What must I do to be saved?

What Must I Do? Children ask questions all day long; adults ask fewer questions The most important question dealing with our relationship to God and our future is: “What must I do to be saved?” The question asked: Mt 19; Acts 2; Acts 16; Acts 22

What Must I Do? Let us consider this question from 5 different perspectives: The one asking The one being asked The question itself The answer to the question The response to the question

The One Asking The one asking realized he was lost in sin and in need of saving (1 Jn. 3:4) This takes humility, honesty, integrity, and remorse

The One Being Asked The one being asked was the right person, the right source, the right truth Jesus – the way (Jn. 14:6) Peter – Jesus’ apostle (Jn. 16:13) Ananias – Jesus’ disciple (Acts 9:1,2, 10,19) Paul – Jesus’ apostle (Gal. 1:11-12)

The Question Itself “What” – reality (Lk. 3:12, 14) “Must” – responsibility (Jn. 6:28) “I” – accountability (Lk. 16:3) “Do” – activity (Lk. 6:46) “To be saved” – delivery (1 Tim. 2:4)

The Answer Before Jesus died, the rich young ruler was told to follow Jesus (Mt. 16:24) After Jesus died, the multitude on Pentecost (believers) were told to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:37-38), Saul (a believing penitent) was told to be baptized (Acts 22:16), and the jailor (an unbeliever) was told to believe (Acts 16:30)

The Answer The answer fits the situation of the person; where he is on his journey; like traveling on vacation How far is it Orlando, Fl? The answer changes the closer you get to Orlando (687 miles, 600 miles, 196 miles)! The answers are different, but always correct; never contradictory

The Answer The answer is always the same: Hear the gospel (Acts 15:7; Eph. 1:13) Believe Jesus (1 Jn. 5:1) Confess Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Jn. 4:15) Repent (Acts 17:30) Be baptized (1 Pet. 3:21) Live faithfully (Rev. 17:14)

The Response Some are against truth, some are neutral, and some are for truth (Acts 17:32-34) The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful and did not do what he was told to do Those on Pentecost, Saul, and the jailor enthusiastically did what they were told to do

What Must I Do? Will you ask the right question? Will you go to the right person? Will you take on the right responsibility? Will you accept the right answer? Will you respond the right way? “Why do you tarry?” (Acts 22:16)