What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Considering what is at stake, it is of utmost importance to turn to the only authority on this subject; the Bible, the Word of Truth. This questions is asked several times, and although the answer varies somewhat, when all instances are explored, a complete answer is readily evident. As you will see, the answer varies because of the situation of the person asking this question, "What must I do to be saved?". This question is posed four times in the New Testament.
- Mark 10:17 - Jesus is asked this question by a "rich young ruler." It is important to remember that the Old Law was in effect during Christ's lifetime until his death nailed the Old Law to the cross (Col. 2:14) It only makes sense then, that Christ referred the young man to the ten commandments to which the young man stated he had "lived all his life". Jesus then tells him to sell all that he had and give to the poor and follow him. This the young man was unable to do, for he was "very rich". To be saved, a Christian must determine from the beginning, that our walk with God may call for a sacrifice of some things previously valued. Do we have anything in our lives to make us "go away sorrowful" from Christ and his promises?
- Acts 2:37 - On the Day of Pentecost, many people listened to Peter's sermon as he chastised them for their part in the death of God's son prompting them to ask, "What shall we do?" Peter's answer was "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) These individuals had already heard the Word, believed, and had
a change of heart. They were commanded to repent and be baptized.
- Acts 26:16 - As Saul journeyed on the road to Damascus to persecute the Christians there, "a light shone round about him" and he heard the voice of Jesus. At this point, Saul believed, because he spent the next three days "fasting and praying" (Acts
9:9-11) He also had a change of heart and repented from persecuting Christians to desiring to become one. Since Saul had completed these steps,can we assume he was saved? NO! If he had done all that was necessary, why did Jesus tell him to "go to the city and it will be told what you should do." Saul obviously still lacked something before he could claim
salvation. When he arrived in the city, he was met by Ananias who told him, "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16) As noted in this scripture, "calling on the name of the Lord does not automatically give salvation, a concept commonly endorsed by many denominations today.
- Acts 16:30 - When Paul and Silas were prisoners in a Phillippian jail, an earthquake occurred about midnight. When the jailor observed the damage and assumed an escape, he drew his sword to end his life, knowing he would be held accountable by his superiors. When Paul stopped him and he realized they were still there, he asked the greatest question of his life, "What must I do to be saved?" This man was an unbeliever, he had never heard the Word preached. He was told to believe on the Lord. (Acts 16:31) So is that all he had to do? NO! They then taught him and told him about the Word. (Acts 16:32) Why? So that he could believe. (Rom.10:17) The jailor then repented and was baptized. (Acts 16:33)
All of these individuals were given slightly different answers to the question. But that is because they were at different places on the road to salvation. From the examples above, we see that we must believe, repent, confess, be baptized and then live a Christian life. Obedience to these commands allows us to go to God in prayer for strength, solace, encouragement, and forgiveness. When we stumble and fall, this avenue to God allows us to repent and ask forgiveness enabling us to struggle on in our walk with God.
