The Way to Receive Salvation
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
The way to receive salvation is referenced in Acts 8:26-39.
Some have a hard time understanding why or how to be saved. The Lord has set ways and are plain, simple and very logical as well. The Bible applies the order in which it should be done.
Acts shows us what should be done. The Ethiopian Eunuch shows the natural order to salvation. He was probably a Jew and was traveling. It was at least 200 miles for the journey he was making. A reason why he was traveling in a chariot.
Just like Pharoh and Herod is a title, the Ethiopian Eunuch was a title for the treasurer. The devote Jews was reading the law of prophesies. Philip was sent to teach him the truth.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God. The spirit does not speak directly to who needs the message. The spirit goes to a man of God, Philip. He needs to go and teach him.
How do people today learn the truth?
A preacher shows them, and opens the Bible. Look at an insight of the gospels.
Philip revealed that he did not understand. He was invited to be guided.
Isaiah 53:7-8 Who is being spoken of? Think that you didn’t have access to the New Testament?
It is easy for us to understand how because we have the revealed word.
Philip preached Christ. Probably similar to Acts 8:5 and following.
Vs. 12 After he preached the kingdom of God and Christ, they were baptized.
We know that they started in Isaiah. Life, persecution, Christ death, resurrection, commandments, what one should do. He preached baptism to the Eunuch.
So they come to some water. What hinders him to be baptized?
Verse 37 If you believe, you may. So the Eunuch was baptized.
Now scholars believe verse 37 was not a part of original text. A popular translation does not. NIV New International Version
What does leaving out verse 37 mean?
1. Scholars in 2nd and 3rd century both prove the early manuscripts. From original, most likely it is to be there.
2. It fits. Fits the question. It answers the question. If you believe, you may. It would be strange for him to not answer the question before he was baptized. If it’s not.
3. Romans 10:9-10 teaches confession as well.
The necessary order of events:
1. Hear Romans 10:17 Can’t learn the knowledge if we didn’t hear it first
2. Believe – your choice to reject or believe it is true. Acts8:37, Mark 16:16
We can’t confess Christ unless, first, we believe.
3. Repentance – Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19 Changing our mind about sin.
4. Confession – Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10 Must come after repentance before Baptism.
All must be done together!
Doesn’t work to have these steps broken with years apart.
Into what name are we baptized?
Matt. 28:19
-Must preachers say his?
-Preachers have no power
-It is good to reminds the individual
Acts 2:38
-In the name of Jesus Christ…
-This is not a baptismal formula
-We are baptized by Christ’s authority
Philip preached Christ.
Plan salvation is simple and makes sense.
Have you followed the steps?
Have you had your sins washed away? We don’t know how long your life is.