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The Apostle Paul and Silas were thrown in jail in the city of Philippi for preaching the gospel. At midnight they sang and prayed until God broke down all the doors and broke the stocks which held their feet with a great earthquake. The poor jailer, frightened and convicted of his sins, came to these two preachers and asked this question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:24-31 (NIV)
What must I do to be saved? This is the most important question one can ask, for the answer one receives and accepts will make the difference between being lost and eternally separated from God, or having fellowship with God and eternal life.
Many believe there are many ways to salvation, many believe that being a good person will get them to heaven, but according to the Bible this is not true.
James 2:10 says: "For whoever keeps the whole law (good deeds) and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that all are sinners. No matter how good you and those around you think you are, you are a sinner.
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Believing in God will not save you.
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Church membership will not save you.
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Giving money to the church or to the poor will not save you.
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Volunteering your time to charitable activities will not save you.
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Living a moral life will not save you.
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Water baptism will not save you.
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Changing your behavior will not save you.
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Engaging in religious activities will not save you.
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Observing certain days or other rules and regulations will not save you or keep you saved.
It takes blood to pay for sin, for Scripture says: "Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." (Hebrews 9:22)
My friend, “God . . . commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Once you have come to acknowledge the truth of this, then you are ready to learn God's answer to your question, "What must I do to be saved?"
Salvation is simple and only a prayer of faith away. When we receive salvation from God, it's much more than a "pass" into heaven. The Greek word for salvation in the New Testament is soteria. It includes eternal rescue from sin and its consequences, of course, but the word also means "healing," "preservation," and "deliverance."
The Scripture makes very clear that this salvation isn't automatic. We have to receive it by a deliberate decision. If you haven't yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can do it right now, in these words based on Romans 10:9-10, or in words of your own:
"Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Savior. I acknowledge that You are the Son of God and that You died for me. I believe in my heart that You were raised from the dead. Therefore, I am saved. I thank You, Heavenly Father, for my salvation, in the name of my living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."
If you just have received Christ I welcome you into the family of God, please email me and let me know.
Suggestions for Christian Growth:
God's Word instructs us not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:25) Several logs burn brightly together; but put one aside on the cold hearth and the fire goes out. So it is with your relationship with other Christians.
If you do not belong to a church, ask the Lord to lead you to a church that teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you send me an email and tell me where you are located I can possibly refer you to a church or you can visit the Church Finder Tool.
If you are in Atlanta I would love to fellowship with you at my church Total Victory International Ministrieslocated in Riverdale, Georgia.
In the course of your new life in Jesus Christ, you will continually struggle with sin. Sometimes in a moment of weakness you will succumb to temptation and sin. Please do not lose hope or be discouraged. As a new child of God you can be assured of salvation. Salvation is not a "maybe" or an "I hope to be" it is a sure thing that is based on the promises of God's Word. The Apostle John said:
"And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:11-13)
Also as a new child of God you can share the same assurance that the Apostle Paul had: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
God bless you!
Angeline
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