Since "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23), and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), the question, "What must I do to be saved?" is undoubtedly the most important question that any individual can ask in relation to their spiritual condition.

The Bible reveals God's plan for saving sinful people. From the beginning of time, God determined to send His Son, Jesus, to redeem sinful man through the shedding of his precious blood upon the cross (1 Peter 1:18-20). Motivated by "His great love wherein He loved us," God was moved by mercy and kindness to be gracious, even while we were "dead" in "trespasses and sins," "having no hope and without God in the world." (See Ephesians 2:1-13)

Because of God's great mercy and love, the question, "What must I do to be saved?" has sometimes been answered, "Nothing." Some have incorrectly concluded that God's grace will unilaterally bring about our salvation. But this answer would be contrary to the plain teaching of Scripture.

On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the Jews who heard Peter's sermon asked, ""Brethren, what shall we do?" (vs. 37). They were instructed to "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins" (vs. 38).

Yes, God has been rich in mercy and grace, but there is something man "must do" in order to receive the benefits of the salvation that God has offered. The book of Acts is filled with examples of individuals who responded to the preaching of the gospel. Please read and study these conversion accounts from the book of Acts (The Samaritans, 8:4-13; the Ethiopian nobleman, 8:26-40; Saul of Tarsus, 9:1-19, 22:3-16; Cornelius, 10:1-48; Lydia, 16:11-15, the Philippian jailer, 16:19-34).

To answer the question, "What must I do to be saved?" we must learn the totality of the New Testament's teaching concerning our obedience to the gospel of Christ. A complete answer must involve the following responses:

1. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 3:16, 8:24, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10)
2. Repentance of sins (Luke 13:3-5, 24:47; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30, 20:21, 26:20)
3. Confession of the name of Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:36-37, Romans 10:9-10)
4. Baptism (immersion) for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38, 10:47-48, 16:33, 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21)

Learn more by reading other articles on this web site, or enroll in our free home Bible correspondence course. If you have specific questions, submit your query and we will respond by email.

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