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The Question: “What must I do to be saved?” is the most important question man can ask. That is because man’s greatest dilemma is not economic or social ruin, but the ruin of his soul. His most deadly disease is not cancer or heart disease, but sin. The N.T. Greek word for sin is hamartia. This word literally means “a missing of the mark”. It might be compared to an arrow that misses the “bull’s eye” or a ship that misses its destination. But what is the mark that is missed? The Bible provides its own clear definition of sin. According to I John 3:4, “sin is transgression of the law.” (KJV) Another translation says, “sin is lawlessness”. (NASV) Thus, God’s law is the “mark” and sin is going beyond or “missing the mark” of law. God’s law demands perfection, and those who transgress in one point are under a curse. (Galatians 3:10) It only takes one sin to be guilty of violating God’s law. (James 2:10-12) The righteous demands of God’s law puts each one of us into this spiritual dilemma for “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” The fault is not with God who gave the law, but man who failed to keep it. (Romans 3:23) A righteous God cannot tolerate sin, therefore, God’s eternal principle is that sin results in spiritual death. (Romans 6:23) This spiritual death is described by Isaiah as separation from God. (Isaiah 59:1,2) What a terrible state for man – to be “without God and no hope in the world”. (Ephesians 2:12) Dear reader, you are in that state unless you have received God’s solution for sin! Not one sin will escape God’s justice! (Hebrews 2:1-3) God has promised eternal punishment to those who die in sin. (Mark 9:43) Man is in a real dilemma! But, God offered his own Son as solution for sin! The sinless Son of God was punished in place of sinful man! What a wonderful thought that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-10) Christ was willing to take the punishment and bear the guilt in our stead. (II Corinthians 5:21) The gift of God to you is freedom from the guilt of sin and the promise of eternal life! (Ephesians 2:8-10) Since Jesus Christ is God’s gift to me, is there something I must do? Yes! God’s gift of salvation is freely given to undeserving sinners, but it is not unconditional! First, you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he is God’s solution for sin! (John 3:16; John 8:24) The saving faith of scripture not only includes accepting these facts, but also obeying God’s truth. (James 2:14-16) Second, you must repent. (Acts 17:30) This repentance is a change of heart that will bring about a change of action. It is a resolve to no longer live for self and sin, but rather to live for God. God said to Israel, “Repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity will not be your ruin”. (Ezekiel 18:30) Have you repented and given your life to God? Third, you must confess that you believe that Jesus is the son of God. “For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation”. (Romans 10:9,10) Have you told others that you believe Jesus is God’s son, and that it your resolve to make him the Lord of you life? Fourth, you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. To be baptized in Jesus’ name is to be baptized by his authority. To be baptized by his authority is to have the authorized element, mode, and purpose. The right element is water, as seen (Acts 10:47; 8:36-38) in two examples of conversion. The authorized mode of baptism is immersion that requires a going down into the water. (Acts 8:38) It is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (Romans 6:3,4) The right purpose of baptism is “for the remission of sins”. Therefore, when the multitude of Jews in Jerusalem asked the question, “What must we do?” Peter’s answer included the need to be “baptized for the remission of sins”. (Acts 2:38) Have you received God’s solution for sin? Your greatest possession is your eternal soul! Your eternal destiny is at stake! |