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The real question is: What Must I Do To Be Saved?

It's very important that you understand God is no respecter of persons. If he requires something of one person it's required of all!

This question you could say has been asked by many who found it important to make things right with God and obtain Biblical salvation. How ever, the question depending on who you ask will be answered in many different ways. The most important question one can ask has been the subject of so many debates and ideas that a person can become quite confused. The Devil would like nothing more than a person hungry for salvation to be misled into believing a lie and therefore losing their soul and find in the judgment that the Lord would say depart from me you workers of iniquity.

Some would say I have been going to this church for years I know they are teaching truth.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

II John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1 Peter 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

How can I be sure I know the real truth?

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

I Timothy 4:13-16 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Jude:3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

How to be saved? There are many things in the Bible that speak of how to be saved. The Bible says God is no respecter of persons, so if he tells some that they must do something to be saved then it applies to all. If you read in one place that you have to believe on Jesus to be saved, and in another place you have to be born again of the water and the spirit, than you cannot just say all you have to do is believe. There is one place in the Bible where Peter, whom was given the keys to the kingdom was asked the question "What must we do" he gave an answer, the words he spoke were to be the same answer to the people who were there and the people who would read those words in the Bible. We must follow those words to be saved and then there are many other things we need to do also.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Acts 2:37- 38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Matthew24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

The scriptures above will be in agreement with what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that salvation should be in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection. The message Peter preached in Acts 2:38 says to REPENT, to have the old man die, we must repent and this is the DEATH. And be BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. When a man is dead we bury him, the Bible says we are buried with Christ in baptism, and this is the BURIAL. And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, this is the resurrection, the Bible says we can take part in the resurrection of Christ if we have his spirit, this is the RESURRECTION. So if you follow Peters answer and Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. You will have obeyed Jesus and have taken part in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ!

If I have to be baptized what name should I be baptized in?
This question has been one of controversy for many years, to answer it you must open your Bible and see what it says, don't take any ones word for it, but study to shew thyself approved.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

This scripture no doubt has been taught as the correct formula for water baptism. There is one problem with the way people look at this verse of scripture and feel it is the way to baptize. You see many church's when they baptize someone repeat the commandment given by Jesus instead of obeying the commandment. Jesus said to go and baptize in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. If you look closely at this scripture you will see Jesus said in the NAME of, not the NAMES of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. When people are baptized they should be baptized in the NAME of Jesus, because JESUS is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. That's why every time in the Bible after Jesus death you will see that when someone was baptized they didn't repeat Jesus commandment and say FATHER SON and HOLY GHOST but they said in the name of JESUS or in the name of Jesus Christ etc� never in the Bible was anyone ever baptized with the formula saying in the name of the father, son and holy ghost. If the Father, Son and Holy Ghost were names Jesus would have said to baptize in the NAMES, not NAME. The same commandment of Matthew 28:19 was recorded by Luke in Luke 24:47 and he said: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Now Luke said in HIS NAME, not THEIR NAMES�if the Father, Son and Holy Ghost were names, he would have said in THEIR NAMES. Now when Luke was talking here he said that this would began at Jerusalem, the message Peter preached was this message, and it was Acts 2:38. If you will look into the history of the church you will find that everyone was baptized into the name of JESUS and it was changed to repeating the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost at a later time by the Catholic Church and a teacher named Tertilliun.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

This makes sense since the Bible clearly teaches that whatever we do in word or deed do all in the name of Jesus. Now baptism is certainly a deed and a word.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

There is only ONE name whereby we must be saved:

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Again, if the Devil could find a way to deceive you it would be in false doctrine and teaching you a lie about salvation. It only makes sense that if he could have the whole world believing in a lie that he would have his way, but God has a people who know the truth and are not scared to follow his word. You must be BORN AGAIN.

To be sure of what is truth you need to do what the Apostles taught not what so called men of God teach, if the Apostles taught repentance, baptism and Holy Ghost to be saved and being baptized into the name of Jesus not the words Father Son and Holy Ghost then you need to do the same.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The thief on the cross did not have to be baptized so why should I?
The Bible has different dispensations of salvation, for instance the flood, the way to be saved then was by entering the Ark. The tabernacle, where people were under the law. And finally the dispensation of grace, whereby we are saved through the blood of Christ. At the time of the crucifixion the Lord had not yet died for the blood to take affect for all repented man kind, the veil of the temple that was ripped when Jesus died signified the dispensation of grace that started at that moment. The thief on the cross was saved by Jesus through the law.
Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

Well lets say I die before I get baptized will I be lost?
The Lord gives every man and woman a chance to repent and obey the scriptures for salvation. Some times we find our selves trying to work out our own salvation by justifying why we did not do the right thing. If we live to be 20 years old, at some time we had a chance to make a choice to serve God, if we didn't and waited till the last minute and we died before we made the right choice, is God at fault? In the flood, Im sure their were many that when the rains came down, decided that they should have listened to Noah but we do not read where God opened the door and allowed them in because they were foolish of the time. Lets say we will believe that if a man repents on his death bed and its ok if he was not baptized, can we also say well�he was going to repent but he died before he could, is he still saved? Certainly not because the Bible tells us that you must repent.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Information from History about baptism:

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951), II, 384, 389: "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name. . . . The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion . . . in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the trine name (Justin). . ."

Interpreter=s Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I, 351: "The evidence . . . suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'"

Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 53: "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

Hasting=s Dictionary of the Bible (1898) I, 241: [One explanation is that] the original form of words was 'into the name of Jesus Christ' or 'the Lord Jesus'. Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development.

Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: "The trinitarian baptismal formula . . . was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."

The New Schaff-Herzog encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957) I, 435: "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus . . ., which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."

Canney=s Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53: "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' . . . or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus' . . . Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.'"

Encyclopedia Biblica (1899) I, 473: "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times 'in the name of Jesus Christ,' or in that 'of the Lord Jesus." This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single - not triple, as was the later creed."

Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed. (1910), II, 365: "The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning....Baptism into the name of the Lord was the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid."

What now?

Many have had to face the truth in their walk with God and make a decision to follow the Bible. So many people have believed so many things concerning the truth of salvation, many have been taught a certain way all of their lives, but when we see in the word of God that we have been believing in something that was not exactly the whole truth we have a responsibility to obey the truth. One of the hardest things a person can do is admitting that they have believed something that was wrong, but we, if we want REAL salvation must humble our selves and submit to the real truth. If you remember in the Bible you can recall the story of Jesus, the Bible says he came teaching a different doctrine than they had believed, as a matter of fact you can read where he was crucified on the cross because he taught a different doctrine. The Jews till this day still do not believe what he taught and who he was. As you have read in this document you can recall all of the scriptures that show where the devil would try and deceive even the very elect of God, so it is possible for any to be deceived. One thing about truth is, there is only ONE truth. There is only one LORD, one FAITH, and one Baptism (Ephesians 4:5). So if we have believed in any other Faith, Lord, or baptism other than the one in the scriptures we are in error and must do what it takes to follow the truth. There should be only one reason someone goes to church, and that is that they want to be saved, if you read this and have not done what the Bible clearly says is the way to be saved, than don't waste one day making things right, you have to obey the scripture or you could be going to church every day, praying every day, reading your Bible every day, paying your tithes, believing in God, loving God and still be lost! If the apostles taught we have to repent, and be baptized in the name of JESUS and receive the Holy Ghost to be saved, (Acts 2:38) than we have to do the same. Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: God would not allow some be saved one way and us another.

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Some teach you need to only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and your saved. Some teach you only need to repeat a so called sinners prayer. Some teach you don't need to be baptized to be saved. Some teach you receive the Holy Ghost without an outward sign of speaking in tongues. Some teach we once we have accepted the Lord in our heart we are saved forever and cannot lose salvation. But there is only one plan of salvation that lines up with the word of God!

Acts 2:37- 38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The plan of salvation is shown in the Old Testament it was a foreshadow of the plan of salvation in the New Testament.

Therefore, the Tabernacle is a picture, a foreshadow of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the book of Exodus, when God dictates to Moses the detailed design of the Tabernacle (some 1450 years before the birth of Jesus), He speaks forth a description of just who and what the coming Messiah (the Christ) would be.

In the Bible you will never see where something was done repeating the term: In the name of the father, son and holy ghost. However you will find plenty of scripture for IN THE NAME OF JESUS. I have listed below some of those scriptures

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Acts 15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

2 Thessalonians 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

SALVATION WITHOUT BAPTISM?

Can we be saved from our sins without being baptized (immersed in water)? This question is of great significance as it relates to the eternal destiny of our souls. Admittedly, we can go to a number of different sources for our answer. Some will go to their preachers, their family members, or trusted friends. But friends, the question of "Can we be saved from our sins without being baptized," is too important a question for us to rely on other men for the answer. This question demands that we go to the Bible for our answer. When we set aside all preconceived ideas and prejudices, all human creeds and all doctrines of men, we learn that the Bible teaches that no person living under the New Testament can be saved from his sins without being baptized. Was Jesus Mistaken?

Friends, the devil wants us to believe that we can be saved from our sins without being baptized. He even has men working for him who preach that very thing! But if we can be saved from our sins without being baptized, Jesus was mistaken when he said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). The word "and" is a conjunction that joins belief with baptism. Either belief or baptism, without the other, will not result in salvation. Some men want to rewrite the Bible, making Mark 16:16 read, "He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized." Rather than believe the devil's preachers, I choose to believe the words of my savior, Jesus Christ. Was Peter Mistaken?

Friends, the devil wants us to believe that we can be saved from our sins without being baptized. But if we can be saved from our sins without being baptized, then Peter was mistaken when he preached his sermon on the day of Pentecost. When those present heard Peter's preaching concerning Christ, they were pricked in their hearts and asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Listen to Peter's answer. "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). There's that conjunction again - the word "and." Those present on the day of Pentecost were commanded both to repent and to be baptized for the remission of sins. Either repentance or baptism, without the other, will not result in salvation. Also notice Peter's use of the phrase "for the remission of sins." Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, page ninety-four, indicates the purpose of the baptism referred to in Acts 2:38 is, and I quote, "to obtain the forgiveness of sins." Also notice that the phrase, "for the remission of sins," is the same phrase Jesus used in Matthew 26:28 when he said, "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Would anyone dare contend that Jesus shed his blood because our sins had already been forgiven? Would anyone dare contend that Jesus shed his blood in order to show the world that our sins had already been forgiven? Of course not! Jesus did not shed his blood because our sins had already been forgiven, but in order that our sins could be forgiven! Likewise, Peter did not command those present on the day of Pentecost to be baptized in order to show the world their sins had been forgiven. Peter commanded those present on the day of Pentecost to be baptized in order to have their sins forgiven! Friends, rather than believe the devil's preachers, I choose to believe the inspired words of the apostle Peter. Saved Outside of Christ?

Friends, the devil wants us to believe that we can be saved from our sins without being baptized. But if we can be saved from our sins without being baptized, then we can be saved outside of Christ. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death?" (Romans 6:3). But no man can be saved outside of Christ. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The devil wants us to believe that we can be saved from our sins simply by praying the sinner's prayer. But the idea of praying our way into Christ is not in the Bible. It can't be found! There is not one example anywhere in the Bible of an alien sinner being forgiven of his sins by praying the sinner's prayer! A person is translated into Christ when he is baptized into Christ. Every time the phrase "into Christ" appears in your Bible, it is always preceded by the word "baptized", without exception. Rather than believe the devil's preachers, I believe that salvation can be experienced only by those persons who are in Christ! Saved Without Christ's Church?

Friends, the devil wants us to believe we can be saved from our sins without being baptized. But if we can be saved from our sins without being baptized, then we can be saved without being a member of Christ's church. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have all been made to drink one Spirit" (I Corinthians 12:13). Because we are baptized into Christ's body and because Christ's body and Christ's church are one and the same (Ephesians 1:22-23), we know we become members of Christ's church by being baptized into his church. Because Christ is the savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23), we know that only those persons who are in Christ's church are saved. Therefore, we know that only those persons who have been baptized have been saved from their sins. Friends, also notice that the conditions of salvation and the conditions of membership in Christ's church are the same. The idea of a person being saved and then later "voted into the church" is not found anywhere in the Bible! Men often try to make a distinction between the conditions of salvation and the conditions of membership in Christ's church. Some people teach we can be saved from our sins (and thus be in heaven) without being baptized. But oddly enough, many of these same people will not allow us to be a member of their church unless we have been baptized. Seems odd, doesn't it? What do you think about a group of people who makes it harder to be a member of their church than it is to go to heaven? Friends, rather than believe the devil's preachers, I choose to believe that salvation can be experienced only by those persons who are in Christ's church. Saved Before Sins Washed Away?

Friends, the devil wants us to believe we can be saved from our sins without being baptized. But if we can be saved from our sins without being baptized, then Saul (later known as Paul) was saved before his sins were washed away. When the Lord appeared unto Saul on the road to Damascus, the Lord told Saul to go to Damascus where Ananias would tell him what he must do. Do you remember what Ananias told Saul? "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). No friends, Paul was not saved before his sins were washed away in baptism, and neither are we. Rather than believe the devil's preachers, I choose to believe that salvation can be experienced only by those persons who have had their sins washed away in baptism. Was Peter Wrong Again?

Friends, the devil wants us to believe that we can be saved from our sins without being baptized. But if we can be saved from our sins without being baptized, the apostle Peter was wrong when he taught that baptism saves us. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21). Friends, did you notice Peter's words? Baptism doth also now save us. That's right, baptism doth also now save us! Some people want to eliminate baptism as a condition of salvation by noting that baptism is a figure. But friends, baptism is not a figure of our salvation, baptism is a figure of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Those persons who eliminate baptism as a condition of salvation eliminate the necessity of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Those persons who make light of baptism make light of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Just as the waters of the flood served as a dividing line between death and salvation in Noah's day, water baptism serves as a dividing line between spiritual death and salvation today. Rather than believe the devil's preachers, I believe the inspired words of the apostle Peter.

Conclusion

What must we do to be saved from our sins? We must hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). We must believe the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16). We must repent of our sins (Acts 2:38). Repentance is a change of mind brought about by godly sorrow, resulting in a reformation of life and is accompanied by restitution whenever possible. We must confess our faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33). We must be baptized in order to receive the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Yes friends, no matter what the devil's preachers may say, the Bible teaches that we cannot be saved from our sins without being baptized. In fact, every time the Bible includes the words baptism and salvation in the same sentence baptism always comes first, without exception. A person who has not been baptized in order to receive the forgiveness of his sins is a person who is still lost in his sin.