“What Must I Do To Be Saved?”

These ten articles address a life and death question. We want a truthful and consistent answer from the scriptures. 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.

Our goal in these articles is to be faithful to God by teaching the gospel exactly the way Jesus and the apostles taught it. The gospel is the good news about Jesus that saves us from the condemnation of sin. Paul warns us not to change the gospel lest we incur God’s judgment (Gal 1:6-9).  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.

Let’s begin with Jesus’ own 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. The three accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke are of primary interest to us because the apostles learn directly from Jesus what they must command people to do to be saved.

At the end of the gospel of 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.

At the end of the gospel of 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. 

At the end of the gospel of 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.”

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?

Based on Jesus’ instructions, 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. After proving that Jesus was both Lord and Christ, he commanded, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Later Peter would write, after using Noah as an example of being saved through the waters of the flood, that “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21). 

It is interesting that Matthew, Mark, and Luke identify different commands of Jesus, all of which are necessary to be saved. This shows us that Jesus wants us to combine all that he has revealed about salvation. 

Our job is to accept all that God has said. No one scripture conveys all the truth on salvation, but every scripture is true and harmonizes perfectly with all others. 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.  

Therefore, as we continue to study “What must I do to be saved?” think about 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 how to be saved. The next article studies the story of the first 3,000 Christians saved on the day of Pentecost. We will see how Peter’s answer to the Jews’ question, “What shall we do?” is consistent with what Jesus taught.   – Jerry Crolius

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Bible Answer #2

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

In Acts 2 the apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon after Jesus ascended on high. 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, later to be known as “the Lord’s Day” (Rev 1:10).

What did the apostles tell people to do to receive the forgiveness of sins and be saved?

On Pentecost (no coincidence it was called the Feast of First Fruits) the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the apostles. A miraculous event took place as they began to prophesy in the native languages of the Jews who had gathered from all over the world for the feast. Peter stood up to address thousands of Jews. He said the events of that day were the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. “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 day of salvation promised by God had come!

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

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 they had crucified God’s Messiah! They believed that Jesus was Lord! They wanted to be saved from their sins!

Peter didn’t tell them they were already saved. Instead, he told them what to do to be saved: 

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 issued the commands and promises of the gospel to those who believed the facts of the gospel.

If they were already saved, Peter would not have commanded them to repent, nor would he have commanded them to be baptized “for the forgiveness of sins.” If they were already saved, Peter would not have continued to exhort them, saying, “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, promised 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 and 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.

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, sanctified, and 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!

Why do church leaders tell people to “receive Jesus into their heart” to be saved? Why do they teach people to say “The Sinner’s Prayer” to be saved? Why do they tell people to “trust Jesus as your personal Savior” to be saved? Is that the gospel message Peter preached? Sadly, no. Peter said, “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). On the day of Pentecost Peter proclaimed 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 (Gal 1:6-9). 

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 God says 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

According to the scriptures, to live with Christ (be saved) 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. God is holy and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). You are “dead in your sins” (Eph 2:1). 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. You can be saved from God’s wrath. You can live with Christ. But to live with Christ you need to die with Christ. You need to 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 or when do I die with Christ? How or when 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)

When were these believers “set free from sin” (v. 7)? It was when in baptism they “died with Christ” (vs. 6-7). It was when they were buried with Christ “into his death” (v. 3). It was when they were “united with him in a death like his” in order to be “united with him in a resurrection like his” (v. 5). In baptism, Paul says, their “old self was crucified with him” (v. 6). 

As a result of dying with Christ in baptism, they were “set free from sin.” And because they died with Christ, they will also live with him (Rom 6:7-8).

What are we learning about salvation? 

Baptism is not a mere symbol. As Peter says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21). In baptism those who believed “died with Christ” (Rom 6:8). In baptism they “died to sin” (6:2). In baptism they were “set free from sin” (6:7). In baptism their “old self was crucified with him” (6:6). In baptism they arose to “walk in newness of life” (6:4). Paul says these things happened. All of this occurred at baptism. When did they die with Christ? When did they die to sin? When were they set free from sin? When did they arise to walk in newness of life? Paul says all of these things happened when they were “baptized into Christ Jesus” (v. 3). For a fuller discussion of the claim that baptism is merely symbolic see Article #9, “Is Baptism Merely A Symbolic, Public Display?”

All through the scriptures, baptism’s purpose is to save. 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). The scriptures consistently teach that baptism is the moment in which one receives the forgiveness of sins and is saved; baptism is the moment we die with Christ and are “set free from sin” (Rom 6:7); baptism is not merely an outward show of a salvation already received. As Peter says, baptism saves us. 

Salvation is a gift from God (Rom 6:23). Our obedience in baptism does not earn the forgiveness of our sins. In baptism we simply receive God’s gracious gift by our obedient faith. “By grace you are saved through faith” (Eph 2:8). When believers “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” they were “set free from sin” (Rom 6:17-18).  To obey the gospel is to believe with all our heart, to repent with all our heart, to confess Jesus with all our heart, and to be baptized with all our heart. To obey the gospel is to submit by faith to God’s plan of salvation which was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). For a fuller discussion of the biblical teaching on faith and works, see Article #7 on “Faith and Works: Correcting A Serious Error.” 

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

They will tell you that baptism is a work of man and therefore can’t be necessary for salvation. They will insist that baptism does not save us. We must challenge them with the scriptures. Ask them, “What must I do to be saved?” If they tell you to “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. Nowhere in the Bible are those answers given. 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 ask and answer the question, “Exactly when was Saul saved?” Once again 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 study Saul’s conversion 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). While traveling 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). Did Saul now understand who Jesus was and did he believe in him? 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). We see that 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 to act without delay and be baptized to wash away his sins is 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.

In summary, 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?”). Indeed, 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.” 

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 may call on the name of the Lord to be saved. “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). Our cleansing from sin occurs at the moment when, in heartfelt faith and repentance, we 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. This is how we “obey the gospel” to be saved (1 Pet 4:17; 2 Ths 1:8; Rom 6:17-18). 

1 Peter 3:21 shows us 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. 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 God uses the word “believe” to summarize 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 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.” The next study, Article #6, 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 understand “faith” and “believe” as defined by the Holy Spirit. 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

I hope this article will bring understanding to many. I pray that it will help to eliminate a serious and soul-threatening division caused by believers in Jesus Christ who give a false biblical answer to the most important gospel question, “What Must I Do to Be Saved?” 

Why do teachers and leaders in nearly all Protestant churches and seminaries teach the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone, without works of any kind”? Why do these teachers say that baptism does not save us? Why do these religious leaders teach that baptism is not necessary to be saved?

James teaches otherwise when he says we are “justified by works, and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24). Peter teaches otherwise when he says, “baptism now saves us” (1 Pet 3:21).  Jesus teaches otherwise when he says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).  

Why do many religious leaders proclaim a distorted gospel message, one that is different from the plain statements in the scriptures about what we must do to be saved?

Consider the following quotes from gotquestions.org (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.”  

These teachers say that people are saved by “faith alone” and “not by works of any kind.” And thus baptism “cannot be a requirement for salvation.”

Do they realize they have added words to the scriptures? Notice 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. Men have placed words in Paul’s mouth, and God must not be pleased (Prov 30:5-6). 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.”

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 discuss 500 years of Protestant theology, but the following simple answer gets to the root issue. The simple answer is that men have failed to listen to Paul’s own explanation of grace, faith and works. 

(I hope this short article will prompt many religious teachers to reconsider their understanding of Paul’s teaching about grace, faith and 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,” men who followed the teachings of Martin Luther and others accepted the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone.” They reasoned as follows:

Premise #1: “By grace are we saved through faith…not of works” (Eph 2:9);
Premise #2: Baptism is a work;
Conclusion: Baptism cannot be necessary to be saved (it’s a work and we are saved by faith alone).

The result of their “faith alone” doctrine was to separate obedience from saving faith. To them saving faith does not require obedience (“works of any kind”). To them obedience is viewed as “post-salvation” only. To them one is saved by faith alone, and then later “should be” baptized as a show of one’s salvation.

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

One can avoid these errors by paying close attention to Paul’s own explanation of salvation “by grace… through faith… not of works.”  Paul explains in great detail his teaching on grace, faith and works. The “faith alone” theologians didn’t accept Paul’s explanation. We should.

First, notice Paul’s understanding of faith. It is the same concept of faith taught by James, and the same taught throughout the Bible. 

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.” But to receive God’s gift, by faith they had to march around Jericho seven times and blow their trumpets (Josh 6:2-4). God GAVE them the city (GRACE), but they had to (BY FAITH) march around it (OBEY) before the walls would fall (RECEIVE GOD’S GIFT). With this same concept of faith in mind, Paul speaks of “the obedience of faith” at the introduction and conclusion of his letter to the Romans (Rom 1:5; 16:27). He 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 to God’s gracious offer by “the obedience of faith” did he receive God’s free gift. In this story one can see the foreshadowing of baptism. Not until by faith we obey the gospel in baptism are we cleansed from our sins.  

Notice how plainly Paul states it in Rom 6:17-18. To receive God’s free gift and be “set free from sin,” the Romans had to become “obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine.” Obedience didn’t merit their salvation, but by faith they had to obey the gospel to receive God’s free gift and avoid the fires of hell. We are justified (saved), just as James says, “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.

Now to the heart of the matter. Listen carefully to Paul’s own explanation of faith and works.

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”.

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.” 

Notice the two “laws” or systems. The law of faith will save us, but the law of works cannot save us. The contrast of these two laws is the backbone of Paul’s doctrine of justification by grace through faith.  

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:

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.”

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.” Yet all have sinned, and no one does “all things”! We are all under the curse of the law of works! No matter how many good things we do, one sin requires our soul. That’s why boasting is excluded (Rom 3:27; Eph 2:9)! No one keeps the law perfectly. Thus, only the law of faith can save us, by the grace of God.

People today still think 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!

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: “preach the gospel…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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