“What Must I Do To Be Saved?”

Start here. Then, scroll down the page for access to in-depth, scripture-based articles that address the title question.     

Our Predicament: Sinners Condemned Before God

The Bible says that sin is the transgression of the law and that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (1 John 3:4; Romans 3:23). “All” includes you and me. Have we at any time taken something that was not ours? Have we ever coveted someone else’s possession? Have we at one time or another taken God’s name in vain? Have we ever lusted after a person in our heart? Have we ever in our lifetime lied? These are just a few of the many questions that could be asked to help us see that we have all sinned, that we have all transgressed God’s law.

What happens as a result of our sin? Adam and Eve were removed from God’s presence when they sinned (Genesis 3:22-24). The Bible says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin separates us from God who is “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Isaiah 6:1-7). Sin breaks our fellowship with God. Sin prevents us from being in an eternal relationship with God.  

What is the punishment for sin? The Bible says, “the wages of sin is death,” an eternal separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23; Luke 12:4-5). Because of our sins we all stand condemned, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). There is nothing we can do on our own to bring ourselves back into fellowship with God.

Christ, The Answer To Our Sin Problem

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4), has provided a way for us to be saved from the eternal consequences of our sin. The way is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this earth, lived among men for about 33 years, proclaimed the good news of the kingdom, and then died for our sins. Jesus committed no sin, and was therefore qualified to pay the price for our sins. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus shed His blood on the cross that we might be saved from eternal separation from God in hell (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:19).

Is There Anything We Must Do?

Some would have us believe that there is nothing man must do in order to be saved by the blood of Jesus. If this were true, all men would be saved. But God says there are some conditions we must meet in order to receive the forgiveness of sins and be saved. Please do not misunderstand:  Meeting these conditions in no way makes us deserving of salvation. Because of sin we are all unworthy. But God says we must receive His free gift. So, what must we do to receive His free gift and be saved? Please read on, and see how the Scriptures point out the necessity of each of the following.

We Must Believe In Jesus
Jesus Himself said, “for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). He said, “He who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). We must “believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). These are plain statements. If we do not believe that Jesus is God’s Son, we will remain in our sins and be lost forever.

Truly, Jesus is the Christ. This faith in Jesus comes by hearing God’s word, and by no other means. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). God will not miraculously give us faith, nor will we derive such by reading the books of men. 

Though many teach today that one can be saved by “faith alone,” the Bible teaches just the opposite. While it tells us that we are “justified by faith,” it also says that we are “justified by works and not by faith only“ (James 2:24). Faith itself is declared by Jesus to be a work (John 6:27-28). Faith in Jesus is necessary, but “faith only” will not save. 

We Must Repent Of Our Sins
Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). His apostles also taught the necessity of repentance. Peter taught to “repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19).

To repent means to turn or change. It is more than just “feeling sorry” for our sins. We must change our minds and actions, leaving the pathway of sin. “For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). To truly repent, the thief must stop his stealing. The sexually immoral must cease his fornication. The liar must quit lying. This is true repentance (see Luke 3:8, 10-14).

We Must Be Baptized Into Christ
Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Notice that He did not say, “He who believes will be saved, and then should be baptized.” Jesus placed baptism before salvation, not after.

Peter told his audience on the day of Pentecost, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). Notice that Peter, just like Jesus, put baptism before the remission of sins, not after. Repentance and baptism are “for” (Greek, eis, “unto”) the remitting of sins. Later, Peter wrote, “There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21).

Jesus’ prophet, Ananias, told an already believing Saul of Tarsus, “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). If Saul was already saved before his baptism (as some affirm), why then did he still have sins that needed to be washed away? Saul was instructed to call on the name of the Lord by being baptized to wash away his sins. 

Further, Paul the apostle wrote that we put “off the body of sins of the flesh” by being “buried with [Christ] in baptism” (Colossians 2:11,12). Notice that baptism is a burial, a burial in water in which we die with Christ and are set free from sin (Romans 6:3-8). The Greek word, “Baptizo,” literally means “to dip, immerse, to plunge.” Nowhere does the New Testament give any indication that people were sprinkled with water or that they had water poured on them. Baptism is a burial in water.

Baptism is necessary for salvation. It puts us “into Christ,” in whom are all spiritual blessings (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:3). Can we assist you in being baptized into Christ and thus becoming a Christian?

We Must Continue To Be Faithful Disciples Of Christ
Jesus commanded His apostles to teach those they baptized “to observe all things” that He had commanded them (Matthew 28:19-20). True disciples of Christ seek to practice the teachings of Jesus as revealed in His New Testament. “And whatever [we] do in word or deed” — in every facet of life (job, home, worship, etc.) — we are to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). This includes joining together with other faithful disciples in a local church relationship (Acts 2:41-47).

We are commanded to “be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are to “be faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). If, after we are baptized, we do sin, we can come in repentance to our heavenly Father, confess our sins, and our Father will forgive us (1 John 1:7-9).

Can we help you in coming to Christ?

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In-Depth Study

Below are ten articles that provide a consistent, truthful answer from the scriptures to the question “What must I do to be saved?”

Each article stands alone, but it is best to read them in order.

  1. Introduction
  1. Jesus’ Final Instructions to His Apostles
  2. The Conversion of the Jews on Pentecost, Acts 2:14-41
  3. When Do We Die with Christ? Romans 6:1-8
  4. The Conversion of Saul, Acts 9:1-19; 22:4-16
  5. The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer, Acts 16:25-34
  6. “Believe” Sums Up God’s Requirements for Salvation
  7. Faith and Works:  Correcting A Serious Error
  8. What About the Thief on the Cross? Luke 23:39-43
  9. Is Baptism Merely a Symbolic, Public Display?
  10. Salvation:  Will You Believe God or Men?

Introduction

Romans 1:16 (ESV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Paul warns us not to change the gospel lest we incur God’s judgment (Gal 1:6-10). We must teach the gospel exactly the way Jesus and the apostles taught it. Our own salvation depends on it. As we proceed, if our teaching is true, it will be consistent with ALL the scriptures. God’s word is truth (Jn 17:17). Truth does not contradict itself.

We begin with Jesus’ final instructions to his apostles to preach the gospel throughout the world.

Bible Answer #1

Jesus’ Final Instructions to His Apostles

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commissioned his apostles to preach the gospel to the world. In the three accounts at the end of Matthew, Mark, and Luke Jesus tells his apostles what they must command people to do to be saved.

In Matthew Jesus instructs the apostles to make disciples of all nations by baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) 18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

In Mark Jesus instructs his apostles to preach the gospel everywhere. He states that those who believe and are baptized will be saved.

Mark 16:15-16 (ESV)  15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

In Luke Jesus instructs them to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 24:45-49 (ESV) 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 

If you were an apostle of Jesus receiving these final instructions, and you were then going into the world to preach the gospel, what would you tell people they need to do to be saved from the condemnation of sin? You would tell people they need to believe in Jesus to be saved. You would tell them they need to repent of their sins to receive the forgiveness of sins. You would tell them they need to be baptized (immersed) in water to be saved. 

This is exactly what Peter commanded in the first gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost. Those who were “cut to the heart” by Peter’s sermon (they believed in Jesus) asked, “What must we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter commanded them to “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).

Believe, repent, and be baptized “for the forgiveness of your sins.” 

Neither Matthew, Mark, or Luke include all three commands of Jesus. But according to Jesus our obedience to each command is necessary to be saved.  

These three accounts show us that no one scripture conveys all the truth on salvation. Yet every scripture is true and harmonizes perfectly with all others. Our job is to accept all that God has said. Beware of teachers who “cherry-pick” the scriptures to support what they want to teach, and then ignore or twist the scriptures that go against their teaching. God’s truth is consistent. If we handle the word of God accurately (2 Tim 2:15), we will harmonize all the scriptures.

This principle to combine all that God has revealed about salvation holds true for how we should approach every Bible subject. Jesus teaches us to live “by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The psalmist declares, “The sum of God’s word is truth” (Psalms 119:160). Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31-32). Instead of forcing what we want to believe on the scriptures, we must allow scripture to interpret scripture.  

As we continue to study “What must I do to be saved?”, consider these questions:

  • In the three gospel accounts of Jesus’ final instructions to his apostles, can we learn what Jesus wants us to do to be saved?      
  • How concerned should we be about God’s warning not to “distort the gospel”? (Gal 1:6-9).
  • How concerned should we be when church leaders change God’s commands on any matter? (1 Cor 14:33-38; 1 Pet 4:11). 
  • Is it ever okay to “cherry-pick” some verses and ignore others to suit what we want to believe?

Jesus commanded his apostles to teach people what they must do to be saved. The next article looks at the story of the first 3,000 Christians saved on the day of Pentecost. We will see that Peter’s answer to the Jews’ question, “What shall we do?” is consistent with all that Jesus taught.   – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #2

The Conversion of the Jews on Pentecost, Acts 2:14-41

The first gospel sermon after Jesus ascended on high is recorded in Acts 2. Jesus had instructed all the apostles to wait in Jerusalem to “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”(Acts 1:8). That historic event occurred on the Day of Pentecost, the first day of the week, the resurrection day, “the Lord’s Day” (Rev 1:10).

On that Sunday a miraculous event took place. The Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and they began to prophesy in the native languages of the Jews who had gathered from all over the world for the feast. Eventually, Peter stood up and declared “this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:17). Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled that day! “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh… and it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:16-21).

Peter was declaring that the promised day of salvation had come! Now that he had their attention, he taught them how to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved! 

First, he presented to them the facts of the gospel. They killed Jesus but God raised him from the dead. Jesus had died for their sins and God had raised him in fulfillment of the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus is the promised Messiah; He is now ruling at the right hand of God, just as the scriptures foretold (v. 34). He is both Lord and Christ (v. 36)!

The four lines of evidence Peter presented were conclusive. First, they knew that Jesus had performed miracles. Second, all the apostles were witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. Third, the scriptures prophesied that the Messiah would be raised. And fourth, the miraculous power of tongues they had witnessed that morning confirmed the truth of Peter’s message. Peter issued the God-breathed conclusion. “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (v. 36).

Many Jews believed. They were “cut to the heart” and asked, “Brethren, what must we do?” (v. 37). They believed Peter! They had crucified God’s Messiah! They believed that Jesus was Lord! They wanted to be saved from their sins!

These Jews believed the facts of the gospel, but Peter didn’t tell them they were already saved. Instead, he told them what to do to be saved. He taught them the commands of the gospel: 

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

If they had already been saved, why would Peter command them to repent? Why would he command them to be baptized “for the forgiveness of sins”? If they had already been saved, why would Peter say, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation” (Acts 2:40).

Their response was immediate. They wanted to be saved! So they did what Peter told them to do. In verse 41 the scripture says, “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (v. 41).

The commands Peter gave, when obeyed, resulted in the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit – in a word, salvation.

When were they saved?

When did God forgive their sins? When did God give them the gift of the Holy Spirit? When did God add them to the number of the saved (Acts 2:41, 47)? The only true answer is that God saved them when they did what Peter told them to do to be forgiven. God saved them when by faith they obeyed the gospel. God saved them when they believed, repented, and were baptized.

In this story of the first Christians, we see what it means to believe in Jesus, and how to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.

The Jews at Pentecost believed the facts about Jesus. When they were given commands to receive the forgiveness of sins, they immediately obeyed. Upon their faithful response to the gospel, they were forgiven of their sins, saved, justified, and sanctified. God was now dwelling with them through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16-17). Imagine the joy the first Christians experienced when they broke bread at the first Lord’s Supper on the first Lord’s Day during the first worship services of the church of Christ at Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). 

Beware when church leaders change the commands of the gospel!

When church leaders tell people that as soon as they “receive Jesus into their heart” they are saved, they change the gospel. When they tell people that as soon as they say “The Sinner’s Prayer” they are saved, they change the gospel. When they tell people that as soon as they “trust Jesus as their personal Savior” they are saved, they change the gospel. The gospel Peter proclaimed was, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Peter preached the facts, commands, and promises of the gospel. To be faithful to God we must teach exactly what Peter taught. We must not change any of the gospel message or else we will be accursed (Gal 1:6-10). 

In our next article we study Romans 6:1-8, which describes our death, burial and resurrection with Christ at baptism. We will observe what  takes place in baptism. We will understand why God says baptism is “for the forgiveness of sins.” – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #3

When Do We Die with Christ? Romans 6:1-8

The scriptures teach that to live with Christ we must first die with Christ. 

  • “If we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with Him” (Rom 6:8)
  • “If we have died with him, we will also live with him” (2Tim 2:11)
  • “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ” (Col 3:3)
  • “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live” (Gal 2:20)
  • “Since you died with Christ” (Col 2:20)

Let’s say you are hearing this gospel message for the first time. You hear that God is holy and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). You realize that you are “dead in your sins” (Eph 2:1). You now understand that you face the condemnation of death, an eternal separation from the Almighty Creator. You then hear the good news that Jesus Christ gave His life to pay the death you owe. Through Jesus’ death you can be saved from God’s wrath. You can live with Christ. But to live with Christ requires you to first die with Christ. You must die and be “born again of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:3-5).

If you believed this message, what would be your next question? Wouldn’t it be, “How do I die with Christ? How am I born again? At what point does God make me alive? At what point do I receive the forgiveness of sins? At what point am I saved?”

In Romans 6:3-8 Paul describes the exact moment in time in which we die with Christ:

3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (Rom 6:3-8 ESV)

Paul says, “one who has died has been set free from sin” (v. 7). At what point did these believers die? At what point were they set free from sin, that is, saved? Paul says it was when they were “buried therefore by baptism into death” (v. 4) that their “old self was crucified with him” and their body of sin was “brought to nothing” (v. 6). Paul says in baptism they were buried with Christ “into his death” (v. 3) and “united with him in a death like his” (v. 5). Paul says in baptism they “died with Christ” and were raised to “live with him” (v. 8).

Paul says people are “set free from sin” when they die with Christ (Rom 6:7-8).  

Baptism is not merely symbolic. Paul says certain things actually take place in baptism. When do we die with Christ? When do we die to sin? When are we set free from sin? When do we arise to walk in newness of life? Paul says all of these things happen when we are “baptized into Christ Jesus” (6:3). As Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21). (Please see Article #9, “Is Baptism Merely A Symbolic, Public Display?” for a more detailed study of the error that baptism is merely symbolic.)

As we repeatedly see in the Scriptures, the gospel message includes baptism to be saved. The Jews at Pentecost were baptized “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). Saul was commanded to “be baptized and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). Jesus says, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk 16:16). Baptism is the moment we die with Christ and are “set free from sin” (Rom 6:7). The scriptures consistently teach that baptism is the moment in which one receives the forgiveness of sins and is saved. Baptism is not merely an outward show of a salvation already received – baptism saves us. 

Someone may argue, “But isn’t salvation a free gift from God (Rom 6:23)? If God requires baptism to be saved, doesn’t that minimize his grace?” Not at all. Does God’s requirement for us to believe and repent minimize his grace? Not at all. We don’t earn the forgiveness of our sins when we believe and repent, do we? Neither do we earn forgiveness when we are baptized. In baptism we simply receive God’s gracious gift by faith. To “obey the gospel” (2 Ths 1:8) is to receive God’s free gift. We receive salvation by believing with all our heart, repenting with all our heart, confessing Jesus with all our heart, and being baptized with all our heart. Paul says believers “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” and were “set free from sin” (Rom 6:17-18). We receive God’s free gift of salvation when we by faith obey the gospel. (Please see Article #7 on “Faith and Works: Correcting A Serious Error” for a more detailed study of the biblical teaching on faith and works.) 

Our earnest plea is for people to avoid being deceived by religious leaders who teach a different gospel.

Many will tell you that baptism can’t be necessary for salvation. They will insist that baptism does not save us, even though Peter plainly says it does (1 Pet 3:21). We must “test the spirits to see if they are from God” (1 Jn 4:1). Ask religious teachers, “What must I do to be saved?” Anyone who will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,” is teaching a different gospel. If they tell you to “receive Jesus into your heart” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior and you’ll be saved,” you know they are teaching a different gospel. Those answers are nowhere in the Bible. 

In the next article we will ask and answer the question, “Exactly when was Saul saved?”  We will observe the consistency of the scriptures as to the moment of salvation. – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #4

The Conversion of Saul, Acts 9:1-19; 22:4-16

In this article we will be able to detect the exact point in time in which God cleansed Saul of his sins (saved him).

Saul had been persecuting the church of Christ in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3). As he traveled to Damascus to persecute Christ’s disciples there, “suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him” (9:3). Saul heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (22:7). Saul was not aware that it was Jesus speaking, so he said, “Who are you, Lord?” (9:5). Jesus told Saul who he was, and Saul asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” (9:6). Saul now understood it was Jesus who was speaking to him. Did he now believe in Jesus? Yes. He now believed that Jesus was Lord and Christ, and that everything Christians had been teaching was true.

Was Saul now saved? NO… not yet. The scriptures say he was still in his sins.    

Saul had to be in shock as he thought of his sins against Jesus and His church. Jesus told him to go into Damascus and wait for someone to tell him what he “must do” (9:6). Saul obeyed, and for three days in Damascus he fasted and prayed in sorrowful repentance (9:9, 11). Saul was now believing in Jesus as the Christ, he was fasting in repentance for his sinful acts against Christians, and he was fervently praying.

Was Saul saved at this point? NO… not yet. The scriptures say he was still in his sins.

The prophet Ananias visited Saul and told him what he “must do.” He said, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (22:16). Saul then “got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, regained his strength” (9:18-19).

Was Saul now saved? YES… his sins were washed away as he called on the name of the Lord in baptism.

If Saul was saved when he believed on the road or when he was praying, Ananias’ command for Saul to act without delay and be baptized to wash away his sins was meaningless. Saul would have no sins to wash away. And notice the the urgency – it was urgent for Saul to wash away his sins!

Acts 22:16 leaves no doubt as to the point in time in which Saul was saved. As a penitent believer, he received the forgiveness of his sins when he was baptized. This truth is consistent with the examples of conversion and the teachings of Jesus we have studied so far. Saul did exactly what Peter told the Jews on Pentecost to do. He repented and was baptized “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). There was an urgency to his baptism (“why are you waiting?”). Just as Jesus commanded his apostles to teach, Saul was saved when he believed, repented, and was baptized. The scriptures are clear and consistent.

Notice that in baptism Saul was “calling on the name of the Lord.” 

“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). The scriptures say, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13; Acts 2:21). The conversion of Saul shows exactly how one calls on the name of the Lord to be saved. Our cleansing from sin occurs at the moment when, in heartfelt faith and repentance, we “obey the gospel” (1 Pet 4:17; 2 Ths 1:8; Rom 6:17-18) and call on the name of the Lord in baptism. One has the right to call on the name of the Lord to be saved when one does what the Lord commands to do to be saved. 

1 Peter 3:21 is another scriptural connection to “calling on the name of the Lord.”

When Peter says “baptism now saves us” he explains that baptism is “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Pet 3:21). Do you see the connection? When Saul called on the name of the Lord in baptism, he was appealing to God for a good conscience, a conscience free of the guilt of sin. In baptism Saul called on the name of the Lord to be cleansed from the guilt of sin.

Do you see how consistent the scriptures are in teaching that one who believes in Jesus and repents is saved at the point of baptism “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38)? God saved the Jews on Pentecost when they were baptized. God saved Saul when he was baptized. It is just as Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

In our next article we will study the conversion of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16. He asked directly, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” and was told to “believe in the Lord Jesus.” We will see how the word “believe” summarizes one’s entire response to the gospel. – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #5

The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer, Acts 16:25-34

The Philippian jailer asked the very question we are studying, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s and Silas’s simple answer is an excellent opportunity for us to learn how the scriptures use the word “believe” to summarize the entire response of one who hears and obeys the gospel.

(For a detailed study of the word “believe” read the next article #6 “Believe Sums Up God’s Requirement for Salvation.”)  

Paul and his co-worker Silas are in jail at Philippi for preaching about Jesus (Acts 16:25-29). While they are singing hymns at midnight an earthquake occurs and all the prisoners are loosed from their chains. The jailer decides to take his own life rather than face a certain punishment and death, but Paul assures him that all the prisoners are still there. 

Seeing that a powerful miracle has occurred, the jailer asks Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30). Paul and Silas answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (v. 31). The jailer invites Paul and Silas to his house and they speak the word of the Lord to everyone there (v. 32). In the same hour of the night the jailer and all his household are baptized (v. 33). Afterward, the jailer “rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God” (v. 34).

By asking and answering a few questions we can draw conclusions that are consistent with all the scriptures.  

From what did the jailer think he needed to be saved?

We know he had just witnessed a powerful miracle, so maybe he was fearful of the God of Paul and Silas. We know he was afraid for his life, so maybe he wanted to be saved from the certain death he expected to face. But Paul and Silas knew exactly what the jailer needed – salvation from eternal death because of sin. To be saved from the condemnation of sin the jailer needed to believe in the Lord Jesus, because there is “no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

What did the jailer know about Jesus? 

Had he been listening to Paul and Silas preaching and singing about Jesus? Possibly. Maybe he even knew about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection? But did he understand that he was a sinner who deserved death and faced eternal separation from God? Did he understand why Jesus had to die? Not likely. If he was going to “believe in the Lord Jesus,” he would need to be taught (Rom 10:14). 

What was the gospel message Paul and Silas taught the jailer? 

  • All we are told is that Paul and Silas “spoke the word of the Lord to him and all who were in his house” (v. 32). 
  • We know the message had to include the fundamental facts of the gospel, the matters “of first importance,” that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4),  and that “God has made him both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). One must believe those facts about Jesus to be saved.
  • We also know they taught about repentance and baptism, because the text says “he was baptized at once, he and all his family” (v. 33). From the very beginning the gospel message included the command to “repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Paul and Silas issued these same commands to the jailer.   

Why did the jailer and his household get baptized immediately? 

The jailer and his family responded right away, “in the same hour of the night” (v. 33). Remember, this same urgency occurred in Acts 2, when 3000 people were baptized immediately upon hearing Peter’s gospel commands (Acts 2:37-41). This same urgency also occurred when Ananias spoke to Saul “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). Likewise, this same urgency occurred when the Ethiopian treasurer said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:35-39).

All conversion stories in the book of Acts demonstrate a remarkable pattern of an immediate response to the gospel. We can understand the urgency of baptism when we understand its purpose. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16). “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins (Acts 22:16).

After the jailer and his family were baptized, the text says he rejoiced that he had believed.

Acts 16:34 (ESV) 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

The jailer “had believed in God.” The word believe sums up the jailer’s entire response to the gospel. He was saved by his faith when he did what God said to do to be saved. After he obeyed the gospel “he rejoiced.” The scriptures are consistent. The jailer believed in the Lord Jesus when he repented and obeyed the gospel in baptism. As Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21).

It’s important to understand how the Bible uses the word “believe.” Our next study covers that topic. It answers a few additional questions about the conversion of the Philippian jailer. God says everyone who believes will be saved, but what does God mean by the word believe? Why did Paul and Silas simply tell the jailer to “believe in the Lord Jesus” if they knew other commands (repentance and baptism) were necessary to be saved?  – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #6

“Believe” Sums Up God’s Requirements for Salvation

This study is important for the simple reason that many church leaders accumulate scriptures that instruct us to believe to be saved, and then argue that the absence of baptism in these verses proves that baptism is not necessary to be saved. Think for a moment. Wouldn’t that same argument also prove that repentance and confessing Jesus are not necessary?

We must not eliminate any gospel commands. In the Bible those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God, in order to be saved, are instructed to repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19), confess Jesus as Lord (Rom 10:9-10), and die with Christ in baptism (Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet 3:21; Rom 6:1-8). 

So why was the Philippian jailer simply told to “believe in the Lord Jesus”? (Acts 16:30-31). Is this a contradiction? Why wasn’t the jailer told to “repent and be baptized” like Peter commanded the Jews on Pentecost? The correct answer is, he was. Paul and Silas “spoke the word of the Lord” to him. They told him what it means to “believe in the Lord Jesus.” They told him what to do to be saved.

You will see in the scriptures below that the Holy Spirit uses “believe” as a summary term that includes all the conditions involved in God’s plan of salvation. Likewise, the Holy Spirit uses the words “by faith” to sum up the entire basis upon which we are saved by the gospel. For example, when Paul says, “we have been justified by faith” (Rom 5:1), he is not denying our need to repent and be baptized to be saved. He is saying our entire response to the gospel is “by faith” in Jesus.

It may be a bit tedious to read through all of the passages below, but many examples from the Gospel of John, the Book of Acts, and Paul’s epistles show conclusively how God uses “believe” to summarize our entire response to the gospel.

The Gospel of John:  (Where is the gospel command “repent” in these verses? Do you see how “believe” sums up the entire response to the gospel?)

  • (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” 
  • (John 6:47) “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.
  • (John 11:25) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.”
  • (John 20:31) but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

The Book of Acts:  (Where is the gospel command “repent” in these verses? Notice again that “believe” sums up the entire response to the gospel.)

  • (Acts 2:44) “all that believed were together.” (these new Christians had just repented and been baptized)
  • (Acts 10:43) “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
  • (Acts 13:39) and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.
  • (Acts 4:4) But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. (believed sums up everything they did.)
  • (Acts 11:17) If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
  • (Acts 19:2-3) And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”…into what then were you baptized?”  (baptism is part of believing)

Paul’s Epistles:  (Where is the gospel command “repent” in these verses? Do you see how “believe” and “faith” sum up the entire basis upon which we are saved?)

  • (Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
  • (Gal 2:16) …so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ…
  • (Gal 3:24) Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.
  • (Eph 2:8) For by grace you have been saved through faith…
  • (Rom 5:1) Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Yes, we are saved by faith. Yes, we are saved by believing. Just be sure to define “faith” and “believe” the way God does. Listen to God, not to men. 

The Holy Spirit defines faith as trust in God that obeys God. If we don’t trust and obey, we don’t truly believe. That’s why Paul speaks of “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:26). Saving faith includes trust and obedience.

That’s why James says Abraham was justified by faith when he obeyed God in offering Isaac (Jas 2:20-23). James’ point is that saving faith obeys God, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24). Likewise, we are justified by faith when we obey God’s conditions for salvation. 

Trust without obedience is no faith at all. It is a dead faith. When we obey God’s commands to “repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38), we are saved by grace through faith. When we are “obedient from the heart” and “set free from sin” (Rom 6:17-18), we are saved by grace through faith. Jesus makes it clear that belief always includes obedience. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (Jn 3:36). Do you see how Jesus defines belief?

This is why all the conversion stories in Acts reflect an urgency to be baptized. The response to God by one who believes in Jesus is to repent of one’s sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and die with Christ in baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Just like the Philippian jailer, after we have obeyed the gospel it can be said of us that we “believed in the Lord Jesus” (Acts 16:34).

Do not allow church leaders to deceive you into believing baptism has nothing to do with salvation.

They try to do this by pointing to all the scriptures that say we are saved when we believe in Jesus. I fully accept the truth of those scriptures. But I am careful to define “believe” the way God defines believe. Why don’t they? It’s the only way to stay faithful to the gospel as it was preached.

Ask your church leaders, “What must I do to be saved?” If they tell you, “receive Jesus into your heart” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior,” ask them why they will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.” Anyone who will not use Peter’s words to tell people what they must do to be saved is teaching a false gospel.

The next article is a very important study of “Faith and Works.” It’s a somewhat thorough discussion of the primary misunderstanding of church leaders who argue against the necessity of baptism.  – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #7

Faith and Works:  Correcting A Serious Error

Teachers and leaders in nearly all Protestant churches and seminaries teach the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone, without works of any kind.” They are insistent that one does not need to be baptized to be saved. Why do they contradict Peter? – “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). Why do they contradict Jesus? – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16). Why do they contradict James? – “a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24).  

The following quotes from gotquestions.org represent their teaching (all emphasis added-jc).

  • “Yes, there are some verses that seem to indicate baptism as a requirement for salvation. However, since the Bible so clearly tells us that salvation is received by faith alone (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), there must be a different interpretation of those verses.”
  • “In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9).”
  • “Jesus’ payment for our sins is appropriated to our ‘account’ by faith alone (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, baptism… cannot be a requirement for salvation.”  

Their teaching is since we are saved by “faith alone” and “not by works of any kind,” baptism “cannot be a requirement for salvation.”

First, notice they have added words to the scriptures. Here is what Ephesians 2:8-9 actually says:

“For by grace are we saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.”  

Paul doesn’t say we are “saved through faith alone.” Paul doesn’t say that salvation is “not by works of any kind.” Paul NEVER makes either of those statements. Paul NEVER says “faith alone” in all his teaching. The phrase “faith alone” is found only once in the scriptures, in James 2:24: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and NOT by faith alone.” God is not pleased when we place words in His mouth (Prov 30:5-6). God is not pleased when our teaching contradicts His plain statements. 

Second, according to James it is absolutely wrong to teach we are “saved by faith alone” and “not by works of any kind.”

So, we ask again, why do many evangelical leaders teach this doctrine? Why do they insist that verses about baptism require “a different interpretation”? Why do they say baptism “cannot be a requirement for salvation”?

A more complex answer would require a study of over 500 years of Protestant theology. But the simple answer is that men have not listened to Paul’s own explanation of what he means when he says we are not saved by works. 

A little background is needed. During the Protestant Reformation period of the 16th and 17th centuries, in reaction to the Catholic Church’s errors and abuses regarding “works salvation,” Martin Luther and others began to teach the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone.” They reasoned as follows:

Premise #1: Paul says, “By grace are we saved through faith…not of works” (Eph 2:9);
Premise #2: Baptism is a work;
Conclusion:  Therefore, baptism cannot be necessary to be saved. 

Thus began the false belief that salvation is by “faith alone” and “not by works of any kind.” Obedience was now viewed as post-salvation only. Baptism was redefined as merely an outward display after one is saved. They had effectively separated obedience from saving faith. 

This new “faith alone” theology forced teachers to “re-interpret” most scriptures having to do with baptism. They had to become quite inventive in their arguments. Unfortunately, over the years, pastors and professors in all Protestant denominational churches and seminaries have been repeating these “re-interpretations.” They have repeated them so often they have become dogma. 

Let’s look at Paul’s and James’ definition of faith, and Paul’s explanation of  “not of works.”  

First, Paul’s definition of faith is the same definition given by James. It is the same definition taught throughout the Bible. 

Paul speaks of “the obedience of faith” at the introduction and conclusion of his letter to the Romans (Rom 1:5; 16:27). In Rom 6:17-18 Paul says the Romans had to become “obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine” to receive God’s free gift and be “set free from sin.” Their obedience didn’t merit salvation, but by faith they had to obey the gospel to receive God’s free gift. Just as James says, we are justified (saved) “by works, and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24). The obedience of faith saves us. Paul and James are in complete agreement with all the scriptures.

Throughout the Old and New Testament scriptures, the nature of saving faith is to trust and obey God. The fall of Jericho is a good example. God told the Israelites “I have given Jericho into your hands” (Josh 6:2). But to receive God’s gift, by faith they had to march around Jericho seven times and blow their trumpets (6:2-4). God GAVE them the city (GRACE), but they had to march around it (OBEY BY FAITH) before the walls would fall (RECEIVE GOD’S GIFT). With this same concept of faith in mind, Paul teaches that to receive God’s free gift we must “obey the gospel” (Rom 10:16; 2 Ths 1:8; 1 Pet 4:17). 

God’s healing of Naaman’s leprosy is another good example (2 Kings 5:1-14). Naaman did not in any way deserve God’s gift – it was by God’s grace that he was healed. But to receive God’s grace, by faith he had to obey God’s instructions to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Not until he responded by “the obedience of faith” to God’s gracious offer did he receive God’s free gift. In this story one can see the foreshadowing of baptism. When we by faith obey the gospel in baptism we are cleansed from our sins, just like the apostle Paul was in Acts 22:16. 

Second, Paul’s own explanation of the law of faith and the law of works is sufficient and necessary to our understanding.

Romans 3:27-28   27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” 

In Romans 3:27-28 Paul identifies two laws, or systems, of justification (how to be right with God). He contrasts the “law of faith” with the “law of works.” The law of faith will save us, but the law of works cannot save us.

Paul’s contrast between “the law of faith” and “the law of works” is the key.   

In Galatians 3:10-12 Paul explains precisely what he means by the law of works and why it cannot save anyone. Every time Paul says our salvation is “not of works,” this is precisely what he means. 

Galatians 3:10-12   10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”

Read carefully. Why does relying on works place us “under a curse”? Because the law of works requires us to do “all things written in the Book of the Law.” ALL THINGS! Yet no one does “all things”! All have sinned! We are all under the curse of the law of works! No matter how many good things we do, one sin brings separation from God, spiritual death. That’s why boasting is excluded (Rom 3:27; Eph 2:9)! No one keeps the law perfectly. Thus, the law of works cannot save us. Only the law of faith can save us, by the grace of God.

This is the danger of people thinking they are “good enough” to be saved! The Jews in Paul’s day certainly thought that way, and also despised others who were not “good” like they were. No wonder Paul emphasized over and over that salvation is “by grace… through faith… not of works.”

By explaining the law of works and contrasting it with the law of faith, Paul showed that “how good we are” is not the issue in being right with God. One sin brings death (Rom 6:23). Therefore, only the law of faith can save us. 

CRITICAL TRUTH: Every time Paul discusses faith and works in the context of justification, he is teaching us that only the law of faith, not the law of works, can save us.

In Rom 4:1-2 Paul uses Abraham as the perfect example. Even Abraham couldn’t boast before God! No matter how well he worked, no matter how “good” he was, Abraham did not deserve to be saved. Even good ol’ Abraham was justified only by believing in God’s promise (Rom 4:3). He was saved “by grace… through faith… not of works.”

Then notice Paul’s contrast of the two laws in Rom 4:4. “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.” If you obeyed God perfectly, you would be due eternal life. You would deserve to be with God. You would not need God’s grace. But you haven’t obeyed God perfectly and you deserve death (Rom 6:23). This is Paul’s point. We can’t be saved by the law of works! It is just as he says in Rom 11:6: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” 

In Rom 4:5 Paul explains further, “And to the one who does not work (doesn’t deserve it) but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” No one’s works are good enough to earn righteousness. The phrase “does not work” refers to each and every one of us. All have sinned. No one deserves to be saved. The law of works cannot save us. We can only be saved “by grace… through faith… not of works.”

By failing to see how Paul uses the phrase “not of works,” religious leaders mishandle every scripture Paul writes about faith and works.

They change the definition of saving faith to exclude obedience. But Paul would NEVER say we don’t need to obey God to be saved. Just listen to Paul! He states plainly that people are “set free from sin” when they become “obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine which was delivered to them” (Rom 6:17-18). When are we set free from sin? When we are __________ from the heart!  (KEY: obedient)

Now you can see the truth. When Paul teaches “by grace are we saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9), he is speaking of two systems: the law of faith saves; the law of works cannot save. Every time Paul speaks of salvation “not of works,” he is saying the law of works cannot save us!

Now you can see the truth. There is no need to “reinterpret” the plain scriptures about baptism. We receive God’s free gift of salvation through “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:27). We are justified by a faith that obeys what God says to do to be saved from sin. Saving faith is an active, living, faith that obeys God. James and Paul are fully consistent with each other, as well as with Peter and Jesus and all the scriptures.

Now you can see the truth. We must “obey the gospel” to be saved (2 Ths 1:8). A penitent believer must “die with Christ” and be “raised with Christ” in baptism in order to be “set free from sin” (Rom 6:3-8). The purpose of baptism is to save a truly penitent believer. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk 16:16).  In baptism, by the blood of Jesus, we “wash away our sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). In baptism we are “born again… born of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:3-5). In baptism we are raised with Christ “through faith in the working of God” (Col 2:11-13). Baptism is a response of faith that “now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21). In baptism we are saved by faith.  

Now you can see the truth. It is a serious error for church leaders to teach that we are saved by “faith alone” and “not by works of any kind.”  When religious teachers say, “baptism can’t be necessary for salvation,” they are changing the gospel message. Paul warns us in Galatians 1:6-9 that those who distort the gospel stand accursed. We must be concerned for the souls of many church leaders who have changed the gospel message, and for all who follow their error. God will judge righteously and mercifully. Our job is to teach the truth.

In conclusion, please don’t listen to church leaders who tell people to “receive Jesus into your heart” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior.” Anyone who will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,” is teaching a different gospel than the apostles taught. 

In the next article we will study the story of “The Thief on the Cross.” In what way, if any, does this story impact our understanding of what we must do to be saved?  – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #8

What About the Thief on the Cross? Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV) 39One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus’ dying words to a dying criminal are some of the most amazing words ever spoken. The thief had lived a sinful life and was about to die in sin and perish for all eternity. Even as Jesus is undergoing the cruelest of punishments for the sins of every person who ever lived or ever will live, he sees the thief’s despairing condition, he sees his repentant heart, and he promises to save him. 

Amazing grace! We are all that thief. 

Unfortunately, church leaders will misuse this beautiful and gracious event to argue that water baptism must NOT be necessary for salvation because the thief on the cross was saved without being baptized. Here is my question to them: 

Why are you overlooking three obvious and important truths about this story? 

FACT #1:  JESUS HAD AUTHORITY ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS. 

Mark 2:10-11 (ESV) 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”

On this fact alone, their argument fails. Jesus can save anyone he wants to save. Case closed. No more really needs to be said. Jesus is Lord. So how can one one honestly use this event to change the gospel plan of salvation given by Jesus and his apostles?  

FACT #2:  THE THIEF WAS SAVED UNDER THE OLD COVENANT.

Ponder that truth. Only after Jesus died and arose did the New Covenant conditions of salvation go into effect. Therefore, how the thief was saved under the Old Covenant has no bearing on how we are saved under the New Covenant. The thief was never commanded to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). The New Covenant commands did not even apply to the thief. He lived under the Old Covenant. So, how the thief was saved proves nothing. Honestly, how can one in good faith use this event to change the gospel plan of salvation given by Jesus and his apostles under the New Covenant?  

FACT #3:  NO ONE KNOWS IF THE THIEF WAS BAPTIZED OR NOT.

We shouldn’t make arguments based on what we don’t know. Does anyone know if the thief was baptized with John’s baptism? What if he had been? Maybe Jesus knew. But it doesn’t matter. The story of the thief is irrelevant in determining the commands of the gospel under the New Covenant.

Here’s an additional point to consider about John’s baptism. After the New Covenant in Jesus’ blood was established, John’s baptism ceased to have effect. Acts 19:1-8 shows us that those who were baptized with John’s baptism had to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus. That’s because to be saved under the New Covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers in Jesus (that’s us today!) have to die with Christ in baptism. They have to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). So, even if the thief was baptized with John’s baptism, it is irrelevant in determining God’s plan of salvation under the New Covenant. 

So, now do you understand why, based on these three important truths, people should stop using the thief on the cross argument to deny or change the gospel plan of salvation? The thief is a bad argument. Whether or not the thief was baptized is irrelevant. 

LET’S DO A QUICK REVIEW OF WHAT WE’VE OBSERVED SO FAR IN THIS SERIES OF ARTICLES:  After Jesus arose from the dead he issued EVERY condition for salvation (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16; Lk 24:46-47). One must believe, repent, and be baptized to be saved. These same commands were preached by Peter, Paul, Philip the evangelist, and the prophet Ananias (Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-38; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21; Rom 6:3-8). The apostle Paul warned us, on fear of condemnation, not to change the gospel (Gal 1:6-9)! 

With those truths in mind, everyone should “test the spirits to see if they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I Jn 4:1).

  • Read Acts 2:36-41 and ask yourself if baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins? (Then ask your church leaders what they teach.) 
  • Read Acts 22:16 and ask yourself if Saul of Tarsus was told that baptism was necessary to cleanse him of his sins? (Then ask your church leaders what they teach.)
  • Read 1 Peter 3:21 and ask yourself if Peter taught that baptism saves people? (Then ask your church leaders what they teach.)

When you ask your church leaders, “What must I do to be saved?” and they tell you, “receive Jesus into your heart” or “say the Sinner’s Prayer” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior,” you know they are teaching a false gospel. Anyone who will not give Peter’s answer in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,” is teaching a false gospel.

In the next article we will study the doctrinal position that baptism is merely a symbolic act. Does baptism merely show the salvation we have already received, or does baptism save us? I think you already know the scriptural answer. – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #9

Is Baptism Merely a Symbolic, Public Display?

This chart provides a concise look at the purpose of baptism, according to the scriptures:

However, the Protestant Reformation’s doctrine of “salvation by faith only” declares that baptism does not save us.

For example, Simmons writes:

“…only saved people are to be baptized. We are not to baptize people in order to save them, nor because they want to be saved, but only because they are already saved” (A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine, T. Simmons, Ch. 31; emphasis added).

This false view that baptism does not save us is cemented into denominational creeds and theological textbooks. Baptism is declared to be a public display of a salvation already received by faith. It is said to be merely an outward show, a symbolic representation.

These two examples suffice to show what is being taught:

“We believe Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith, and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus and a mark of Christian discipleship.” (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, Article VI — The Sacraments,  2016, emphasis added)

“Baptism serves as our confession before men, in as much as it is a mark by which we openly declare that we wish to be ranked among the people of God, by which we testify that we concur with all Christians in the worship of one God, and in one religion; by which, in short, we publicly assert our faith…”  (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4.15.1; emphasis added).

Where does God ever say that baptism is a symbol, a mark, a representation, a declaration, a testimony, or a public assertion? Where does the Bible use any of those words to describe the purpose of baptism?

Instead, God says baptism saves us. Jesus commanded the apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; he who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter stated, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).

The invented idea that baptism is MERELY symbolic puts church leaders in the unenviable position of flatly denying the truth of God.

For example, in reference to Peter’s statement that baptism “now saves you” (1 Pet 3:21), theologian John Winebrenner tries to explain what Peter intended to say:

“Here the apostle does not mean to say that baptism does actually now save us, but that it does so formally, or declaratively”  (The Ordinance of Baptism, 1868,  p. 319).

According to Mr. Winebrenner, what Peter really means is that baptism formally declares that we’re already saved. Peter doesn’t mean that baptism actually saves us. Mr. Winebrenner, like other evangelical church leaders, has made up his mind that Peter must mean something completely different than what he plainly says. This is how error is spread. Winebrenner already has his mind made up on what he believes, so he must twist the scriptures to fit his predetermined view.  

Another astonishing statement is the open admission that in today’s churches baptism has a different purpose than it had in apostolic times:

“…in the Apostolic age when there was one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by the very act constituted him a member of the church,… In that sense, baptism was the door into the church. Now it is different… The churches, therefore, have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their ‘experience,’ and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members” (E.T. Hiscox, “Standard Manual for Baptist Churches” p. 22; emphasis added).

Who made the purpose of baptism different? Not God! God’s purpose for baptism is the same today as it was in apostolic times. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism saves us. Baptism is the moment in time when we die with Christ and are raised with Christ. Baptism is the moment when Jesus saves us by his blood and adds us to his church (Acts 2:41, 47). 

However, since the Reformation period in the 16th and 17th centuries the doctrine of “salvation by faith only” has distorted the Bible teaching on baptism. It is heart-breaking that many church leaders preach a different gospel than was delivered by Jesus and the apostles. These church leaders do not “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet 4:11).

  • They teach that one’s sins are forgiven BEFORE baptism. Yet Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). 
  • They teach that one’s sins are washed away BEFORE baptism. Yet Ananias told Paul, “And now, why do you delay? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). 
  • They teach that baptism is NOT necessary to be saved. Yet Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).  

It is a fearful thing to “distort the gospel of Christ” (Gal 1:7), for “we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (Jas 3:1). Therefore, we love our neighbor when we identify this error. Will you love your preacher/teacher/pastor? Will you give them an opportunity to hear the truth?

In the next (and last) article in this series, we plead with you to take a stand for the truth. We plead with you to obey and teach the gospel just as God teaches it, and to find a congregation that teaches and stands for the true gospel. We must believe God over men. “Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Rom 3:8). Only the truth will set us free (Jn 8:31-32). God’s word is truth (Jn 17:17).  – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #10

Salvation:  Will You Believe God or Men?

What must I do to be saved?

The Holy Spirit presents the gospel in simple terms. In the final article of this series, we ask you to decide whether you will believe God or men. Will you stand with God? 

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

To believe in Jesus is to believe the facts of the gospel. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead, according to the scriptures. Jesus is both Lord and Christ (1 Cor 15:1-4; Acts 2:36). 

To believe in Jesus is to obey the commands of the gospel. Peter commanded the Jews on Pentecost to “repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of sins“ (Acts 2:37-38); Ananias commanded the apostle Paul to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16); Jesus said “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved“ (Mk 16:16); Paul said we are “baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27). Only when you believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, and die with Christ in baptism, have you obeyed the gospel.

To believe in Jesus is to receive the promises of the gospel. When you hear the gospel message and obey it, God keeps his promise to forgive your sins and give you the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-41). God keeps his promise to raise you up with Christ to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:3-8). You are now born again of water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5). Paul says, “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God” (Col 2:12). God powerfully works in baptism. He  is faithful to keep his word.

God made the gospel simple to understand. The question is, will you believe God or men?

Throughout this series we have contrasted the true gospel with the false doctrine of “salvation by faith only” which came out of the Protestant Reformation over 500 years ago. See article #7 on Faith and Works. We have demonstrated that most church leaders today flatly deny the truth that baptism saves us. They deny that baptism is part of the gospel. You decide who to believe.

  • I believe Jesus: “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).
  • I believe Peter: “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38).
  • I believe the prophet Ananias:  “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
  • I believe Paul:  “you were baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27); “one who has died…has been set free from sin” (Rom 6:7). 

Indeed, as Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). I believe the scriptures. We are not saved until we die with Christ and are raised with Christ. Baptism is not an outward show. 

Romans 6:4 (ESV) 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

It is thought-provoking to contrast what the “faith only” preachers say with what Paul says in Romans 6:

  • Faith only preachers say we are alive before baptism (so they bury the living!). Paul says we are dead in sin when we are buried and raised with Christ IN BAPTISM. I believe God over men.
  • Faith only preachers say we are already raised with Christ before baptism. Paul says we are raised with Christ IN BAPTISM. I believe God over men.
  • Faith only preachers say baptism is just an outward show. Paul says we die to sin and are raised with Christ IN BAPTISM. I believe God over men.

Do you see how completely wrong it is to tell people they are saved before baptism? When men try to explain away or contradict the scriptures about baptism, they teach a false gospel.

That means you must make a choice. To believe God rather than men requires courage. It always has.

Do your homework. Ask the leaders of the church where you attend what you must do to be saved.

  • Will they tell you what Peter told the Jews on Pentecost? Or will they tell you that baptism does not save you?
  • Will they say you should be baptized later as an outward, symbolic show of the salvation you already have?
  • Will they ignore the immediacy and urgency of baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:37; 10:48; 16:33-34; 22:16)?
  • Do they make baptism into a monthly or quarterly ritual ceremony?
  • Will they tell you to “receive Jesus into your heart,” or “pray the Sinner’s Prayer,” or “trust Jesus as your personal Savior”?

Ask them why they will not teach the gospel with the words Jesus and Peter and Paul used.

True believers have always been called to take a stand for God’s truth versus the teachings of men (2 Tim 4:1-5). When false teachers tried to change the gospel in New Testament days the apostle Paul said, “to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you” (Gal 2:5). What will you do now that you are aware that men are teaching a false gospel? Will you take a stand for the truth of the gospel? 

We are ready to stand with you if you choose to believe God. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God’s word. – Jerry Crolius

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