The Law of Moses is not our standard in religion. When Jesus died on the cross, the Old Law was taken out of the way(Colossians 2:14). We are living under the Law of Christ and must submit to the requirements set forth in the gospel. Hence, when we look for the way of salvation, we must look in the gospel of Christ(the New Testament).

The Need for Salvation

Upon one realizing the need for salvation, the person who fears God will ask, "What must I do to be saved?" The Lord has not left this question unanswered, but revealed what is necessary in the New Testament. Any person who realizes he/she is lost in sin will realize the need to be saved from past sins. Those who became Christians in the time of the apostles followed their inspired instructions to cleanse themselves of iniquities. The same need is found in each person who is not following the Lord's commands.

Learning The Truth

 It is not possible to know what God expects of man without God, in some manner, revealing the way of salvation to mankind. The source of that trust is found in the revelation of Jesus Christ(the New Testament). "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).

Faith Is The Basis For Salvation

There are many different kinds of faith in the world of today. Bible faith, however, is based upon the instructions that came from God. Study and acceptance of His word will produce the faith that can save a human. "...without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him"(Hebrews 11:6).

Proper Faith Involves Action

When one is convicted of the truth that Jesus is the Christ, this type of commitment will lead one to follow the commands of Christ. The Bible clearly teaches that one is not saved by "faith only"(James 2:24). A mental consent to the fact that Jesus is the Christ is not enough, for even the "demons also believe, and shutter"(James 2:19). In this same chapter, James said, "But wilt thou know, of vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?"(2:20). Proper faith will lead one to obey whatever is commanded by the Lord for the alien sinner. Bible faith is the product of hearing gospel preaching.

Repentance Follows Faith

 When one is convicted that Jesus is the Christ and desires to follow the Lord for salvation, repentance(a change) will follow. Repentance causes one to be willing to turn away from sin and turn to righteousness. That must be a change of mind in a person before there can be a change of life. The message of the apostles was straightforward: "...and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem"(Luke 24:47). God does not want any to perish, "but that all should come to repentance"(II Peter 3:9).

Confession Is A Profession Of One's Faith

The Ethiopian eunuch confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God"(Acts 8:37). This acknowledgement of faith would be the foundation for continuing to obey the Lord's commands. Once a person has professed faith, a demonstration of obedience should follow. The confessor is acknowledging that Jesus is the Master and he will be the follower. The apostle Paul said it, "...with the mouth confession is made unto salvation"(Romans 10:10).

Bible Teaching On Baptism

The Bible clearly teaches that one who would be saved must be baptized. Or as Peter put it, "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for(unto) the remission of your sins"(Acts 2:38). This immersion(a burial in water-Romans 6:4) is the act that puts one into Jesus Christ(Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:26-27). There is a washing away of one's sins(Acts 22:16); a remission of sins(Acts 2:38); and a saving of the soul(I Peter 3:21). It is the final act of the alien sinner as he/she becomes a Christian.

Salvation Requires Faithful Living

Becoming a Christian through obedience to the gospel is the start of a journey to heaven. When one arises from the watery grave of baptism, the disciple can love, praise, honor, and sacrifice for the God of heaven. The desires of Christ for the saved person are found in the New Testament. The new Christian will seek, by way of that New Testament, to find the type of life that is acceptable to God. He will be furnished with all things necessary to live a life of faithfulness in God's sight. As the disciple grows, the Lord's word will furnish "completely unto every good work"(II Timothy 3:17). The apostle John stated, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life"(Revelation 2:10).

Please click here to proceed to a check-up on on the knowledge you have gained from this sixth lesson. When you complete the check-up you will proceed to Lesson Seven.