Transformed by Truth: What Must I Do to Be Saved? Acts 16:30-31
Introduction:
Today, we address one of the most important questions in life: "What must I do to be saved?" This question, asked by the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:30, is foundational to our faith. Our exploration will reveal the profound and life-changing truths of salvation as found in Scripture. Let’s delve into the Bible to uncover the steps to salvation and understand what it means to be saved.
Point 1: Believe in the Lord Jesus
Acts 16:30-31 (NLT): "Then he brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.'"
Paul and Silas, imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, experienced a miraculous earthquake that freed them. The jailer, fearing punishment for escaped prisoners, asked how he could be saved. Their response was simple yet profound: "Believe in the Lord Jesus."
The Greek word for believe, "p?ste??" (pisteuó), means to trust in, rely on, and have faith in. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
John 3:16 (NLT): "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
Believing in Jesus means trusting in His finished work on the cross, acknowledging Him as the Son of God, and surrendering to His Lordship. This belief is the foundation of our salvation.
Consider the story of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). In his final moments, he believed in Jesus and was promised paradise. This illustrates that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone.
Point 2: Repent and Turn to God
Acts 3:19 (NLT): "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away."
Peter, speaking to the crowd after healing a lame man, calls for repentance. The Greek word for repent, "µeta????" (metanoeó), means to change one’s mind and turn around. It involves a heartfelt recognition of sin and a turning away from it.
Luke 13:3 (NLT): "Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God."
Repentance is a crucial step in salvation. It’s more than feeling sorry; it’s a decisive turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness and new life.
Think of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). His journey back to his father represents true repentance—a change of heart and direction. God welcomes us with open arms when we repent and turn to Him.
Point 3: Confess and Be Baptized
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT): "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."
Paul emphasizes the importance of confession. The Greek word for confess, "?µ??????" (homologeó), means to agree or say the same thing. Publicly declaring Jesus as Lord is an outward expression of an inward faith.
Acts 2:38 (NLT): "Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Confessing Jesus as Lord and being baptized are public affirmations of our faith. Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, marking the beginning of our new life in Him.
Reflect on the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). Upon believing the Gospel, he immediately sought baptism, demonstrating the importance of public confession and obedience.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It involves believing in Jesus, repenting of our sins, and publicly confessing Him as Lord through baptism.
Application:
This week, examine your own faith journey. Have you truly believed in Jesus, repented of your sins, and made a public confession of your faith? If not, today is the day of salvation. If you have, share this message with someone who needs to hear it.
Call to Action:
If you are ready to make a decision for Christ, pray and ask Him into your heart. Repent of your sins, and if you haven’t been baptized, speak with a church leader about taking this important step. Let us rejoice in the transformative power of salvation and live as witnesses to the world.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
