baptism vital part of saving faith
Bill D. Oakley, Emporia Church of Christ
Friday, August 21, 2009
Should we subscribe to HBO?
This is not about signing up for a TV channel. This HBO stands for something else — Hear, Believe and Obey.
DBR (Death, burial and resurrection of Jesus) is the essence of the gospel of God. What Jesus did to redeem us from sin is God’s part in our salvation. All that God has done to save mankind from sin might be summed up in the word “grace.” The free gift of God.
Paul said it this way: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
HBO (Hear, believe and obey) is the essence of man’s response to the terms of the gospel. HBO is summed up in the word “faith.”
Jesus said it this way: “He said to them [the apostles], ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news [gospel] to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” (Mark 16:15 NIV)
Jesus was saying, “Go tell everyone what God has done to save them. Then tell them what they are to do so as to be saved.” Now, we learn from the preaching of the apostles that the full terms or conditions for man are:
• Hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:13-17).
• Believe in Jesus. (Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:10-13).
• Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).
• Confess faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:27-30).
• Be baptized (immersed) for remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16).
These conditions or terms that God has given as part of his plan of redemption make sense, are very easy to understand and to comply with. In the book of Acts, which records for us the initial preaching of the Gospel under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there are eight specific accounts of sinners being saved. They demonstrate the acceptance of God’s conditions:
• 3,000 Jews (Acts 2:37-41). They heard, believed, repented and were baptized.
• Samaritans and Simon (Acts 8:1-12). They heard, believed and were baptized.
• Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:28-39). He heard, believed, confessed his faith and was baptized. Then he rejoiced. .
• Saul of Tarsus (Acts chess. 9, 22, 26). He heard, believed, repented and was baptized.
• Cornelius and household (Acts 10). They heard, believed and were baptized.
• Lydia and her household (Acts 16:11-15). They heard, “responded” and were baptized
• Philippians Jailer and household (Acts 16:24-34). They heard, believed and were baptized. They then rejoiced.
• Corinthians (Acts 18:8). They heard, believed and were baptized.
In each case sinners were told what they were to do to be saved. When you compare all eight accounts of conversions you come up with a clear pattern of how sinners were saved. They heard the gospel, believed in Jesus, repented of their sins, confessed faith and were baptized (immersed) for the remission of their sins. Then they rejoiced. (HBO)
Notice what Peter told the Jews at Pentecost when they asked what to do to be saved:
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save you from this corrupt generation.’ So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about 3,000 souls.” Acts 2:38, 40, 41 NAS
Is this what preachers are telling people today when they want to know what to do to be saved? Some people are being told “accept Jesus” or “pray for salvation” or “invite Jesus into your heart.” These expressions are well intended and sound helpful but are not found in the New Testament.
If they become substitutes for doing what God commands, then they do more harm than good. Don’t neglect baptism; it plays a vital part (Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:26-29). Don’t be afraid of the word “obey,” it is a part of saving faith (Acts 5:32).
• “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from Bill D. Oakley, minister of Emporia Church of Christ.