The Bible is very clear about what it takes to become a Christian. Unfortunately, many in the religious world teach something different. Some think they are saved solely by grace. Others believe they are saved at the point of faith. Some think God will save anyone who will breath a simple prayer, asking for forgiveness. While there are others who think everyone who is kind and helpful will be saved. The important thing is, "what does the Bible teach?"

We Must Hear The Word of God

Without first hearing the word of God (by studying the Bible) people would not know they were sinners and in the need of salvation. Paul said, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and that "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23). By the study of the Bible one learns what sin is and how each is guilty of it. One also learns that Jesus died as a sacrifice for the sins of all people.

We Must Believe The Things We Read

Just reading the Bible (hearing the word) doesn't save a person. We have to believe the things that we hear or there is no basis for one doing what is read. Paul said that "faith

comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Jesus said in John 8:24, "...if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." However, just believing is not enough for in Matthew 7:21 Jesus taught that one must "do the will of the Father" if he is to enter heaven.

Sins Must Be Repented Of

Isaiah said that it is sin that separates one from God (Isaiah 59:2). We must turn away from those sins, recognizing we have been wrong, with the intent of doing all that God desires - this is what the Bible calls repentance. God commands all men everywhere to come to repentance (Acts 17:30).

We Must Be Unashamed of What We Believe

Jesus said if we confess him before men he will confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32). Therefore, if I want the Lord to save me I must confess with my mouth my faith in Jesus as the son of God (Romans 10:9,10).

There is a great deal of disagreement in the religious world over the relation of baptism to salvation. Some think it unnecessary to being saved, but necessary to being in the church. But notice what the Bible teaches: (1) Sins are washed away in baptism (Acts 22:16). (2) One is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26,27). Also, (3) baptism is essential to having a good conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21).

We must recognize that baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38) and that it is an immersion in water (Romans 6:4), not sprinkling, in obedience to the Lord. It is also something for believers who have repented of their sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). When one is obedient in this way God has promised to forgive his sins. But, this is not the end! One comes from the water of baptism to walk in a new life (Romans 6:4).

This New Life Is Faithful Service To God

Now as one of God's children we are expected to live for Him. Saints were told in Revelation 2:10 to be "faithful unto death" if they would receive the crown of life. In Hebrews 3:12 saved people are warned to not depart from the living God. This shows that they could have. Then in Hebrews 6:1-6 they are warned that they can fall away but are encouraged to go on to perfection. Let us strive to do just that!

Check Every Passage Given In Your Bible - if you have questions send them to mscoc@godisforyou.com