius, Peter commanded him to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48). This shows that even a religious and good man like Cornelius needed to learn the steps to salvation, which included baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

Conclusion

We began by asking, "What must I do to be saved?" We turned to the Bible to uncover the answer. Our exploration revealed that people first HEARD about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for their sins. They BELIEVED in His identity as the Son of God and recognized their lost state. They were then instructed to REPENT of their sins and CONFESS their faith in Jesus Christ. After confessing, they were BAPTIZED, resulting in the forgiveness of their sins. Importantly, they were not forgiven prior to baptism; it was only after baptism that their sins were washed away. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Have you repented of your sins? Have you confessed that Jesus is the Son of God? Have you been baptized to receive forgiveness for your sins? If not, you remain lost in your sins. Embrace the Gospel today, just as those lost sinners did in the Bible. You will then be saved, and the Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47). Serve God faithfully throughout your life, and you can face death with the assured hope of a place in Heaven (Revelation 2:10)!