Here’s what it boils down to … the bottom line
I love clear, concise advice and instruction. Cut and dried. Something to grasp, to claim. And a clear outcome. How about you?
Sometimes, of course, I appreciate options, choices. But on the basic, structure-gaining, security-focused things, just give me the facts!
I love how Jesus’ apostles mince no words in answering the question, What must I do to be saved?
We’ve come to the question once again in our Acts study. This time, the questioner is a guy who had what was probably a pretty tough job, jailer, in the city of Phillipi in the Roman colony. Paul and Silas have been beaten publicly and thrown into jail without trial for disturbing our city … advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice (Acts 16.20-21). The jailer has been ordered to make sure these seriously dangerous men (yeah, right!) do not escape, so the jailer put them into the inner dungeon, with their feet in stocks.
In the middle of the night as Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns to God, while other prisoners are listening, there is a massive earthquake. The very foundations of the prison are shaken and immediately all the doors open and the chains fall away from every prisoner! When the jailer sees what has happened, he is about to kill himself, certain he will be blamed for the escape of all the prisoners. But then Paul calls out to him, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here”(Acts 16.28). The jailer rushes into them and brings out Paul and Silas and asks THE question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16.30)
What must I do to be saved?
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they (Paul and Silas) spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. … and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Acts 16.30-33
Jesus’ apostles Peter and John, along with Paul, are given opportunity again and again to answer that question. Every time, the answer is the same …
The Apostle Peter to Cornelius and his household, on forgiveness of sins …
“To him (Jesus) all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10.43
The Apostle John’s summary of the gospel …
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3.16
The Apostle Paul’s stance on the gospel …
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greek. Romans 1.16
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10.9-11
The answer of the apostles did not change because it is the message of Jesus’ gospel. No hint of deviation. Straight forward words of truth … believe in Jesus. Same message for all! The best bottom line ever!
I’m praying each of us can, to the very core of our being, state “I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9.24). If this is something you are still exploring personally, please reach out to me (reply to this email) and I would love to journey with you on your exploration.
Trusting the Lord with you, Colleen
P.S. We still have time to register for our women’s retreat next weekend, November 6&7. We are planning delicious food, engaging breakout groups, and sweet worship. Come and be a part! You will meet a few new friends, relax and laugh, feast, and hear words of honest encouragement based on the word of the Lord.
All the details can be found by clicking the button below. I’m looking forward to our time together!
Comments