INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Hear of the faith.
2. Believe in the gospel.
3. Repent of sins.
4. Confess faith in Christ.
5. Be baptized into Christ.
Introductory Remarks.
1. The “gift” of salvation is given to all by God’s grace, not by our faith or works of merit. Salvation is not given merely upon our faith in Christ; but, in our obedience through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Grace is a precious gift. It is not deserved or earned; but divinely given to all who accept Christ by faith and obedience to the gospel, Romans 1:16-17; Romans 10:16-18. The gospel of Christ is not obeyed "in the heart." But, "from the heart," Romans 6:17-18. It is more than a confession of faith, Romans 10:9-10. It is obedience to the faith, Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; Romans 15:18-19.
2. Salvation by grace must be accepted on God's terms of pardon, through our belief and obedience to the precious gospel of Christ, Romans 10:16-18. Most Baptists and Evangelicals argue: that salvation is by grace alone. They leave no room for obedience in their view of God’s salvation by grace. However, we will demonstrate faith and obedience are both necessary for one to be saved by grace. God’s grace is offered, but believers must accept it on His terms. And here is the problem: these denominational preachers want to accept and preach God's offer of grace on their terms. However, Paul’s preaching of “God’s grace” included faith and obedience to the gospel: as taught in Isaiah’s report, Romans 10:16-18.
3. God did not impart this conversion process unto the world until after Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into the heavens, Acts 1:8. The God of heaven then uncovered His conversion process, through which all believers could be called into His grace.
4. The calling of grace is through the hearing of the faith, belief in the gospel, repenting of all past sins, confessing Christ to be the Son of God, and by being baptized: in the name of the Lord Jesus: “for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:36-41; Acts 22:16. Let’s consider Paul’s preaching of Christ in the city of Ephesus.
BODY OF LESSON
I HEAR OF THE FAITH
A. Preaching Christ in Europe. The faith continues to be preached unto the Gentile nations in Europe and now Asia. Paul is continuing his missionary journey into the city of Ephesus after experiencing tremendous success while preaching in Achaia (city of Corinth). Paul left Corinth, taking Priscila and Aquila to Ephesus, Acts 18:18. He receives a warm welcome from the Jewish population, Acts 18:19-20. After preaching in the synagogue, the leaders wanted him to stay and present Christ to them, hungering to learn more of the Savior. After a short stay, he returned to Antioch and then visited Jerusalem during Pentecost, Acts 18:21-23.
B. Paul returned to Ephesus: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him; We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve,” Acts 19:1-7. Notice,
C. Preaching Christ in Ephesus. “And he went into the synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus,” Acts 19:8-9.
D. All Asia heard the word. “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews, and Greeks,” Acts 19:10; Acts 19:18-20.
E. Paul's miraculous works in Ephesus. “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them,” Acts 19:11-13.
II BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL
A. Ephesians’ heard and believed. Paul wrote: “In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise: Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:12-13.
B. What was Paul preaching? Luke wrote: “To testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more,” Acts 20:24-25. They heard and believed: “The gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. And His preaching of the kingdom of God, which the Lord sent him to testify both to the Jews and Gentiles. Recall, Philip preached the “kingdom of God and the name of the Lord Jesus: and both men and women believed and were baptized,” Acts 8:12. Peter also persuaded repentant believers to be baptized: “for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:36-41.
C. Paul's preaches to the twelve disciples. He met these disciples on his return to the city of Ephesus. He questioned them regarding their belief and receipt of the Holy Ghost. They said: “Unto John’s baptism.” Paul responded: “John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:3-5. “In whom also after they had believed, they were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise," Ephesians 1:12. We will speak more of this in our conclusion. Paul was continuing his preaching of the gospel of Christ to both the Jews and the Gentiles. That the Ephesians,
D. Might be saved. Paul wrote: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:16-17.
E. Except you believe. Jesus said: “I said therefore unto you…for if ye believed not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins,” John 8:24. Also, “He that believeth on me, as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water,” John 7:38-39. Hearing the gospel, believing it, and then obeying it will yield forth the "grace of God,” Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-10. Recall, repentance is also necessary to obey the gospel.
III REPENT OF SINS
A. Elders at Miletus. Luke wrote: “And from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church…And when they came to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons…Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ…the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:17-24. In these acts of conversion, repentance: might be immediately evident, yet, to others, it is not. In this case, the Ephesians were taught of their need for repentance towards God and faith in Christ Jesus. However, repentance is necessary because all are under sin, Galatians 3:22. There is "none righteous, no not one," Romans 3:10.
B. Preaching Jesus. In Luke's account of the Great Commission, Jesus commanded the apostles to: "Preach repentance and the remission of sins in His name," Luke 24:46-47. The Lord: "Came not to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance," Luke 5:32; Although not mentioned in our text, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23. Therefore, all are required to repent to receive the remission of sins, which is granted through the grace of God.
C. Paul preached and testified: “To both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance, and remission of sins was a part of gospel preaching. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change in life. Repentance is turning from sin and idols unto God. After Peter's return from Caesarea, the brethren of Jerusalem acknowledged: "That God also has granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life," Acts 11:18. Paul reminded the elders at Miletus: "How he kept back nothing profitable unto them…Testifying both to the Jews and the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts 20:20-21. Repentance towards God, and faith in Christ, are essential components of gospel preaching unto all desiring to be saved by grace.
D. Godly sorrow. Paul wrote: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10. I might add here, being sorry about your sin is not repentance. Repentance means you are willing to turn from your sins and submit your life unto God, Acts 3:19; Acts 26:20.
E. God commands repentance. Luke wrote: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom God hath ordained; of which He hath given assurance unto all men, in that, He hath raised him from the dead,” Acts 17:30-31. The question now for us all, are we willing to repent and be obedient to the will of God? Let's see if these Ephesians were willing to accept God’s grace on His terms.
IV CONFESS FAITH IN CHRIST
A. Confession of faith. The believers in Ephesus, Luke wrote: “And many that believed came, confessed, and showed their deeds…So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” Acts 19:18-20. These believers in Christ confessed their faith in Him as the Son of God. John wrote: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest these leaders should put them out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God," John 12:42-43; John 9:22. Yet, unlike the Jewish leaders, who would not confess Jesus as the Son of God. This is the confession of faith; the repentant believer must make before completing their obedience to the faith of Christ.
B. Jesus taught: “Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, he will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men; he will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 10:32-33. Brother Warren would say: "This is a fifty; fifty proposition: you confess me, and I will confess you. That's fair in anybody's business."
C. Confess Jesus as the Christ. Paul wrote: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation,” Romans 10:9-10.
D. Jesus is the Son of God. The confession the repentant believer makes before being baptized is that they believe: "That Jesus Christ is the Son of God," Acts 8:37. When asked about being baptized, the man on the road was told: “If thou believeth with all thine heart, thou mayest,” Acts 8:37. The man on the road responded: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God," Acts 8:37.
E. Confession of faith. The believer must confess: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God," Acts 8:37. The first confession of faith is with their mouth: that Jesus is the Son of God. The confessions after that will be a "profession of their faith." Paul wrote Timothy: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and humility. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses,” 1 Timothy 6:11-12. You will tell the world now; you believe Christ is the Son of God. But, for the rest of your life’s walk with Him, you will profess your faith and trust in Him as your Savior and Lord. Now, let's notice how Paul’s preaching persuaded these Ephesians to be baptized.
V BE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
A. Ephesians’ baptized. Luke wrote: “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:1-7. We don't know all that Paul had preached to these believers. But, they immediately submitted to baptism: "in the name of the Lord Jesus." When preaching grace and the kingdom of God, along with faith and repentance, the normal response for believers is to be baptized. The Corinthians: “Hearing believed and were baptized,” Acts 18:8. Paul wrote of their baptism: “You are washed, you are sanctified, and you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11. Paul understood this washing, “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 22:16; Titus 3:4-7.
B. John wrote of Jesus’ baptizing: “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that He made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus Himself baptized not, His disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee,” John 4:1-3. John was not saying: Jesus did not require baptism of His disciples. But the Lord did not perform any baptizing, but His disciples did, under John’s “baptism of repentance,” Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 19:1-7.
C. Baptism and conversion. Baptism, then, is the final part of the conversion experience. In every act of conversion in the Book of Acts, baptism was commanded, requested, or directed. This part of the "pattern of conversion" is the most ignored or eliminated in denominational preaching and practice. This disregard of truth and disobedience to Christ is because these evangelists and ministers do not believe that: "Baptism is essential to salvation," even though Christ has commanded believers to be baptized. Thus, making it necessary for salvation, Mark 16:15-16.
D. Their preaching of Christ. Paul's preaching of Christ included baptism. Isn't it surprising that when one preaches Jesus, he also preaches baptism? Recall, the treasurer asked the preacher about baptism. He said: "See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Paul and Silas taught baptism is "that act of obedience that makes one free from their sins," John 8:31-32. Most Baptists and Evangelical ministers, preachers, and teachers neglect this command and example of Jesus' teaching. Will you be saved and your household today by: “obeying from their hearts that form of doctrine, which is being delivered unto you, that will make you free from your sins?” Romans 6:17-18. Baptism is the act of faith that puts a believer: "in Christ," Galatians 3:26-27. Salvation by grace still resides in Christ, 2 Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 2:8-10. My question at this time: Are you in Christ?
E. Lord added to the church. We learned from Peter's preaching that the saved are added to the church after baptism. Luke wrote: “And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:41. They were: “Praising God, and having favor with all the people, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47. I extend to you and your household an invitation to accept God’s grace, as these Ephesians had done. They heard the gospel, believed it, repented of their sins, confessed Christ to be the Son of God, and was baptized "for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38. Let me summarize what I have discussed….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline
1. Hear of the faith.
2. Believe in the gospel.
3. Repent of sins.
4. Confess faith in Christ.
5. Be baptized into Christ.
B. Summarize main points
1. The "gift" of salvation is given to all by God's grace, not by our faith or works of merit. Salvation is not given merely upon our faith in Christ; but, in our obedience through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Grace is a precious gift. It is not deserved or earned; but divinely given to all who accept Christ by faith and obedience to the gospel, Romans 1:16-17; Romans 10:16-18. The gospel of Christ is not obeyed "in the heart." But, "from the heart," Romans 6:17-18. It is more than a confession of faith, Romans 10:9-10. It is our obedience to the faith, Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; Romans 15:18-19.
2. Salvation by grace must be accepted on God's terms of pardon, through our belief and obedience to the precious gospel of Christ, Romans 10:16-18. Most Baptists and Evangelicals argue: that salvation is by grace alone. They leave no room for obedience in their view of God’s salvation by grace. However, we have demonstrated faith and obedience were both necessary for one to be saved by grace. God’s grace is offered, but believers must accept it on His terms. And here is the problem: these denominational preachers want to accept and preach God's offer of grace on their terms. However, Paul’s preaching of “God’s grace” included faith and obedience to the gospel: as taught in Isaiah’s report, Romans 10:16-18.
3. The Holy Spirit did not impart God's conversion process unto the world until after Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into the heavens, Acts 1:8. The God of heaven then uncovered His conversion process, through which all believers could be called into His grace.
4. The calling of grace is through the hearing of the faith, belief in the gospel, repenting of all past sins, confessing Christ to be the Son of God, and by being baptized: in the name of the Lord Jesus: “for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:36-41; Acts 22:16.
C. Invitation. Jesus is still calling all to come unto Him, Matthew 11:28-30.
D. Motivation. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save thyself from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40.
E. Persuasion. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men,” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
NOTE: If you want to obey the gospel right now, reach out to any minister, preacher, or teacher of the church of Christ in your community, and tell them you want to confess Christ and be baptized. They will assist you in being baptized into Christ. Remember, today is the day of salvation! May God bless you with this decision! Let me hear from you if this lesson helped you make this decision.
NOTE: Download these lessons from SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman.
1. Baptism For The Remission Of Sins; and
2. Baptism "for" or "because" of remission.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
