Articles
The Plan
In this series, we have taken individual looks at Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Baptism. Many religious teachers pit one act against the other, saying this one or that one is more important than any others. The Lord would not have it be this way. Rather, we must take all of them together, and harmonize them the way the New Testament does. That will be the focus of this final article.
The Book of Acts presents many conversions of people in Christ. Let's look at a few to see if they match what we have been presenting in this series.
Acts 2
Jews on the day of Pentecost were told they were guilty of murdering Jesus Christ, the Son of God. After being convicted in their conscience (faith), Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Doing so they obtained salvation (v.47).
Acts 8
The Samaritans and Simon the sorcerer heard Philip preaching things concerning the kingdom of God. After believing what they heard (faith), both men and women were baptized (v.12).
Acts 8
A eunuch from Ethiopia was reading from the prophecy of Isaiah. Philip came to him (v.35). Judging from the eunuch's question in v.36, Philip must have taught baptism. After the eunuch's confession (v.37), Philip baptized him.
Acts 16
As Paul & Silas were imprisoned in Phillipi, an earthquake shook the prison. The jailer feared all had escaped, and sought to take his own life. Paul told him none had escaped. He came in and fell before Paul, asking what he must do to be saved. Paul told him to believe (faith). After Paul further spoke the word of the Lord to them, he and his household were baptized (vs.32-33).
The New Testament calls these steps in becoming a Christian "obeying the gospel" (2 Thess 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17). It always involves teaching the word of the Lord (1 Peter 1:22-23). Obedience to the gospel is hearing the Lord's word, believing it, repenting of sin, confessing the name of Christ as the Son of God, and putting him on in baptism, burying the man of sin we have put to death. Afterwards, it is living a faithful life to God as His child. Dear friend, we would be happy to help you obey the gospel and become a Christian. Call us at 502-245-0573 and let us talk about this very important matter. Your soul depends upon it.
