The word “salvation” implies that one is lost. Man is separated from God by sin (Isa. 59:1-2). Man is lost because of sin (Rom. 3:10, 13, 18, 23) and we know the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Why anyone would choose to be lost is beyond the imagination. Of course, the fact is that most folks don’t believe they are lost. Salvation is simple. It isn’t hard to be saved. So what are the simple truths of salvation?
HEARING THE WORD OF GOD (ROM. 10:17). “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” There is not going to be a still small voice whispering in the ear. There is not going to be some vision with the Lord appearing in the middle of the night. The plain simple truth is that all men come to Christ the same way, and that is hearing the word of God.
BELIEVING IN JESUS CHRIST AS THE SON OF GOD (HEB. 11:6). “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a re-warder of those who diligently seek Him.” The Eunuch upon his request to be baptized, was told, “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest…” (Acts 8:37). The Philippian Jailor, when asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved” (Acts 16:30)? Was told, “And they said, Be-lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). The simple truth is that one must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved.
REPENT OF SINS (LK. 13:3). “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise per-ish.” On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached that they had with wicked hands crucified the Son of God (Acts 2). When they heard that, they ask what to do and Peter replied, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The simple truth of salvation is that one must change their life. Repentance is a change of life. Repentance is rejecting the way of Satan, turning your back on the world, putting your life in the direction of Jesus Christ.
CONFESS CHRIST (ROM. 10:9-10). “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” As noted earlier, the Eunuch was told, “… If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). The simple truth of salvation is that confessing your faith in Christ is essential.
BE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Acts 2:38). “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Baptism into Christ is essential to salvation. Put more simply, one cannot be saved unless they are baptized. That is God’s plan. The simple truth is that baptism is necessary.
Larry