Whether we realize it or not, man’s greatest need is salvation.  Once we come to knowledge of this, it would be good to consider the conditions of being saved as outlined in the New Testament.  In Acts 16:30, we have recorded the most important question ever asked, “What must I do to be saved.”  If we are not in a saved condition, there is no more important question that we could ask.  With this in mind, with this article, I would like for us to study what the New Testament has to say concerning salvation by looking at what both man must not do and what man must do in order to be saved.

WHAT MAN MUST NOT DO TO BE SAVED

Man must not imagine that there is nothing to do.  Remember the question of the jailer in Acts 16, “What must I do to be saved?” Also, consider the question asked by the Jews on Pentecost, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).  Likewise, recall the words of Peter in response to that question as seen in Acts 2:40, “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”

We should not mistake what we have to do in order to be saved.  We dare not let what we have heard, what we have been taught, or even what we believe with all our heart, stand in the way of doing what is right (Proverbs 14:12).

We should not make the mistake of doing something other than that which God has commanded (Matthew 7:21-23; 15:9).

We should not imagine that we cannot do what God requires. Moses, in Exodus chapter 4, thought he was incapable of doing what God wanted (Exodus 4:10-13). However, he was wrong, as seen in Exodus 4:14.  It must be understood that God would not command us to do that which we could not do (1 John 5:3). How could we prove our love to God if it is impossible to keep His commandments?  Jesus was very clear that our love is proved by our obedience (John 14:15).

We should not procrastinate.  In other words, we must not put off doing what we know we should do relative to salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).  Too many people look to “tomorrow” to obey. However, “tomorrow” often never comes.  Hell will be full of people who waited until it was too late, waiting on “tomorrow.”

We should not wait for God to do what He has told us to do. God has done His part.  Because of this, He will not do anymore (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). It is now up to us to do our part (Hebrews 5:9; James 1:22).

We should not imagine that we will have a more favorable time.  The facts are, we might have another opportunity to obey, and then again, we might not. Remember what we have seen, “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).  We have no promise of another opportunity. Felix was willing to wait for a more “convenient time” (Acts 24:25). We do not know if that time every came.  Wouldn’t it be a tragedy to wait too long?!

We should not wait to see what others will do or say.  It is important to keep in mind we will not be judged by what others have or have not done.  Instead, we will be judged individually based on our lives and our actions (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

WHAT MUST ONE DO TO BE SAVED 

First, we should remove the negatives that we have just studied. Secondly, we must understand what we must do in order to be saved (Acts 8:30, 31).  We do not have to understand the entire Bible, only enough to be saved.  The rest can be learned later.  Thirdly, we need to obey the gospel which involves: Believe – Hebrews 11:6; Repentance – Acts 2:38; 17:30;  Confess – Romans 10:9, 10; Be baptized – Mark 16:16.

It is important for us to keep in mind that salvation is available.  God’s grace, love and mercy have already been extended to us. For us to accept them, we must be obedient to His Word.

 

Advertisement