The jailor's question, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) is still on the minds of thinking individuals. According to the Bible, the answer is: Hear the gospel of Christ(John 6:44) and believe in Jesus as God's Son (Acts 16:30-34; John 8:24;Hebrews 11:6). Next, one must repent of sins (Acts 17:30-31; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38) and confess faith that Jesus is the Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37). Then, the consummating act of one's obedience is to be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16). When these matters are discussed, sometimes a question arises: "Why stress the importance of baptism so much?" The answer to this question is well answered in the following list of Bible references.
Water stands between the sinner and cleansing (Ephesians 5:26).
Water stands between the sinner and sanctification (Ephesians 5:26).
Water stands between the sinner and putting away sins (Colossians 2:11-13).
Water stands between the sinner and new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:6).
Water stands between the sinner and quickening with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
Water stands between the sinner and forgiveness (Colossians 1:13-14).
Water stands between the sinner and the kingdom (John 3:5).
Water stands between the sinner and the blood of Christ (John 19:34).
Water stands between the sinner and a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
Water stands between the sinner and the promise through Christ (Acts 2:39).
Water stands between the sinner and the body (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Water stands between the sinner and salvation (1 Peter 3:21).
Water stands between the sinner and sonship (Galatians 3:26-27).
Originally printed in House to House, Heart to Heart
- back - - home -