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"What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)

 

     This question was asked by a man who was holding Paul and Silas in prison in the city of Philippi nearly 2,000 years ago.  It is still a relevant question today.  Apart from Christ, all are "under sin" (Rom. 3:9).  What did the Philippian Jailor "do to be saved?"

 

  • He was instructed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).  Without faith in Christ salvation is impossible (Jn. 8:24).

  • He listened to the word of the Lord (Acts 16:32).  Faith is produced by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17).

  • He "washed their stripes" (Acts 16:33).  Paul and Silas had been arrested and beaten with rods (Acts 16:22-23).  The act of washing their stripes was a sign of repentance (Acts 17:30-31).

  • He was baptized (Acts 16:33).

 

     All of the above "steps" are required for a person to have their sins washed away.  From Acts 2, when the church was established, to 1 Peter 3:21, there are both commands and examples of individuals being baptized "for the remission of sins."  Jesus Himself stated, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16).

 

     After obeying the gospel a person must "keep himself in the love of God" (Jude 21).  The Bible does not teach the "once saved, always saved" doctrine that many claim it does.  A child of God must "walk in the light" in order to have fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:7).

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