"Repent, Be Baptised and Receive the Holy Spirit" (Romans 8:9)

WHAT MUST I DO . . . TO BE SAVED?

The question put by the jailer at Philippi has had its counterpart in millions of lives since. "What must I do to be saved?" Various answers to this question have produced such a morass of conflicting opinions that many a sincere seeker has retired from the field of research frustrated and disillusioned. The answer given to the gaoler by Paul and Silas still holds good. Perhaps the very simplicity of its content has caused millions to stumble and mistake its meaning. They replied:

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31 KJV).

THE SECRET IS IN BELIEVING

The word 'believe' actually means to 'adhere to' or 'to trust in' or to 'rely on.' Obviously, to 'acknowledge' Jesus Christ is not to 'rely on' Him. To admit His sacrifice and resurrection from the grave is not to trust Him, and to attend some organization bearing His name is not necessarily to adhere to Him. Satan recognizes the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We even read of evil spirits crying out against our Lord when He delivered many from their power.

BELIEVING IS OBEYING

If we really believe Him, we obey Him. We believe He is alive and that He has given to us the path of salvation. We accept gladly the pattern of repentance, of water baptism and the promised power of the Holy Spirit. Our obedience indicates that we 'rely' on Him, we 'trust' Him to save us from sin and to fill us with the Holy Spirit. Such believing will bring the power of God into our lives.

ASSURANCE IS GUARANTEED

You are promised assurance.

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13).

THE FOLLOWING STEPS GIVE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE:

1. REPENT : In the New Testament, to 'repent' means to 'make a change in the frame of mind, and to reform'. While sin is the result of a person pleasing himself in what he does, the sinner coming to God in repentance admits his total inability to please God. The Bible tells us that "there is none righteous " (Romans 3:10 KJV). The repentant person will receive the forgiveness of God (1 John 1:9) upon receiving the Holy Spirit (as described below).

2. BE BAPTIZED : Restoration into the favour of a loving God is found through obedience. To be baptized is a command of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19). The Bible teaching on baptism is believers' immersion, as illustrated throughout the Word, and is not to be confused with the unscriptural practice of infant sprinkling. Baptism is a commandment to all believers (Acts 2:38). It is also evidence of true repentance and a "good conscience toward God." (1 Peter 3:21).

3. RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT : You are promised a wonderful experience with your Saviour. "He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire ..." (Matthew 3:11 KJV). You are encouraged to receive this power. (Luke 11:9-13). By reading and believing the many accounts of the Holy Spirit in the early Church, you will find great faith to claim this experience. You will 'speak in tongues' as promised to all believers (Mark 16:17).

4. CONTINUE IN FELLOWSHIP : It is only through your experience in Jesus Christ that you can become a member of the true Church. (1 Corinthians 12:13). Now you must continue in fellowship. To attend the meetings of the church is yet another commandment. (Hebrews 10:25). To receive constant ministry from the Word and to learn of your new standing in Jesus Christ is of the utmost importance. Our spiritual condition relies on the blessings and encouragement fellowship offers. (1 John 1:7). The early Christians "continued steadfast" in their new experience. (Acts 2:42). Many new Christians fall away from God by failing to remain in constant fellowship.

5. WITNESS FOR CHRIST : Every member of the body of Christ has a part to play in the spreading of the Gospel. You are given the power to witness (Acts 1:8). You are then commanded to testify to the mighty experience of salvation, of the healing power of God, and of the Holy Spirit. To bring new converts or interested people to the church services will not only be the means of saving many, but will also accentuate the joy of the Holy Spirit in your own life.

6. SUBMIT TO THE OVERSIGHT : You are encouraged to submit to those who are qualified to teach and correct. Submission to scriptural guidance ministered with grace and understanding is just as vital in your walk with God as any other commandment. Your future is worth protecting and this is God's way of assisting (Hebrews 13:17). The safe keeping of the flock is a very precious responsibility in the sight of our Saviour, the Chief Shepherd. (Acts 20:28).

7. ENJOY YOUR SALVATION : God does not save you to persecute you, nor to worry you. To abide in Jesus will bring real joy and happiness. (John 15:11). A happy, Spirit-filled Christian is a real testimony for Christ. Your whole-hearted surrender will bring the power of God into operation through your witness to others. Rejoice continually in the Lord (Philippians 3:1). Love Him and His Word; love the work of the assembly; love one another.

8. SUPPORT YOUR SPIRIT FILLED CHURCH : So many today are roaming around from one church to another. They believe this to be the 'liberty' of the Lord. It is not. It is a form of lawless independence. This is usually because they are not amenable to any type of oversight, nor to correction. Having become enlightened through the Word, they now reject the warnings of the same Bible and bring reproach on their experience. You are now part of a team, with pastors, elders, teachers, etc. They are given for a reason. This is the Bible pattern. (Ephesians 4:11).

Salvation is in more than an original acceptance of Jesus Christ. God is saving and filling men and women with the Holy Ghost. Only a strong, single-minded Church can meet the needs of this generation. You can join in the 'signs following' experience and be a real power with God.