What is the biblical response to one who
asks, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer depends on who is asking and where
the person is in relation to the Lord.1
A complete unbeliever must first believe in
God (Acts 14:15; 17:23-27) and the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31). Without
this initial step of faith, one can go no further in the salvation process. And
before believing is even possible, the truth of God’s word must be communicated,
understood and accepted (Acts 2:37; 8:12a; 16:32; 17:23-34). Once the divine
message has been received and trusting faith has been generated (Romans 10:17),
what must the one now believing do to be saved?
A believer must repent, i.e. turn away
from sin (Acts 2:38a; 3:19; 17:30; 26:20). Without repentance, salvation is not
available (Luke 13:3, 5; 24:47; 2 Peter 3:9). When a believing one turns from darkness to light, what must this penitent believer do to be saved?
Upon the profession of faith (1 Timothy
6:12),2 a penitent believer must be baptized (immersed in water) for
the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-5, 17-18). Unless one is
born of water and the spirit, entrance into God’s kingdom is prohibited (John
3:5, 22-23). Seeing that salvation is “in Christ” (2 Timothy 2:10) and baptism
places one “into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), baptism is therefore necessary for salvation (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:20-21). After baptism,
what must the penitent baptized believer do to be saved?
A penitent baptized believer must continue
in the faith (Acts 2:42; 11:23; 14:22). This involves acknowledging and
repenting of sins whenever necessary (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7-10). It also
involves learning, growing, obeying, and serving as an active member of the
Lord’s church (Romans 12:1-18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 2 Peter 1:2-11; etc.).
What must I do to be saved? Well, who’s
asking? An unbeliever must believe. A believer must repent. A penitent believer
must be baptized. And a baptized penitent believer must continue living a life
of faithfulness according to biblical directives. God himself is faithful and does
his part as each of us humbly complies.
--Kevin L. Moore
Endnotes:
1 This question was asked on
three separate occasions in the book of Acts (2:37; 16:30; 22:10), with a
different response given each time.
2
Unfortunately some believe in Jesus without confessing him (John 12:42), and some confess
Jesus without obeying him (Matthew 7:21).
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