Scripture Reading: Acts 8:30-38
God's Way of Salvation
Intro.
1. Acts 2:37; 9:6; 16:30: Various conflicting ways of salvation are offered…
a. Universalism: Live as you please…all are saved (Matt 7:21).
b. Catholicism: Papacy and priests between man and God (1 Tim 2:5).
c. Calvinism: Do nothing…God does everything (election, irresistible grace, cannot fall, Gal 5:4-6).
d. Wesleyism: Faith only, works cannot avail; Faith only is a “most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort.”
e. Moral relativism: Simply be good Past sins are forgotten.
f. Revivalism: "Pray! Come through! Get religion! Shout! Raise your hand!"
g. Denominationalism: Any way, any time, any place.
2. Who is right? How can you know and be sure? Upon what basis do you believe you will be saved? Are you confident? Why or why not?
I. THE GOSPEL WAY OF SALVATION: SAFETY AND CONFIDENCE.
A. Your Soul is at Stake; Eternity is Involved (Matt 16:26; 2 Cor 5:10).
B. There is One Way to Heaven, Matt 7:13-14.
1. Different roads from one point (sinner) do not go to same place.
2. Narrow, few find the way that leads to life.
C. The Way to the Father is Jesus Christ, Jno 14:6.
1. No detours, changes or corrections: Must follow His directions.
2. Illus. Doctor writes a Rx – must take as dispensed, Matt 9:12.
D. Jesus Christ’s Plan is Sure.
1. God’s way right and cannot be wrong, Jno 8:12; Psa 119:105.
2. Though all others are wrong; the Bible way is right.
3. Make your salvation sure by obeying Him, Col 3:17.
II. WE MUST INSIST ON GOD’S WAY.
A. It is Necessary to Hear the Gospel in Order to be Saved. Why?
1. Commanded, Lk 8:8, 18; Acts 2:23.
2. Explained, Jno 6:44-45; Rom 10:17.
3. Rewarded, Matt 7:24-27.
4. Consequence of not listening to Christ’s word, Jno 12:48.
B. It is Necessary to Believe (Faith) in Order to be Saved. Why?
1. Commanded, 1 Jno 3:23; Acts 16:30-31. (Christ has the right to command us, Matt 28:18)
2. Explained, Heb 11:1, 6; Jno 20:31; Rom 10:9; Jas 2:17, 21-24, 26.
3. Rewarded, Rom 10:10; Jno 3:16.
4. Consequences of unbelief, Jno 8:23-24; Mk 16:16.
C. It is Necessary to Repent in Oder to be Saved. Why?
1. Commanded, Acts 17:30.
2. Explained, Matt 21:28-32; 2 Cor 7:10 (Rev 9:20-21).
3. Rewarded, Acts 11:18.
4. Consequence: Repent or perish Lk 13:3, 5.
D. It is Necessary to Confess Faith in Christ in Order to be Saved. Why?
1. Commanded, Matt 10:32; urged, Rom 10:9.
2. Explained, Rom 10:9-10; Acts 8:37 (1 Tim 6:12).
3. Rewarded, Matt 10:32.
4. Consequence of not confessing Christ, Matt 10:32-33 (denied).
E. It is Necessary to be Baptized in Order to be Saved. Why?
1. Commanded, Mk 16:15-16; Acts 10:47-48.
2. Explained, Eph 4:5; Rom 6:3-4 (Acts 22:16); Gal 3:27.
3. Rewarded, Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21.
4. Consequence of not being baptized, Mk 16:16; 2 Ths 1:8-9.
F. Once Saved from Past Sins, Christians Must Live Faithfully. Why?
1. Commanded, Matt 7:21-23; Lk 6:46.
2. Explained, Rom 12:1-2; 1 Pet 2:9-12; 2 Pet 1:5-11.
3. Rewarded, Heb 5:8-9; Rev 2:10.
4. Consequence of unfaithfulness (falling away), 2 Pet 2:20-22; Rev 21:8.
III. THE NEW TESTAMENT WAY OF SALVATION WAS SUFFICIENT IN APOSTOLIC TIMES AND CONTINUES TO BE SO. Rom 1:16
A. The Pentecostians in Acts 2: Heard, believed (2:37); told to repent and be baptized (2:37-40); 3,000 obeyed and were saved by Christ (2:41, 47); Continued faithfully (2:42).
B. Same Pattern of Salvation throughout Acts.
Conclusion
1. Why not be saved like they were saved? It is the only way (Jno 14:6)
a. If it was right for them, it is also right for you.
b. Do not accept any substitute. Why would you? (Jer 10:23)
c. Do not follow men’s “detours” – they lead away from God.
2. The only safe and wise course for salvation is to believe and obey Christ according to His gospel. Acts 4:12