2.  In Lesson 1 of this Single-Thread series, “Having Faith in God’s Word,” we introduced some foundational principles upon which to build: The concept that there is a single thread which runs through the Bible from Gen.1:1 through Revelation 22:21 of “Salvation through Jesus Christ;” And then proceeded on the notion that if we hang enough of the significant events of the bible story on this single thread, the storyline of the Bible becomes not only visible, but traceable and understandable. We also noted that there are 3 critical factors to biblical Faith: 1) Knowledge in the Mind; 2) Trust in the Heart; and 3) Obedience in the Life from Heb.11:6. We also came to understand that before we can have true biblical faith in God, we must first have faith in 3 aspects of His Word: 1) Faith in its Inspiration; 2) Faith in its Completeness; and 3) Faith in its Authority.

3.  In Lesson 2 of this Single-Thread series, “The Patriarchal Period,” we noted that: The storyline of the Bible could be easily divided into 3 distinct periods: 1) Patriarchal; 2) Mosaical; and 3) Christian; and that, These 3 periods could be distinguished by 3 characteristics: 1) the one through whom God Disseminated His word (spoke through); 2) Significant Events that mark the beginning and end of them; and, 3) the Type of Religion practiced.

4. We also used a chart will help to compare these 3 Periods and their distinctive 3 characteristics: PatriarchalMosaicalChristian DisseminatorPatriarchsMosesChrist Significant Events Creation to Law at Sinai Law at Sinai to Crucifixion Crucifixion to End of Time Type of Religion FamilyNationalUniversal

5.  Also in Lesson 2 of this Single-Thread series, “The Patriarchal Period,” We traced our Single Thread through the Patriarchal Period’s 4 Significant Events: 1.Creation, Gen.1-3; (beginnings of earth, atmosphere, plant life, living creatures, and man; but also the beginning of sin, and thus the need of salvation through Jesus Christ); 2.The Great Flood, Gen.6-9; 3.The 3 Promises made to Abraham: 1) Land; 2) Nation; and 3) Seed, Gen.12:1-3; and, 4.Development of the Nation of Israel from Abraham (from one man in Canaan to twelve patriarchs and their families in Egypt), Gen.12 – 50.

6.  Then in Lesson 3 of this Single-Thread series, “The Mosaical Period,” we came to understand: That there are 3 things necessary to have a nation: 1) People (of such a number as could comprise a nation); 2) Precept (or Law to bind them together); and 3) Place (or land for the people united by precept to reside). Then we noted how this family of Abraham had begun to grow into a people, and how they would come to have a precept and a place so they could truly be the Nation of Israel.

7.  Then in Lesson 3, “The Mosaical Period,” we again traced the Single Thread through Significant Events: 1.The blessing and multiplication of Jacob (Abraham’s grandson) in Egypt by God, Ex.1:1-7; 2.The enslavement of Israel, Ex.1:8-22; 3.God delivers Israel through Moses, Ex.2-12; 4.Israel gets a Precept (Law), Ex.19:1 – Num.10:10; 5.Israel gets a Place (Canaan), Num.10:10 – Josh.24:33; 6.Israel’s unfaithfulness and their subsequent destruction (northern 10 tribes); captivity (southern 2 tribes); and the restoration of the remnant of Judah, Judges – 2Chron.

8.  Then last week, in Lesson 4, “The Christian Period,” we saw how the Single Thread came into full view in Jesus Christ: Galatians 4:4, “But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law.” Mark 1:15, “and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Hebrews 9:26, “…but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Creation Flood Promises to Abraham Development of Israelite Nation Decline and Fall Remnant Salvation through Jesus Christ

9.  Also, in Lesson 4, “The Christian Period,” we again traced the Single Thread through the Period through its significant events: 1.The Birth of Jesus; 2.John the Baptist; 3.The Life, Ministry, Miracles, and Teaching of Jesus; 4.The Death of Jesus; 5.The Resurrection of Jesus; 6.The Ascension of Jesus; and, 7.The Establishment of the Church and Its Development.

10.  Now we’re ready for our final lesson in this series, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” From the very beginning of this study, our purpose has been to show that: 1.The Bible can be understood (more easily by tracing the Single Thread of “Salvation through Jesus Christ” through its story), Eph.3:3-5; 2.The Bible should be understood, John 8:31-32; and that, 3.Such understanding affords the opportunity to be saved, Rom.1:16; John 12:48.

11.  The Single Thread #5, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” So what’s the problem? 1.“Which biblical requirements are essential to God’s plan for saving man (and me!)?” 2.“It’s a big book! What do I have to do to attain salvation?” There are a couple of essential things we first need to understand in order to be able to answer these questions: 1.Accurate vs. Complete Answers. (If you have children, you probably already understand this distinction!) Acts 16:31 is an accurate answer, but it is only complete if further understood in light of vv.32-33. 2.Starting Point vs. Destination. “How do I get there?” depends on your current location. If you’re partway “there” at the point of asking the question, the answer is different than if you are at the beginning.

12.  The Single Thread #5, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” But make no mistakes, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” is absolutely the right question because: 1.It recognizes the importance of Personal Responsibility. It is not “What must my spouse / parents / friend do for me to be saved?” Acts 8:36-38 2.It recognizes the importance of Personal Position. Perhaps the greatest inhibiting factor to salvation is failing to recognize the need of it, Rom.3:23; 1John 2:3. 3.It recognizes the importance of Personal Activity. It understands that the “something” which is yet lacking for salvation is something to be done- not just felt or otherwise experienced passively, Acts 2:37.

13.  The Single Thread #5, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” So, what is the answer to the question? How do I attain the “salvation through Jesus Christ” which is the single thread that runs through the Bible from cover to cover? (Remember: starting point vs. destination) 1.To those lacking true biblical faith, they are told to first Believe, John 3:1-21; 8:23-24; Mark 16:15-16; 2.To those having faith, but lacking changed lives, they are told to next Repent, Luke 13:3; Acts 2:36-38; 3.Those possessing faith and demonstrating repentance were told to Confess their faith, Rom.10:9-10; 1John 4:15; 4.Those having faith, and by confession demonstrate a willingness to continue their repentance, are told to be Baptized, Acts 3:36-38; 8:12- 13; 22:6-16; 1Pet.3:21.

14.  The Single Thread #5, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” “OK, what else?” As a born again babe in Christ, continue to: 1.Long for and feed on the Word and grow, 1Pet.2:1-2; and then, 2.Mature and reproduce, 2Pet.1:2-11; 2Tim.2:2; John 15:8! “What if I mess up (sin)?” 1.You will- everybody does, 1John 1:5-8; but then, 2.You confess your sin, 1John 1:9-10; and pray for forgiveness, Acts 8:13-24; and, 3.Then, get back up and try to do better next time, Gen.4:3-7 (Cain failed at this because he was unwilling to admit his sin and grow/ mature, and do better, but you can do it!).

15.  The Single Thread #5, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” Now the questions: 1.What do you need to do to be saved, and begin your life anew as a child of God? It depends on where you are right now! 1.Do you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God? 2.Are you willing to repent from your former life of sin and confess your faith in Jesus? 3.Then, “why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name,” Acts 22:16! 4.And you, too, can lay claim to the “salvation through Jesus Christ” that is the Single Thread, and whole point, of the Bible!