Salvation
Through Jesus who is the Christ, the Messiah
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36)
And some day every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Oh, that men may confess Him now to the saving of their souls.
Repentance
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord….” (Acts 3:19)
Repentance is necessary for salvation.
“30) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31) Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30,31)
Repentance is commanded by God. Men must repent because a day has been appointed in which the world will be judged by Jesus Christ.
Only by the Name of Jesus
“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)
Only one way of salvation. Only one name. Precious name, oh, how sweet!
Forgiveness of Sins by Jesus Christ
“23) Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 38) Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39) And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:23,38,39)
By Faith
“31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32) And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” (Acts 16:31,32)
It is by faith that a person is saved; but when we tell others how to be saved, we need to speak unto them the word of the Lord, explaining what faith means so that they will have a clear understanding of the way of salvation.
“18) And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19) Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20) So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19:18-20)
When people see the power of God, they will turn by faith unto the Lord. They will not be ashamed to give public testimony before all men of how God has changed their lives. They will willingly give up all that is ungodly, no matter what the cost. And the word of God will grow mightily and prevail.
By the Hearing of God’s Word
“31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32) And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” (Acts 16:31,32)
Evidences of Salvation:
Baptism
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
When they believed the preaching, they were baptized. If a person truly believes, they will have no doubts about whether they should be baptized or not. Baptism easily follows true faith in Christ and shows to the world that we have become new creatures and have new life in Christ.
“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8) Crispus and his household and many other Corinthians believed when the heard the word (faith cometh by hearing), and they were baptized (readily follows salvation).
Joy
Salvation Should Bring Joy in One’s Life and Result in Good Works
“41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:41,42)
They didn’t have to be persuaded or coerced into being baptized. Neither did they have to be persuaded to join a church and fellowship with the other believers. They were so glad to be saved that that these things easily and rightly followed their salvation.
“46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:46,47)
Emphasis added
“8) And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God….” (Acts 3:8,9)
There should be such rejoicing when we are saved so that other people will see what a joy it is to be saved.
“And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:8)
When the word is preached and souls are saved, there should always be great joy.
“And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:34)
Salvation of Others Should Bring Believers Great Joy
“3) And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4) And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.” (Acts 15:3,4)
Not only should we rehearse God’s works to those who sent us, but wherever we go, we can tell about those who have been saved and about all that God has done in partnership with us. This should cause great joy unto all the brethren.
God’s Word is Magnified
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19: 20)
The word of God will grow mightily and prevail.
~T. J. L. Y.