Salvation Message - How to be saved
- How can I be saved?
- Do I have to be baptised to be saved?
- I was "baptised/christened" as a baby; why should I be baptised again?
- Do you believe only people in your church will be saved?
- How can good people (non-churchgoers) go to hell?
- My life is great, so why do I need to be saved?
- Surely there are more ways to God than following the Bible?
- I believe only in myself
- How can I be saved?
- Do I have to be baptised to be saved?
- I was "baptised/christened" as a baby; why should I be baptised again?
- Do you believe only people in your church will be saved?
- How can good people (non-churchgoers) go to hell?
- My life is great, so why do I need to be saved?
- Surely there are more ways to God than following the Bible?
- I believe only in myself
1. How can I be saved?
We believe that the pattern of how a person gains full assurance of salvation can be found in ACTS 2:37-38. There are many other Scriptures that talk about salvation, however in this one, the question is posed directly - what does a person need to do to be saved?
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO? 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 2:37-38).
Other comparable Scriptures which refer to these "steps of full salvation" are seen in MARK 16:15-20 and JOHN 3:1-8.
Peter's answer included three steps which were as equally valid then as they are today:
- Repent - this means to turn around from your old ways and start to obey God.
- Be baptized - this means to be fully immersed under water. The baptism is the 'burial' of the old life, the remission of sins.
- Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - this is God's gift to you. The first sign when you receive the Holy Spirit will be that you speak in a different language which God will give you. The Holy Spirit will then start to lead you and convict you of God's Truth (JOHN 14:26).
We believe that the pattern of how a person gains full assurance of salvation can be found in ACTS 2:37-38. There are many other Scriptures that talk about salvation, however in this one, the question is posed directly - what does a person need to do to be saved?
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO? 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 2:37-38).
Other comparable Scriptures which refer to these "steps of full salvation" are seen in MARK 16:15-20 and JOHN 3:1-8.
Peter's answer included three steps which were as equally valid then as they are today:
- Repent - this means to turn around from your old ways and start to obey God.
- Be baptized - this means to be fully immersed under water. The baptism is the 'burial' of the old life, the remission of sins.
- Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - this is God's gift to you. The first sign when you receive the Holy Spirit will be that you speak in a different language which God will give you. The Holy Spirit will then start to lead you and convict you of God's Truth (JOHN 14:26).
2. Do I have to be baptised to be saved?
The Bible clearly states that baptism is necessary for salvation. The following Scriptures confirm this reoccurring pattern throughout God’s Word.
"Repent, and BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE 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).
"Except a man be born OF WATER and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God"
(JOHN 3:5).
"He that BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"
(MARK 16:16).
"The like figure whereunto even BAPTISM doth also now SAVE US (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
"
(1 PETER 3:21).
"See, here is water; what doth hinder me TO BE BAPTIZED?"
(ACTS 8:36). "And he commanded them TO BE BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord"
(ACTS 10:48). For more details, click here.
The Bible clearly states that baptism is necessary for salvation. The following Scriptures confirm this reoccurring pattern throughout God’s Word.
"Repent, and BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE 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).
"Except a man be born OF WATER and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God"(JOHN 3:5).
"He that BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"(MARK 16:16).
"The like figure whereunto even BAPTISM doth also now SAVE US (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
"(1 PETER 3:21).
"See, here is water; what doth hinder me TO BE BAPTIZED?"(ACTS 8:36).
"And he commanded them TO BE BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord"(ACTS 10:48). For more details, click here.
3. I was "baptised/christened" as a baby; why should I be baptised again?
The biblical baptism has nothing in common with the sprinkling of babies as practised in many established churches. Throughout the entire New Testament, disciples were only baptised in water after having made a PERSONAL decision to follow Christ, which is impossible for a baby to do.
God’s Word, the Bible is never confusing with regards to salvation and gaining a right-standing with Him. A baby does not have the “spiritual understanding” to realise that it has been born into sin; and the Bible clearly shows that a person has to be of a clear understanding to be able to repent of sin and transgression in one’s life against God’s Word.
The biblical baptism has nothing in common with the sprinkling of babies as practised in many established churches. Throughout the entire New Testament, disciples were only baptised in water after having made a PERSONAL decision to follow Christ, which is impossible for a baby to do.
God’s Word, the Bible is never confusing with regards to salvation and gaining a right-standing with Him. A baby does not have the “spiritual understanding” to realise that it has been born into sin; and the Bible clearly shows that a person has to be of a clear understanding to be able to repent of sin and transgression in one’s life against God’s Word.
4. Do you believe only people in your church will be saved?
No, not at all - and these CAI assemblies have never given members the idea of this "exclusivity". This is why we have sought "like-minded brethren" in other assemblies for fellowship over the years. We believe, however, that to be saved a person has to obey the Bible - the Word of God - and follow the commandments and patterns laid down within it. Some relevant Scriptures are:
"Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT he CANNOT enter into the kingdom of God"
(JOHN 3:5).
"Then Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him, IF ye CONTINUE in my WORD, THEN ye are my DISCIPLES indeed"
(JOHN 8:31).
"For as many as are LED by the SPIRIT of God, THEY are the SONS OF GOD"
(ROMANS 8:14).
We fully recognize that Christian brethren who are described according to the Scriptures above are found in many other church groups world wide.
No, not at all - and these CAI assemblies have never given members the idea of this "exclusivity". This is why we have sought "like-minded brethren" in other assemblies for fellowship over the years. We believe, however, that to be saved a person has to obey the Bible - the Word of God - and follow the commandments and patterns laid down within it. Some relevant Scriptures are:
"Jesus answered, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT he CANNOT enter into the kingdom of God"(JOHN 3:5).
"Then Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him, IF ye CONTINUE in my WORD, THEN ye are my DISCIPLES indeed"(JOHN 8:31).
"For as many as are LED by the SPIRIT of God, THEY are the SONS OF GOD"(ROMANS 8:14).
We fully recognize that Christian brethren who are described according to the Scriptures above are found in many other church groups world wide.
5. How can good people (non-churchgoers) go to hell?
We can only answer this according to what God has said in the Bible. The Bible states that:
"There is NONE righteous, no NOT ONE … For ALL have SINNED and come SHORT of the glory of God"
(ROMANS 3:10,23).
"For the WAGES of SIN is DEATH ..."
(ROMANS 6:23a).
"And as it is appointed unto men ONCE TO DIE, but AFTER this the JUDGMENT"
(HEBREWS 9:27).
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye MUST be BORN AGAIN"
(JOHN 3:7).
"... but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE through JESUS CHRIST our Lord"
(ROMANS 6:23b
).
Our own works, meaning that everything we have done “well and justly” during our life on this earth are not counted in God’s sight of any worth. The reason is quite simple … our hearts/minds are “evil” in God’s sight and there are many depths and reasons as to “why” a person does “good works” during his/her life. Often pride and vanity are the underlying “reasons” behind good works and therefore we see God’s answer to this in ISAIAH 64:6. Only through Jesus Christ are we able to approach the Almighty God of Israel and only through Christ dwelling in us will “works with faith” be accepted.
We can only answer this according to what God has said in the Bible. The Bible states that:
"There is NONE righteous, no NOT ONE … For ALL have SINNED and come SHORT of the glory of God"(ROMANS 3:10,23).
"For the WAGES of SIN is DEATH ..."(ROMANS 6:23a).
"And as it is appointed unto men ONCE TO DIE, but AFTER this the JUDGMENT"(HEBREWS 9:27).
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye MUST be BORN AGAIN"(JOHN 3:7).
"... but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE through JESUS CHRIST our Lord"(ROMANS 6:23
b).
Our own works, meaning that everything we have done “well and justly” during our life on this earth are not counted in God’s sight of any worth. The reason is quite simple … our hearts/minds are “evil” in God’s sight and there are many depths and reasons as to “why” a person does “good works” during his/her life. Often pride and vanity are the underlying “reasons” behind good works and therefore we see God’s answer to this in ISAIAH 64:6. Only through Jesus Christ are we able to approach the Almighty God of Israel and only through Christ dwelling in us will “works with faith” be accepted.
6. My life is great, so why do I need to be saved?
You need to understand what is at stake here and what you need to get saved from. There is a God who created you and who loves you. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
(JOHN 3:16). God gives you the choice - continue with your selfish lifestyle and perish in hell, or believe in God and be saved. What is there to be saved from? - A world full of murder, hate, anger, selfishness, arrogance, pride, and violence.
You think you are living a great life? Jesus warns us to be prepared for the day which will be our last on this earth: "And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, THOU FOOL, THIS NIGHT THY SOUL SHALL BE REQUIRED OF THEE: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God"
(LUKE 12:19-21).
We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing, except our soul. It has been said: "Man's one great responsibility in life is to make the necessary arrangements for his precious soul to be safe and happy in eternity. Nothing else - NOTHING ELSE - is so important as this!" Judgment Day is coming and we will all be judged before God.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God ..."
(1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10).
Follow Jesus Christ and you will be saved. The rewards are eternal - all it costs is your old life. You have little to lose and everything to gain - but God is waiting for you to call on Him. TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION! (2 CORINTHIANS 6:2).
You need to understand what is at stake here and what you need to get saved from. There is a God who created you and who loves you.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"(JOHN 3:16). God gives you the choice - continue with your selfish lifestyle and perish in hell, or believe in God and be saved. What is there to be saved from? - A world full of murder, hate, anger, selfishness, arrogance, pride, and violence.
You think you are living a great life? Jesus warns us to be prepared for the day which will be our last on this earth:
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, THOU FOOL, THIS NIGHT THY SOUL SHALL BE REQUIRED OF THEE: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God"(LUKE 12:19-21).
We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing, except our soul. It has been said: "Man's one great responsibility in life is to make the necessary arrangements for his precious soul to be safe and happy in eternity. Nothing else - NOTHING ELSE - is so important as this!" Judgment Day is coming and we will all be judged before God.
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God ..."(1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10).
Follow Jesus Christ and you will be saved. The rewards are eternal - all it costs is your old life. You have little to lose and everything to gain - but God is waiting for you to call on Him. TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION! (2 CORINTHIANS 6:2).
7. Surely there are more ways to God than following the Bible?
While many people want to believe or try to search for other paths which suit them, the Bible leaves no room for any alternative way: "Jesus saith unto him, I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE: NO MAN cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME"
(JOHN 14:6).
In another passage, Jesus says that it is a narrow way that leads to heaven, but few people are on it: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT"
(MATTHEW 7:13-14).
Jesus also said He, Himself, is that way: "I am the door …"
(JOHN 10:9).
Every person is a sinner and the only way they can be forgiven for their sins is by believing in the Blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for them on the Cross of Calvary.
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is NONE OTHER NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"
(ACTS 4:12).
While many people want to believe or try to search for other paths which suit them, the Bible leaves no room for any alternative way: "
Jesus saith unto him, I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE: NO MAN cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME"(JOHN 14:6).
In another passage, Jesus says that it is a narrow way that leads to heaven, but few people are on it:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT"(MATTHEW 7:13-14).
Jesus also said He, Himself, is that way:
"I am the door …"(JOHN 10:9).
Every person is a sinner and the only way they can be forgiven for their sins is by believing in the Blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for them on the Cross of Calvary.
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is NONE OTHER NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"(ACTS 4:12).
8. I believe only in myself.
You have the choice to live for yourself, but you have to bear the consequences as described in the Word of God. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, and take up his cross, and follow me"
(MATTHEW 16:24). The whole aspect of the Christian life is to deny self and live a life of complete surrender and obedience to God.
You could become famous, make lots of money, or even just live out your life, but the Bible says: "For whosoever will save his life SHALL LOSE IT; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
(MARK 8:35-36)
If we have no Ten Commandments or Sermon on the Mount then who decides what is right or wrong? You might cheat a little here, lie a little there, yet being your own judge decide that that is okay. You might get away with it during your lifetime, but there will be a Day of Judgment - where every man and woman will appear before God and give an account of his or her life: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad"
(2 CORINTHIANS 5:10).
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation"
(JOHN 5:28-29).
We recommend that you read some of the other materials presented on this website - you will find that it is not difficult to believe the Bible, as there is prolific evidence and testimony that prove that God exists and that we can trust His Word, the Bible. Don't waste your life ignoring God, only to find out that you failed to make sure of your salvation when it will be too late to repent. God promises He will answer you if you honestly come to Him: SEEK, AND YOU SHALL FIND!
Share from: http://www.cai.org
You have the choice to live for yourself, but you have to bear the consequences as described in the Word of God.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, and take up his cross, and follow me"(MATTHEW 16:24). The whole aspect of the Christian life is to deny self and live a life of complete surrender and obedience to God.
You could become famous, make lots of money, or even just live out your life, but the Bible says:
"For whosoever will save his life SHALL LOSE IT; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"(MARK 8:35-36)
If we have no Ten Commandments or Sermon on the Mount then who decides what is right or wrong? You might cheat a little here, lie a little there, yet being your own judge decide that that is okay. You might get away with it during your lifetime, but there will be a Day of Judgment - where every man and woman will appear before God and give an account of his or her life:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad"(2 CORINTHIANS 5:10).
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation"(JOHN 5:28-29).
We recommend that you read some of the other materials presented on this website - you will find that it is not difficult to believe the Bible, as there is prolific evidence and testimony that prove that God exists and that we can trust His Word, the Bible. Don't waste your life ignoring God, only to find out that you failed to make sure of your salvation when it will be too late to repent. God promises He will answer you if you honestly come to Him: SEEK, AND YOU SHALL FIND!
Share from: http://www.cai.org
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