What Shall We Do?
Acts 2:37-39
In every person's life there comes a time when he feels some type of action must be taken, or some type experience undergone in order for him to be saved. The cry from a stricken heart, "What must I do to be saved?", is just as current in our generation as it was in the Apostles' day.
There are 1700 different denominations in the world. But, which way? And Why?
Read John 6:66-68; 10:1; and John 14:6
These unending questions continue to perplex mankind. But, you can find God and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Jeremiah 29:13 reads, "And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all you heart". The secret to finding God is to open your heart. God still speaks to a willing heart.
DEFINITION
SAVED - comes from the Greek word SOZO meaning to save, deliver, protect, heal, and preserve. Webster stated that in religion, it means to deliver a person or soul from sin and punishment; redeem from spiritual death.
REPENTANCE
When the world repents they feel sorrow. But, feeling sorrow over one's sins isn't enough. We must turn from our sin and change our life and the way we live. Judas repented of having betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3) but his was only regret, not a change of mind. In Genesis 6:6 God repented that he made man but he didn't change his mind. When a child is punished, the parent may feel sorrow that the discipline was necessary, but that sorrow doesn't cause them to change their mind.
WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
In Matthew 3:2-9, John the Baptist acknowledges that the Pharisees were followers of the law, but that just a semblance of Godliness was not enough. He said that they had to repent and turn from their sin.
Repentance actually has three parts:
1. A turning from sin. This turning must be both in heart (emotion) and mind (thinking). We must both feel sorrow in our hearts and support that sorrow with the resources of our minds.
2. A spirit of abhorrence to sin. A desire to turn away from our old ways and find new ones. A hatred for the thought of sin as well as a desire to be holy.
3. A spirit of honor toward God. God told Abram: I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect. And again he said: I am holy, be ye therefore also holy.
Remember, only God can call to repentance!
1. Romans 2:4 Goodness of God leads thee to repentance.
2. II Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.
3. John 6:44,45,65 No man can come to me, except the Father...draw him...Every man therefore that hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. No man can come unto me, except it were given him of my Father.
Repentance must be an outward and inward confession (Romans 10: 10). The Jews (Acts 5:31), the Gentiles (Acts 11:18) and the rest of the world (Luke 24:47) must repent through the name of Jesus.
NINEVAH - This vast city in the country of Assyria repented at the preaching of Jonah the prophet (Jonah 3:5-10, Matthew 12:41).
1. The people fasted. Both man and beast did without food for three days.
2. They turned from their wickedness. Only this way can we find true repentance.
3. They turned from violence. God saw that they had the right spirit within and spared them.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES ON REPENTANCE
1. Mark 1:14-15 Repent ye and believe the gospel.
2. II Peter 3:9 God is not willing that should perish but that all should come to repentance.
3. Romans 2:4-9 Goodness of God leads us to repentance.
4. Acts 17:30 Commands all men everywhere to repent.
5. II Timothy 2:25 Peradventure God will give them repentance.
6. Luke 13:3 Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.
7. II Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance.
8. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, repent.
9. Mark 2:17 Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
10. Luke 24:47 That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.
11. Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted.
12. Acts 11:18 God has granted unto the Gentiles repentance unto life.
REPENTANCE FOR THE SAVED
After you are born again there will be times of failure and mistakes and yes, even sin! We deal with these times in our lives just like we did when we first came to the Lord, we repent! Paul said "I die daily." He meant that he repented daily and tried to live in the spirit and not in the flesh. No one is perfect. We must strive for perfection. When we fail, the following scriptures instruct us on what to do:
1. There are ways to be reconciled to our brother (Matthew 5:23-34).
2. We can learn how to handle trespasses against us (Matthew 18:15-17).
3. When we confess our sins He forgives and cleanses us (I John 1:7-9).
4. Confession and forsaking of sin brings mercy (Proverbs 28:13).
Repentance is not the final act of the sinner, one must go on to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit in his life (Acts 2:38).
BAPTISM
DEFINITION
BAPTIZO - Greek word meaning to dip, immerse, or to bury.
MUST WE BE BAPTIZED?
John 3:1-6 Jesus spoke to Nicodemus and told him that you must be born again. When asked how this was done, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born of the water and of the spirit. Notice that Jesus said he must be. There was no room for argument. Baptism is not an option, it is a must.
In Acts 2 Peter answered the question, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" with "be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ".
In Mark 16:16 Jesus said "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved".
HOW MUST WE BE BAPTIZED?
By immersion.
Acts 8 The Ethiopian eunuch said "Here is water", indicating much water. Phillip and he went down into the water and came up out of the water. Signifying that they went and stood in the water.
John 3:23 When John the Baptist baptized in Aenon he did so because "there was much water there". Much water was required because he dipped or immersed or buried them in the water.
WHY MUST WE BE BAPTIZED?
There are many scriptural reasons for baptism. Let us look at some examples:
1. Baptism is for the remission of sin.
Jesus said that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in His name beginning at Jerusalem. There is a difference in forgiveness of sin and remission of sin. We are forgiven at repentance. Our sins are remitted (washed away) at water baptism.
At Jerusalem in Acts chapter 2, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
2. Water Baptism is part of the "New Birth" experience.
John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Titus 3:5 According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
3. Baptism is taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
See Acts 4:12. There is none other name!!!!
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Immediately upon repenting of your sins you should be baptized to wash away your sins.
Acts 2:38 Peter said to repent and then be baptized.
Matthew 3:5,6 During the days of John the Baptist, the people came confessing their sins and
then John baptized them.
WHAT DOES HISTORY SAY ABOUT BAPTISM?
Often the question is asked, "Why do so many baptize in the titles Father, Son and Holy Ghost if it is not scriptural?" As the church grew older, not only did false teachers rise up but many sincere individuals misunderstood the teachings of the Scripture. From just this setting, many wrong ideas developed.
When the council of Nicea met in 325 A.D. the Trinitarian formula for baptism was adopted. From this time forward, the trinity was embraced and the Trinitarian baptismal formula gained prominence. It was immediately after this council that the Catholic church began to be the influence in Christian circles, and even the political world. For the next 1200 years the Catholic church was without rival. Then in 1517 Martin Luther began what was later to be known as the Protestant Reformation. Luther and others kept the Trinitarian formula but began to break away from the other traditional beliefs of the Catholic church.
Many of these groups still use Matthew 28:19 as a basis for baptism, however, this scripture instructs of baptism in the NAME (singular) of the FATHER (John 5:43 "I am come in my Father’s name", the SON (Matthew 1:21 "And thou shalt call his name Jesus"), and the HOLY GHOST (John 14:26 "The HOLY GHOST, whom the Father will send in my name") In all of these titles we find but one name; the NAME of JESUS!
HOLY GHOST
Most of the religious, Christian world sees the infilling of the Holy Ghost as an added blessing that is optional to the Christian. But, how important is the Holy Ghost? Is it for us today or just for the Apostles? In this lesson we will examine this vital subject in detail.
The word GHOST in the Bible is also translated SPIRIT in some places. Both words are translated from the Greek word PNEUMA, meaning spirit. So, the HOLY SPIRIT or HOLY GHOST is the SPIRIT of God.
WHAT DOES THE OLD TESTAMENT SAY ABOUT THE HOLY GHOST?
Isaiah 28:9-12 Tells of stammering lips and another tongue that God would give to His people. Paul spoke of this experience in I Corinthians 14:21. Isaiah said that this experience would be like drawing water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).
Joel 2:28-29 Tells of God pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. Peter quotes much of these verses in Acts 2 and tells us that the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost was a fulfillment of that prophecy.
Isaiah 32:15 The Spirit would be poured down on us from heaven.
WHAT DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT SAY ABOUT THE HOLY GHOST?
John the Baptist is quoted by all four Gospel writers (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) that Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
Jesus said that the Spirit was like:
a. A river of living water (John 4:10-14)
b That the Spirit would be the power of God in us (Acts 1:8).
WHO CAN HAVE THE HOLY GHOST?
God has made conditional promises to those who want the Holy Ghost. When these Bible conditions are met, ANYONE can have the Holy Ghost. God is no respecter of persons, but will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him (Luke 11:13). Look at these following scriptures for what the Bible says:
1. God's promise of the Holy Ghost is to all flesh - sons, daughters, servants, and handmaids (Joel 2:28-29 & Acts 2:16-17).
2. John the Baptist did not exclude anyone in his preaching about the Holy Ghost baptism (Matthew 3:11).
3. God gives the Holy Ghost to them that obey him (Acts 5:32).
4. Those at Samaria, the Ethiopian, and the people at Azotus received the Holy Ghost also (Acts 8:1-40).
5. Cornelius and those in his home received the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:44-48).
Angels desire to look into this great salvation, prophets have searched and inquired diligently into it (I Peter 1:10-12), and to think you and I can have it!
WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST?
On the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, the one hundred and twenty spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them the utterance when they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4). God's Word is very precise in giving us example after example to this phenomenal sign of speaking in tongues as evidence one has received the Holy Ghost. Millions have experienced this glorious ecstatic utterance when they receive the like precious gift.
Paul spoke with tongues more than all the Corinthian church (I Corinthians 14:18). No doubt, the first occasion was when he received the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:17-18). Numerous Scriptures are at your disposal for study, these are some of them:
1. Isaiah prophesied of God speaking through another tongue (Isaiah 28:9-12).
2. When the New Testament church began, they spoke in other tongues (Acts 2:1-4).
3. It is conclusive that the Samaritans spoke with tongues (Acts 8:1-25).
4. Cornelius' household, who were all Gentiles, spoke with other tongues (Acts 10:44-48).
5. Believers in John's baptism were re-baptized and spoke with tongues (Acts 19:1-6).
WHY IS THE HOLY GHOST SO IMPORTANT?
God's Spirit is very important to us in our lives. It is a very sacred thing, so much so that Jesus warned us not to blaspheme (speak against), the Holy Ghost. Forgiveness can never be obtained for this sin (Mark 3:28-30). Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is the ONLY unpardonable sin. Any and all other sins can be forgiven.
Great stress is laid upon the importance and the essentiality of the Holy Ghost in the Bible. There are three basic and very important reasons for the Spirit of God to indwell each Christian:
1. It is necessary for salvation (Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 12:3.)
2. It will lead us into all truth (John 16:13).
3. It acts as a discerner and intercessor. (Romans 8:26).
Once a person has accomplished the steps of faith, repentance, baptism, and has received the Holy Ghost, his salvation from sin is complete. Though this may sound like a difficult thing to do, it can be achieved in your life easily and quickly. It is your responsibility to believe and repent. Allow the minister to baptized you, then God will baptize you with the Holy Ghost. This is Bible Salvation.
In every person's life there comes a time when he feels some type of action must be taken, or some type experience undergone in order for him to be saved. The cry from a stricken heart, "What must I do to be saved?", is just as current in our generation as it was in the Apostles' day.
There are 1700 different denominations in the world. But, which way? And Why?
Read John 6:66-68; 10:1; and John 14:6
These unending questions continue to perplex mankind. But, you can find God and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Jeremiah 29:13 reads, "And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all you heart". The secret to finding God is to open your heart. God still speaks to a willing heart.
DEFINITION
SAVED - comes from the Greek word SOZO meaning to save, deliver, protect, heal, and preserve. Webster stated that in religion, it means to deliver a person or soul from sin and punishment; redeem from spiritual death.
REPENTANCE
When the world repents they feel sorrow. But, feeling sorrow over one's sins isn't enough. We must turn from our sin and change our life and the way we live. Judas repented of having betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3) but his was only regret, not a change of mind. In Genesis 6:6 God repented that he made man but he didn't change his mind. When a child is punished, the parent may feel sorrow that the discipline was necessary, but that sorrow doesn't cause them to change their mind.
WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
In Matthew 3:2-9, John the Baptist acknowledges that the Pharisees were followers of the law, but that just a semblance of Godliness was not enough. He said that they had to repent and turn from their sin.
Repentance actually has three parts:
1. A turning from sin. This turning must be both in heart (emotion) and mind (thinking). We must both feel sorrow in our hearts and support that sorrow with the resources of our minds.
2. A spirit of abhorrence to sin. A desire to turn away from our old ways and find new ones. A hatred for the thought of sin as well as a desire to be holy.
3. A spirit of honor toward God. God told Abram: I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect. And again he said: I am holy, be ye therefore also holy.
Remember, only God can call to repentance!
1. Romans 2:4 Goodness of God leads thee to repentance.
2. II Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.
3. John 6:44,45,65 No man can come to me, except the Father...draw him...Every man therefore that hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. No man can come unto me, except it were given him of my Father.
Repentance must be an outward and inward confession (Romans 10: 10). The Jews (Acts 5:31), the Gentiles (Acts 11:18) and the rest of the world (Luke 24:47) must repent through the name of Jesus.
NINEVAH - This vast city in the country of Assyria repented at the preaching of Jonah the prophet (Jonah 3:5-10, Matthew 12:41).
1. The people fasted. Both man and beast did without food for three days.
2. They turned from their wickedness. Only this way can we find true repentance.
3. They turned from violence. God saw that they had the right spirit within and spared them.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES ON REPENTANCE
1. Mark 1:14-15 Repent ye and believe the gospel.
2. II Peter 3:9 God is not willing that should perish but that all should come to repentance.
3. Romans 2:4-9 Goodness of God leads us to repentance.
4. Acts 17:30 Commands all men everywhere to repent.
5. II Timothy 2:25 Peradventure God will give them repentance.
6. Luke 13:3 Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.
7. II Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance.
8. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, repent.
9. Mark 2:17 Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
10. Luke 24:47 That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.
11. Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted.
12. Acts 11:18 God has granted unto the Gentiles repentance unto life.
REPENTANCE FOR THE SAVED
After you are born again there will be times of failure and mistakes and yes, even sin! We deal with these times in our lives just like we did when we first came to the Lord, we repent! Paul said "I die daily." He meant that he repented daily and tried to live in the spirit and not in the flesh. No one is perfect. We must strive for perfection. When we fail, the following scriptures instruct us on what to do:
1. There are ways to be reconciled to our brother (Matthew 5:23-34).
2. We can learn how to handle trespasses against us (Matthew 18:15-17).
3. When we confess our sins He forgives and cleanses us (I John 1:7-9).
4. Confession and forsaking of sin brings mercy (Proverbs 28:13).
Repentance is not the final act of the sinner, one must go on to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit in his life (Acts 2:38).
BAPTISM
DEFINITION
BAPTIZO - Greek word meaning to dip, immerse, or to bury.
MUST WE BE BAPTIZED?
John 3:1-6 Jesus spoke to Nicodemus and told him that you must be born again. When asked how this was done, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born of the water and of the spirit. Notice that Jesus said he must be. There was no room for argument. Baptism is not an option, it is a must.
In Acts 2 Peter answered the question, "Men and brethren what shall we do?" with "be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ".
In Mark 16:16 Jesus said "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved".
HOW MUST WE BE BAPTIZED?
By immersion.
Acts 8 The Ethiopian eunuch said "Here is water", indicating much water. Phillip and he went down into the water and came up out of the water. Signifying that they went and stood in the water.
John 3:23 When John the Baptist baptized in Aenon he did so because "there was much water there". Much water was required because he dipped or immersed or buried them in the water.
WHY MUST WE BE BAPTIZED?
There are many scriptural reasons for baptism. Let us look at some examples:
1. Baptism is for the remission of sin.
Jesus said that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in His name beginning at Jerusalem. There is a difference in forgiveness of sin and remission of sin. We are forgiven at repentance. Our sins are remitted (washed away) at water baptism.
At Jerusalem in Acts chapter 2, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
2. Water Baptism is part of the "New Birth" experience.
John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Titus 3:5 According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
3. Baptism is taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
See Acts 4:12. There is none other name!!!!
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Immediately upon repenting of your sins you should be baptized to wash away your sins.
Acts 2:38 Peter said to repent and then be baptized.
Matthew 3:5,6 During the days of John the Baptist, the people came confessing their sins and
then John baptized them.
WHAT DOES HISTORY SAY ABOUT BAPTISM?
Often the question is asked, "Why do so many baptize in the titles Father, Son and Holy Ghost if it is not scriptural?" As the church grew older, not only did false teachers rise up but many sincere individuals misunderstood the teachings of the Scripture. From just this setting, many wrong ideas developed.
When the council of Nicea met in 325 A.D. the Trinitarian formula for baptism was adopted. From this time forward, the trinity was embraced and the Trinitarian baptismal formula gained prominence. It was immediately after this council that the Catholic church began to be the influence in Christian circles, and even the political world. For the next 1200 years the Catholic church was without rival. Then in 1517 Martin Luther began what was later to be known as the Protestant Reformation. Luther and others kept the Trinitarian formula but began to break away from the other traditional beliefs of the Catholic church.
Many of these groups still use Matthew 28:19 as a basis for baptism, however, this scripture instructs of baptism in the NAME (singular) of the FATHER (John 5:43 "I am come in my Father’s name", the SON (Matthew 1:21 "And thou shalt call his name Jesus"), and the HOLY GHOST (John 14:26 "The HOLY GHOST, whom the Father will send in my name") In all of these titles we find but one name; the NAME of JESUS!
HOLY GHOST
Most of the religious, Christian world sees the infilling of the Holy Ghost as an added blessing that is optional to the Christian. But, how important is the Holy Ghost? Is it for us today or just for the Apostles? In this lesson we will examine this vital subject in detail.
The word GHOST in the Bible is also translated SPIRIT in some places. Both words are translated from the Greek word PNEUMA, meaning spirit. So, the HOLY SPIRIT or HOLY GHOST is the SPIRIT of God.
WHAT DOES THE OLD TESTAMENT SAY ABOUT THE HOLY GHOST?
Isaiah 28:9-12 Tells of stammering lips and another tongue that God would give to His people. Paul spoke of this experience in I Corinthians 14:21. Isaiah said that this experience would be like drawing water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).
Joel 2:28-29 Tells of God pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. Peter quotes much of these verses in Acts 2 and tells us that the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost was a fulfillment of that prophecy.
Isaiah 32:15 The Spirit would be poured down on us from heaven.
WHAT DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT SAY ABOUT THE HOLY GHOST?
John the Baptist is quoted by all four Gospel writers (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) that Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
Jesus said that the Spirit was like:
a. A river of living water (John 4:10-14)
b That the Spirit would be the power of God in us (Acts 1:8).
WHO CAN HAVE THE HOLY GHOST?
God has made conditional promises to those who want the Holy Ghost. When these Bible conditions are met, ANYONE can have the Holy Ghost. God is no respecter of persons, but will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him (Luke 11:13). Look at these following scriptures for what the Bible says:
1. God's promise of the Holy Ghost is to all flesh - sons, daughters, servants, and handmaids (Joel 2:28-29 & Acts 2:16-17).
2. John the Baptist did not exclude anyone in his preaching about the Holy Ghost baptism (Matthew 3:11).
3. God gives the Holy Ghost to them that obey him (Acts 5:32).
4. Those at Samaria, the Ethiopian, and the people at Azotus received the Holy Ghost also (Acts 8:1-40).
5. Cornelius and those in his home received the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:44-48).
Angels desire to look into this great salvation, prophets have searched and inquired diligently into it (I Peter 1:10-12), and to think you and I can have it!
WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST?
On the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, the one hundred and twenty spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them the utterance when they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4). God's Word is very precise in giving us example after example to this phenomenal sign of speaking in tongues as evidence one has received the Holy Ghost. Millions have experienced this glorious ecstatic utterance when they receive the like precious gift.
Paul spoke with tongues more than all the Corinthian church (I Corinthians 14:18). No doubt, the first occasion was when he received the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:17-18). Numerous Scriptures are at your disposal for study, these are some of them:
1. Isaiah prophesied of God speaking through another tongue (Isaiah 28:9-12).
2. When the New Testament church began, they spoke in other tongues (Acts 2:1-4).
3. It is conclusive that the Samaritans spoke with tongues (Acts 8:1-25).
4. Cornelius' household, who were all Gentiles, spoke with other tongues (Acts 10:44-48).
5. Believers in John's baptism were re-baptized and spoke with tongues (Acts 19:1-6).
WHY IS THE HOLY GHOST SO IMPORTANT?
God's Spirit is very important to us in our lives. It is a very sacred thing, so much so that Jesus warned us not to blaspheme (speak against), the Holy Ghost. Forgiveness can never be obtained for this sin (Mark 3:28-30). Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is the ONLY unpardonable sin. Any and all other sins can be forgiven.
Great stress is laid upon the importance and the essentiality of the Holy Ghost in the Bible. There are three basic and very important reasons for the Spirit of God to indwell each Christian:
1. It is necessary for salvation (Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 12:3.)
2. It will lead us into all truth (John 16:13).
3. It acts as a discerner and intercessor. (Romans 8:26).
Once a person has accomplished the steps of faith, repentance, baptism, and has received the Holy Ghost, his salvation from sin is complete. Though this may sound like a difficult thing to do, it can be achieved in your life easily and quickly. It is your responsibility to believe and repent. Allow the minister to baptized you, then God will baptize you with the Holy Ghost. This is Bible Salvation.
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