Faith & Reason Nexus

Acts 16:19-31

The Philippian Jailor’s question is pivotal in understanding the steps for salvation, and we can gain deeper insights by examining the question in reverse order:

1. TO BE SAVED

“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

• Saved from What?
  • The question implies the need for salvation from sin. Sin separates us from God, and salvation is the deliverance from the consequences of sin, which is death and eternal separation from God.
  • Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2. DO

“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

• Things to Do
  • Salvation is not passive; it requires action. The Philippian Jailor’s question is asking for the steps to actively pursue salvation. These steps involve actions that must be taken based on God’s will.
  • The Gospel must be heard, believed, and followed through with repentance, confession, baptism, and ongoing Christian growth.

3. PERSONAL

“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

• No One Can Do It for Me
  • Salvation is a personal decision. No one can be saved for you; you must choose to follow the steps laid out in the Bible for your salvation.
  • Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

4. MUST

“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

• Some Imperatives, Not Optional
  • The use of “must” emphasizes that these steps are not optional but imperative for salvation. It is a command from God, and there is no other way.
  • John 14:6 – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

5. WHAT

“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

• Something Definite to Do
  • Salvation is not vague; there are specific steps one must take, which can be found in the teachings of the New Testament.
  • Acts 16:31 – “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Steps to Salvation:

1. The Gospel Must Be HEARD
   • Romans 10:17 – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
   • John 8:32 – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
2. The Gospel Must Be BELIEVED
   • John 8:24 – “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
   • Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
3. Sins Must Be REPENTED Of
   • Luke 13:3, 5 – “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
   • Acts 2:38 – “Then 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.”
4. Christ Must Be CONFESSED
   • Matthew 10:32-33 – “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
   • Romans 10:10 – “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
5. There Must Be BAPTISM (Immersion) for the Remission (Forgiveness) of Sins
   • Acts 2:38 – “Then 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.”
   • 1 Peter 3:21 – “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
6. There Must Be CHRISTIAN GROWTH and FAITHFULNESS
   • 1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
   • Revelation 2:10 – “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
   • 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Conclusion: The question, “What Must I Do to Be Saved?” highlights the clear, necessary steps for salvation. Each step is a response to God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ and is not to be taken lightly. It involves hearing, believing, repenting, confessing Christ, being baptized, and then growing in faith and living faithfully as a Christian.