Are You Saved?

What is God's Plan?

Studying the Bible

We must study the Bible in order to find out God's plan. The Bible should be studied with an open mind. If we believe that it is inspired by God, we should also believe that He is capable of delivering His Word without error or contradictions, despite the different languages, writers, translations, geographic locations, and time frame. If we find something that appears to be a contradiction, we should try to figure out how "we" are interpreting it incorrectly, and change "our" beliefs to match His word.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...

 

Which Law Are We Under

The Law of Moses was written for the Jews and was only to last until the time of Christ. In the Law of Moses, the blood of animals was required to atone for the sins of the people. These sacrifices were temporary. Now, we have the perfect sacrifice. God's only begotten son, being without sin, offered Himself as a sacrifice to forgive sins from the time of His death until His return. When Jesus died on the cross, the temporary Law of Moses was fulfilled and is no longer necessary. Now we are under the law of Christ (not the Ten Commandments), found in the New Testament. Christians were never under the Law of Moses.

Exodus 34:27,28

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel [the Jews]. And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Galatians 3:19,16

Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, [only] till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; .... To thy seed, which is Christ.

Ephesians 2:14,15

He [Christ] is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Hebrews 8:13

A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.

Galatians 3:24,25

The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster

 

Authority of Christ's Word

Since all power is given to Jesus and we will be judged by the Word, we should learn His will for us by studying it diligently.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 12:48

He that rejected me, and receives not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

We Must Understand

The Bible makes it apparent that understanding it is essential to salvation. In fact, those "without understanding" are listed in the same category as murderers and homosexuals (Romans 1:24-32). Such people are counted as "worthy of death" (Romans 1:32).

Romans 1:31,32

...Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Ephesians 5:17

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.(NKJV)

Matthew 13:19

When any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart....

2 Peter 3:16

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

 

We Can't Trust Our Feelings

Are feelings a safe guide to know whether or not we are saved? According to the Bible, they are not. Consider the apostle Paul. He claimed to have lived before God in all good conscience while he was persecuting Christians, but admits he did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

Acts 23:1

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

1 Timothy 1:12-14

And I [Paul] thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

James 2:24

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

 

We Must Hear

God now speaks to us through His Word, rather than through the apostles and prophets, as He did before His will was completely revealed. Today, we have the complete written Word so we can know His will. Since He now speaks to us through His Word, we should hear Him by studying His Word and listening to what He has to say.

Mark 4:20

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 9:7

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

John 8:47

He that is of God hears God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

 

We Must Believe

Faith and belief are interchangeable terms. In the Bible, the words mean not just an acknowledgement of God but rather trust and obedience. In fact, many modern translations substitute the words. Even God Himself substituted the word obey with believe (Numbers 20:12). Without faith we cannot please God.

Number 20:7-12

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying...Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod...Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe [obey] Me...you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (NKJV)

John 3:36 (NASV)

He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

John 3:36 (KJV)

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he rewards them that diligently seek him.

 

We Must Repent of Our Sins

Repentance is probably the hardest step toward salvation. Repentance not only requires that we change our attitude about sin but also that we change our actions and walk in the light as Jesus is in the light.

Luke 13:3

except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:

2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.

Romans 2:4

Or you despises the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?

Acts 26:20

But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

 

We Must Confess

According to the Bible, we must confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Although the Bible states that confession is made unto salvation that does not mean that confession is the only thing necessary to be saved. Consider the context of Romans 10:1-10. Paul was writing about Israelites [Jews] who were zealous for God, but would not confess Jesus as Lord. If they were to put Jesus as Lord over their lives, because of their zeal for God, they would have also obeyed His other commands necessary for salvation.

After one is saved, there is a continuing need for confessing one's sins.

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God.

Matthew 10:32,33

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Romans 10:1-2, 9-10

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge...That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1 John 1:9,10

 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

 


 

We Must Obey the Gospel

The Bible says that the gospel is the power to save, and those who don't obey it will suffer eternal punishment.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

1 Peter 4:17

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

 

Obeying the Gospel

The Scriptures say the gospel includes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1Cor.15:1-4). Just as Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected, we too should die to sin (repent), be buried (baptism), and be resurrected (raised to walk a new life as a Christian) by obeying the gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Romans 6:3,4

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:12,13

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are raised with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. and you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

 

    Bible Baptism 

The Bible mentions several baptisms. Ephesians 4:4-6 says there is One baptism. Since the Bible is without error or contradiction, we must conclude that the One baptism is the baptism commanded by the Lord and the apostles and is in effect today. This One baptism is complete immersion (burial) in water.

Matthew 28:18,19

Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Acts 10:47

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized....?

Romans 6:3,4

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

John 3:23

John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

 

Baptism Saves!!

Contrary to popular belief, baptism is required for salvation. Baptism is the first point where a repenting person receives forgiveness of sins. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). To receive this gift of God, we must obey his commands.

Acts 2:38

Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 22:16

And now why do you tarry? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

1 Peter 3:21

baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Baptism Shouldn't Wait!!

The book of Acts is a historical account of the New Testament church while the apostles were still alive. If we follow the examples of the conversions in this book, we will see that baptism is necessary and shouldn't wait. Acts 16 is one of the many examples showing that baptism should not wait. It tells of the conversion of the Philippian jailer. "they seized Paul and Silas and threw them into prison But at midnight there was a great earthquake  and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison brought them [Paul and Silas] out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And immediately he and all his family were baptized and he rejoiced, having believed in God with his entire household." (Acts 16:19-34)

Acts 16:30-34

[Prison guard]...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, [Paul and Silas] Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and thy house. And they spoke unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with his entire house.

Acts 8:35-39

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, thou may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 22:16

And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the His name. (NASV)

Acts 2:38,41

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

 

So, what is the plan of salvation ?

1) Hear the truth of God’s Word. Jesus teaches the importance of hearing:  John 5:24-25.

2) Believe in God, and that Jesus Christ is HIS only begotten son:  John 3:16-18, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6

3) Repent of your sins:  Luke 13:3-5, Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30, II Peter 3:9

4) Confess before man that "Jesus is Lord":  Romans 10:9-10, I John. 4:15

5) Be Baptized for the remission (or payment) of your sins:  Acts 2:38, 22:16, Mark. 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:20-21.

Then add to your faith all of the qualities mentioned in:

1 Peter 1:5-11.

 

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4In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
(John 1:4-5)

________

6For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(2 Corinthians 4:6)

________

But those who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint
(Isaiah 40 :31)