~~ What must we do to have salvation? ~~

Ok, now. Let’s follow this a little further and see if this is verified by the other Scriptures and the other Apostles.

In Acts eight we find a clear example of NT salvation in action.

Ac 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Ac 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Ac 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Ac 8:8 And there was great joy in that city.

Ac 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Ac 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Ac 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Ac 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Ac 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Ac 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Now notice verse 12. It says that when these people of this town BELIEVED the things which Philip preached concerning the kingdom of God and the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, they were BAPTIZED. So this solidly proves beyond a doubt that Philip had preached the very same message which Peter had preached. He was preaching baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. These BELIEVERS then obeyed this message and were baptized according to what was preached to them. But notice also, that they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. It is very necessary to receive the Holy Ghost in order to become a child of God. They were water baptized FIRST, just as they had done when Peter preached to them. This also proves that believing alone is NOT enough. That is not all there is to being saved. It is a starting place. These people were believers, but they were not finished with this plan of salvation yet.

Notice verse 14. The apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God. Now do not try to say they had not yet received the Word, for this says that they did. But they did not yet have the Holy Ghost. They had already been water baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, yet they did not yet have the Holy Ghost. Verse 16 proves this is true. Yet when the apostles, Peter and John, came and laid hands on them, they were filled with the Holy Ghost.

Now this confirms that it is the very same plan of salvation which Peter delivered to those who asked him, what must we do. We must obey this same plan, for God has never told us he changed this or disannulled it.

By: Jo Smith

~~ What must I do to be saved? ~ ~

Well it seems Philip is a very good soul winner. He is preaching the same message Peter preaches. After the great results in Samaria, Philip then finds and converts a single man. Watch the very same message proven here again.

Ac 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Ac 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Ac 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Ac 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

Ac 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Ac 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Ac 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Ac 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

Ac 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Ac 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Ac 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Ac 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Ac 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Ac 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Look at verse 35. Philip preaches Jesus to this man. The very next sentence says, they cam unto a certain WATER and the eunuch asked to be baptized. Now why would this man ask to be baptized if Philip had not taught that to him? At the beginning of their conversation, this man knew absolutely nothing about Jesus or salvation. So Philip had to have preached water baptism to this man. He asked, what does hinder me from being baptized. What was Philip’s answer? This is very important for you to see. He said, if you believe with all thine heart, you may be baptized. See then that believing preceded this act of being baptized. It was belief with all the heart also. It was not some half-way believing as some would have us think.

So if believing with all the heart, is salvation, is all we need, then why was the man and Philip so concerned that the man be baptized? It proves that Philip had preached the very same message which Peter preached�?that this is necessary for the remission of sins. So Philip took the man into the water and baptized him. Then he went on his way rejoicing. This rejoicing comes from receiving the Holy Ghost. So this man followed the very same method of salvation as those at Pentecost had done.

By: Jo Smith

~~ What must we do to be saved? ~~

Now it is very obvious by this time, that none of the apostles taught what the modern day churches and ministers tell us. Not one of them has said, Pray the sinner’s prayer and that saves you. Not one of them has said, just believe and that saves you. None of them have preached that all you must do is just believe that Jesus is God’s Son and ask forgiveness of sins. And surprisingly, not one of them has even mentioned going to church! So do you believe the Word of God are these jonnie-come-latelies? Oh sure. They quote certain verses and try to claim that these verse are the full plan of salvation. But these men’s messages proves that is not the answer.

Here is a devout man, who believes in God with all his heart. He is a good man who gives much alms to the people. So is this man saved? Is he prepared rightly to meet God? Let’s read and see.

Ac 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

Ac 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Ac 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Ac 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Ac 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

So see, this man feared God and prayed always. So this alone proves that believing did not give this man salvation. An angel of God came and told Cornelius to send for Peter. Wonder why? Peter is the one with the keys to the kingdom. He will open the door up for these Gentiles believers. So it is very evident that these believers need something more than just believing and praying and doing good deeds.

Ac 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

Ac 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Now the above proves that an holy angel of God had told Cornelius to send for Peter and HEAR words which Peter would tell him. So then it proves that the message which Peter preaches is absolutely necessary to finding salvation. So what did Peter tell him?

Ac 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

Cornelius had called in many people to hear what Peter would say.

Ac 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Ac 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Ac 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Ac 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Ac 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Ac 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Ac 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Ac 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;

Ac 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Ac 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Ac 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Ac 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Ac 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ac 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Ac 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Ac 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Notice verse 33. Here Cornelius shows that the angel told him to hear all things which are commanded to Peter by God. So then it proves that the words Peter told them were commanded by God. So it would behoove you all not to take these words lightly.

Verse 38 tells that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost and power, proving that Jesus received the Holy Ghost the very same way we do. It was at his baptism. So Jesus went through the very same method of NT salvation as we do.

Verse 42 says that God commanded them to preach unto the people. So this preaching is a commandment from God. The message is a commandment from God. How much stronger witness could one need, that this is the true message of What must we do to be saved?

Verse 43 proves that remission of sins comes through the name of Jesus Christ. After the Holy Ghost fell upon all those in Cornelius�?house, watch what happened next. Did Peter say, well now you are saved? Did he say now you have eternity made? Or anything of that sort? No!

Verse 46 proves that the way these Jews knew that these Gentiles had received the very same Baptism of the Holy Ghost that they had receive at Pentecost was because they heard them speaking in tongues. You can’t get around this and have it right. Then�?verse 47 and 48, Peter commands them to be water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So this is not an option. It is a COMMANDMENT FROM GOD. Cornelius had said the angel told him to hear the things which God had commanded Peter. So this is all the way down from God, through an holy angel, to the Apostle with the keys, Peter.

Who is going to disannul this and substitute some man-made little confession of a sinner’s prayer? Who is going to disannul this and say all you must do is ask forgiveness of sins? You will not receive that forgiveness, or remission, without obeying the above chosen plan of God. If those Gentiles were commanded to do this, how are you going to bypass it? Why would you even try?

By: Jo Smith.

** What must we do to be saved? **

Now let’s see if the great Apostle, Paul, was in agreement with these other apostles. Some people try to use some of Paul’s words to tear down this full plan of salvation, and claim that all one must do to be saved is just believe. Did Paul really teach this? We have solid proof that he did NOT.

Ac 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Ac 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Ac 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Ac 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Ac 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Ac 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Ac 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.

Ac 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Now the above proves without a doubt that Paul did NOT teach that only believing saves a person. We see that Paul had found twelve disciples of John. They were already BELIEVERS. Paul asked them, Have you received the Holy Ghost SINCE you believed. They said we have not so much as heard if there be any Holy Ghost.

Paul did not say, well then you have not believed correctly or with your whole heart, now did he? Of course not. He went straight to, How then were you BAPTIZED. Why would Paul ask them how were you baptized, if it has nothing to do with receiving the Holy Ghost?

If believing gives you the Holy Ghost, why did Paul even ask them, have you received the Holy Ghost SINCE you believed? See it proves that Paul did NOT believe or teach that believing gives you the Holy Ghost or salvation.

He knew something was not right about their baptism. Why? Because Paul knew the very same message of salvation that Peter and Philip had preached. So Paul then baptized these men again, in the name of Jesus Christ and laid hands on them and THEN they received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Paul then went into the synagogue and disputed with them, persuading them of the things concerning the kingdom of God. See, he is persuading them of the very thing which is recorded right above this verse. He is teaching them the correct way of salvation. Repentance, water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and receiving the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

You cannot get around this and be true to the Word of God. You cannot go some other route without trying to disannul the plan of God for a man-made plan of your own.

Do you dare?

By: Jo Smith.

 What about Jesus? What did he have to say? was he in agreement with the apostles?

 Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Well, looks like he was in agreement with repentance and rimission of sin. What about baptism?

Now what about the Holy Ghost, was Jesus in agreement?

 Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

 Mt 28:19 -Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Well, that settles it for me. So, let's go down to the river, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, for the remission of  sins, and receive ye the Holy Ghost. You will then be on your way to salvation, a deision that you will never regret.