Everyone must find the answer to this question according to God. (Acts 17:30 Those times when men had no knowledge were overlooked by God; but now he gives orders to all men in every place to undergo a change of heart: BBE) We must look in the bible to find the answer. Those that teach must teach from the scriptures and rightly divide the words of truth.

Christ said:

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (kjv)

What we have to believe is that Christ is the son of God sent in the flesh. We must believe that Christ is the son of God and that God raised him up from the dead. Upon this believe we must be baptized into Christ. 

Christ said:

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (kjv)

In the bible (Greek biblos for books), Christ has set  baptism as the entrance into salvation. No matter what any man says the books are the true record of what God want from man.

Christ said:

*Hear: Mark 4:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

This is where road to salvation starts. You have to hear the word of God. In hearing the word of God, you learn of him and his will for man. That is why Christ repeatedly said hear.

Romans 10:16 "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

*Believe: John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

If you do not believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, the road to salvation ends here. One must believe that Christ was sent here by God (John 6:27, John 8:16&29). He is the one written of in the scriptures and died for the sins of the world. (John 20:31)

*Repent:  Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

A turning from your own ways to the ways of God must take place. No longer letting your own conscience guide you but the word and will of God be your guide in this life. This is purpose of the words of Christ in Luke scripture above.

*Confess:  Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

You have to be willing to tell people that you believe that Christ is the Son of God and that he died for our sins. Next verse, if you deny him in this world, he will deny you before the Father and angles of heaven in the world to come.

*Baptism:  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (kjv)

As example Christ was immersed in river by John the baptis, we must be immersed. (baptize is from the Greek word baptizo which means to immerse, go down underneath) Paul speaks of this in his writing to the Christians at Galatia reminding them that when we are baptized, we are baptized into Christ. (Galatians 3:27)

The bible is clear on this topic. If I could impress on you the examples of conversion that are listed in the New Testament. These conversions are recorded in the book of Acts. Please look at these conversions with me.

3000 Souls Saved:

        Acts 2:41

Reading Acts chapter from the beginning. We see where the Apostles were filled with the holy Ghost as promised by Christ. (John 14:26) Christ has ascended into heaven and the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to guide these men. The apostles began to speak in different languages (Acts 2:6) that they had not received formal training. That is what made this miracles.

Peter lifted up his voice above the rest and proclaimed to them that were at Jerusalem how this day was the fulfillment of the scriptures. (Acts 2:14-36) After he had proclaimed to them that Christ had arisen and is sitting on the right hand of God in heaven. The people were pricked in their heart. (Acts 2:37) They believed what Peter preached. They were ready to keep the commandments of Christ. (John 14:15) They asked Peter and the rest of the Apostles "what must we do?" (Acts 2:37) Those that gladly received the teachings of the apostles where baptized. (Acts 2:41) 

The Conversion of the Eunuch:

        Acts 8:26-40

Philip was told by an angel of the Lord to go and join himself to a chariot where an Ethiopian Eunuch was reading the book Isaiah. Philip approached as he was directed and could hear the eunuch reading the scripture. He asked him if understood what he was reading. The eunuch replied "How can I except some man should guide me." Philip began in the scripture where the eunuch was reading and taught the eunuch about Christ. Philip spoke many more words that was recorded in the scripture. As they were traveling, they came to a certain water. The eunuch said "See, here is water, what prevents me from being baptized?" Philip had to of explained baptism to the eunuch during his teaching of Christ to the eunuch. The eunuch commanded the chariot to stand still. The eunuch and Philip went down into the water. (Acts 8:38) The eunuch obeyed the commandment of Christ to be baptized to enter into the way to eternal life.

Baptism of Saul (Paul)

         Acts 9:1-18

Saul was one of the people who persecuted Christians. The opening verse of Acts 9 tells use "Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord". Christ appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:3&4) He was made blind. Saul was lead by those whom he was persecuting into Damascus. (Acts 9:8) Christ sent Ananias to tell Saul what he must do. (Acts 9:6&10&18)

Ananias told Saul to arise and be baptized.

Sinners Prayer

I had to address this issue because it keeps coming up. People are teaching that all you have to do is pray to God and your saved. That is no where in the bible. They pen this teaching on John 3:16. This would be wonderful if the bible stopped right there and had nothing further to enlighten man to the will of God. but as stated in the beginning of this document. Christ said also "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved". (Mark 16:16)  There are many other scriptures that teach baptism is essential to entering into Christ. Romans 6 teaches us baptism puts a person into Christ's body. There is no other means of entrance.

God does not hear (attend) to the prayers of sinners John 9:31. If you are not in the body of Christ, you are a sinner. Even if your in the body of Christ and you are living in sin, God will not hear (attend) to your prayers. Isa 59:1-3, Pr 15:29, Mic 3:4, 1Pe 3:12. We have to teach you the all counsel of God Ac 20:27. Not just pieces and dribbs of what I think you want to hear or what makes you comfortable. Christ said if you love me keep my commandments. John 15 He commanded baptism. Your belief/faith that Christ is the son of God and God has promised through his son he will give to all those how obey him (Christ) everlasting life.  Your obedience begins with baptism because Christ commanded it as entrance into the kingdom.

Let me help you find a Church of Christ in your area. They will be more than willing to study further with you to seal you faith and baptize you into the body of Christ.

sgaddis@downtowncoc.org