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A. HEAR GOD'S WORD. It is vitally important that all who hear the word of the kingdom understand the word(Mt.13:19,23). 1. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom. 10:17). 2. Since saving faith develops only through hearing and understanding the word of the kingdom, only those who are old enough to understand, and are mentally capable of understanding, are obligated to respond to God's requirements for re- ceiving His salvation. Any one without the mental capacity to believe the gospel and repent of sin is not accountable. 3. When Jesus called His disicples and told them to let the little children come to Him, He said, "For of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16). When Jesus referred to the infants that were brought to Him as being "of" the kingdom of God this is a clear indication they are "in" His kingdom. The important matter is to teach all who have the faculties to learn, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then, when they become accountable for their decisions in life, they will know enough about God's love (John 3:16) and the sacrifice of Jesus, to trust in Jesus and make a decision about Him. The next step is: B. BELIEVE THE GOSPEL. (The word gospel means "good news." The good news that the apostles preached, was a message about the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. This is good news, the best news that any one can hear!) 1. Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus declared; "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (Mt.28:18). 2. Jesus commanded His apostles to; "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you" (Mt.28:19,20). 3. Jesus also explained; "He who believes (the gospel) and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk.16:16). The message of repentance and remission of sins was to be preached in all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem (Lu. 24:47,51,52). 4. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the apostles began preaching as Jesus had commanded them (Ac.2:1-13). Peter was the chief spokesman (Ac.2:14). He spoke to the people about Jesus, telling them that He: a) was a man approved of God; b) was by lawless hands crucified and put to death; c) was raised up from the dead; d) was raised into heaven; e) was exalted to God's right hand; f) received authority over the Holy Spirit; g) poured out the Holy Spirit upon the apostles; h) will reign till all His enemies are His footstool; and i) was appointed of God to be both Lord and Christ (Ac. 2:22-36). 5. When those who heard this message believed what Peter said about Jesus, they were cut to the heart (convicted, emotionally moved) and said to the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Ac. 2:37). They were then instructed to: C. REPENT OF SIN. (To repent is to turn, change). Jesus said, "Unless you repent you will all perish" (Lu.13:3,5). 1. Peter's words to the inquirers; "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ..." (Ac.2:38). 2. Paul preached, "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Ac.17:30). Paul testified to Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Ac.20:21). 3. Godly sorrow over sin produces repentance leading to salvation; the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Cor. 7:10). 4. God is not slack (slow) concerning His promise or His expectation; He expects all to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:10). 5. When anyone hears God's word, believes the gospel and is willing to repent of sin, the next step, the fourth, is to: D. BE BAPTIZED. Jesus commanded, "Preach the gospel; he who believes and is baptized will be saved..."(Mk.16:15,16). 1. Peter preached; "Repent...let every one of you be baptized...for the remission of sins...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Ac. 2:38). Those who gladly received his word were baptized...and added to them (Ac. 2:41,47). 2. When the people of Samaria believed the preaching of Philip, they were baptized, both men and women (Ac. 8:12). 3. The household of Cornelius, after hearing about faith in Jesus (Ac.10:43), was commanded to be baptized (Ac.10:48). 4. Saul, after three days of repentance was told to, "Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins"(Ac. 22:16; Rev. 1:5). 5. Baptism (from GRK. bapto, to dip) is: a) In water (Ac.8:38); b) A burial (Col.2:12); c) Washing of the body (Heb.10:22). 6. Baptism is: a) Into death; Christ's and ours (Rom.6:3,4); b) Into the body of Christ (1Cor.12:13); c) Into Christ (Gal. 3:27). The Queen's treasurer, before being baptized, confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Ac. 8:37). Because of God's love and grace, all who hear His word, believe in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins and obey in baptism: 1. Are totally forgiven of every sin ever committed. "...having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col.2:13). 2. Receive the Holy Spirit, a special gift from God. "...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Ac. 2:38; 5:32). 3. Are added to the church Christ created. "...the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Ac.2:47). 4. Are registered in the Book of Life in heaven. "...church of the firstborn, who are registered in heaven" (Heb. 12:23). 5. Are assured entrance into the Holy City. Only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life can enter (Rev.21:27). "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:15). The four above mentioned requirements for receiving God's salvation are categorized as "Initial Requirements" because they were "stated" by Jesus Christ in His charge to His apostles and then "affirmed" by the apostles as they preached God's word. These initial requirements must be considered as "essential doctrine." We are not authorized to make changes in God's will.
Arranged by Eugene Lockling |
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