1. WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? Are We Ready With An Answer?

2. What Must I Do? This is a question that has been asked many times over the last 2000 years by men who have been convicted of their sins. Sadly many times the wrong answer has been given. Many have been told simply to believe on Jesus and you will be saved by that belief alone. Others have been told to say the “Sinners Prayer” or to accept Jesus as their personal saviour.

3. What Must I Do? The “focus on the family” website asks this same question. It gives the answer that we must believe! It then stresses the point that our salvation has nothing to do with a strict adherence to “do’s and don’ts” This strict adherence to what the scriptures teach is what they call “legalism”.

4. What Must I Do? I thought it was kind of strange the verse they used to sum up the Gospel of Salvation. – 1Co 15:1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, – 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. This very verse teaches there is more to do than just believe. We must “hold fast” after we believe!

5. What Must I Do? We could spend several lessons on the wrong answers that have been given to this most important question. What we want to focus on today is “what answer would I give?” If someone were to ask me “what must I do to be saved?” what would my answer be? Could I give an answer with confidence and back it up with scripture?

6. What Must I Do? Could I tell them what I did to become a Christian? These questions may seem very basic to some of us, but we must keep in mind that we have different levels of spiritual and physical maturity in every group. Some times we may fail to teach on these basics thinking that everyone has a firm grasp on these things. If we do have that firm grasp on these then lets just look at this as a refresher course.

7. What Must I Do? One of the first things we need to recognize is that everyone is saved the same way. All were taught the same things in order to be saved. – 1Co 4:17 ¶ For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. Paul taught the same thing in every church. He did not teach one group one thing and then another group something else.

8. What Must I Do? Paul taught the Galatians that they were to accept no other Gospel or perversions of the Gospel, other than the one he had taught them. – Ga 1:6 ¶ I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, – 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

9. What Must I Do? – Ga 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. – 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. If Peter would have come preaching a different gospel Paul’s condemnation would have included even him. Paul had converted quite a few Jews in the region of Galatia. If Peter had taught these Jewish Christians a different Gospel he was to be accursed!

10. What Must I Do? Now that we have established that all were taught to be saved the same way, then lets address the question. What must I do to be saved? The answer is, we do the same thing the people were taught to do in the New Testament. We have several examples in the Book of Acts of individuals becoming Christians Lets look at their examples and see what they did and then teach others to do the same.

11. Pentecost The first example we will look at is what the people did on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It was on this day that the Apostles received the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. Because of the sounds associated with this a great multitude gathered together. This gave an opportunity to Peter and the other Apostles to preach the gospel to those gathered.

12. Pentecost Peter begins wrapping up his sermon in vs 36 – Ac 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." – 37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" – 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

13. Pentecost Those convicted of their sin asked that all important question “What Shall We Do?” Peter’s answer was short and to the point. – Repent – Be Baptized for the forgiveness of sins As we go through some of these examples we will begin to chart the things that each one was told to do in order to be saved. Our chart will include Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptism and the Sinner’s Prayer.

14. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer

15. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 38 &41 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

16. Samaritans The next example we will look at is what happened with the Samaritans when Philip preached to them in Acts 8 – Ac 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. – 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. Philip preached Christ to them and confirmed what he taught with the miracles

17. Samaritans – Ac 8:9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, – 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." – 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. – 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

18. Samaritans These people of Samaria – Heard the word preached by Philip – They Believed it – They were Baptized. This is all that we are told.

19. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 38 &41 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

20. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5&12 Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

21. Simon the Sorcerer The next example we will look at is Simon the Sorcerer. He lived in that very same city of Samaria – Ac 8:13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. What did Simon do? We are only told that he believed and was baptized.

22. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5&12 Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

23. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

24. Ethiopian Eunuch The next example we will look at is that of the Ethiopian Eunuch. He also was taught by Philip the evangelist in Acts 8. – Ac 8:26 ¶ Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. – 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

25. Ethiopian Eunuch – Ac 8:28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. – 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." – 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" – 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

26. Ethiopian Eunuch – Ac 8:32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. – 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." – 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" – 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

27. Ethiopian Eunuch – Ac 8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" – 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." – 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. What do we see with the Eunuch? He heard, he believed, he confessed and he was baptized

28. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

29. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

30. Saul of Tarsus Our next example is that of Saul of Tarsus. Saul who later became the Apostle Paul was a violent persecutor of the Church. The story of his conversion is told in three different places in the book of Acts. In chapters 9, 22 & 26. Christ appeared to Saul on his way to Damascus. He told Saul he must go into the city to be told what he must do.

31. Saul of Tarsus The Lord sent Ananias to tell Saul what to do. – Ac 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." – 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

32. Saul of Tarsus – Ac 22:15 'For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. – 16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.‘ Saul heard the things told to him by Ananias and he was baptized in order to wash away his sins. It doesn’t mention that he believed, repented, confessed or said the sinners prayer.

33. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

34. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Acts 9 Saul of Tarsus Vs 6 Not Stated Vs 18 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

35. Cornelius The next example we will look at is Cornelius and his household in Acts 10. Cornelius had been instructed by an angel to send for Peter who would “tell you what you must do.“ in verse 6. Cornelius followed that instruction and sent for Peter. When Peter arrives he begins to teach them in verses 34-47.

36. Cornelius – Ac 10:44 ¶ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. – 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. – 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, – 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" – 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

37. Cornelius What are we told about Cornelius’ household – They heard the Gospel – They were taught to Believe. – They were commanded to be Baptized We can infer that other things happened but this is all we are told.

38. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Acts 9 Saul of Tarsus Vs 6 Not Stated Vs 18 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

39. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Acts 9 Saul of Tarsus Vs 6 Not Stated Vs 18 Not Stated Acts 10 Cornelius Vs 33Vs 43 Not Stated Vs 48 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

40. Antioch of Pisidia Our next example will be the Christians at Antioch of Pisidia in Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch while on the 1 st missionary journey. They began to teach in the synagogue but after being rejected by the Jews they turned to teaching the Gentiles Many of these Gentiles readily accepted the Gospel.

41. Antioch of Pisidia – Ac 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. – 47 "For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'" – 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. After hearing, all we are told that these in Antioch did was believe.

42. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Acts 9 Saul of Tarsus Vs 6 Not Stated Vs 18 Not Stated Acts 10 Cornelius Vs 33Vs 43 Not Stated Vs 48 Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

43. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Vs 14-36 Not Stated Vs 38 Not Stated Vs 41 Not Stated Acts 8 Samaritans Vs 5Vs 12 Not Stated Vs 12 Not Stated Acts 8 Simon the Sorcerer Vs 5Vs 13 Not Stated Vs 13 Not Stated Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunuch Vs 35Vs 37 Not Stated Vs 37Vs 38 Not Stated Acts 9 Saul of Tarsus Vs 6 Not Stated Vs 18 Not Stated Acts 10 Cornelius Vs 33Vs 43 Not Stated Vs 48 Not Stated Acts 13 People of Antioch Vs 16-47 Vs 48 Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated Act 2 The Day of Pentecost

44. Lydia Our next example is that of Lydia in Acts 16 – Ac 16:13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. – 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. – 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us.

45. Lydia In the case of Lydia we are told: – She Heard – She was Baptized It is not mentioned whether or not she believed, repented, confessed or said the “sinners prayer”

46. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer

47. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Acts 16 Lydia Vs 14 Not Stated Vs 15 Not Stated

48. Philippian Jailer Our last example is that of the Philippian Jailer also in Acts 16 Paul and Silas had been unjustly beaten and thrown into Prison in Philippi. – Ac 16:25 ¶ But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. – 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

49. Philippian Jailer – Ac 16:27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. – 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." – 29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. – 30 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

50. Philippian Jailer – Ac 16:31 So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." – 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. – 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. In this case we see only that he heard, was to believe and was baptized.

51. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Acts 16 Lydia Vs 14 Not Stated Vs 15 Not Stated

52. Example of ConversionHearBelieveRepentConfessBaptized Sinners Prayer Acts 16 Lydia Vs 14 Not Stated Vs 15 Not Stated Acts 16 Philippian Jailer Vs 32Vs 31 Not Stated Vs 33 Not Stated

53. Conclusion What conclusions can we make from these examples? First of all, not a single time was anyone told to say the “Sinners Prayer” Should it be that different people did different things in order to be saved? Absolutely not! That would be contrary to what we established earlier. The same thing was taught everywhere! The conclusion is, it takes all of these things that are mentioned in the scriptures.

54. Conclusion If a person asks us “What must I do to be saved?” Then our answer should be. You must do the same things they did in the scriptures to become a Christian – Hear the Gospel – Believe It – Repent of your sins – Confess Christ before men – Be Baptized for the forgiveness of your sins