Question: What shall I do to be saved?
Peter —the man Christ gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to— gave his first sermon on the day of Pentecost (50 days following Jesus' death on the cross) to those men of his day who understood who Jesus was, replied to Peter these words:
"Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Acts 2:37 (KJV)
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
"What shall I do to be saved" is a question many who come to Jesus have asked, but is seldom addressed accurately by a vast section of Christian churches today.
Most of the time you have seen, and some of you may even have rejoiced in the simple answer you may have been given:
believe and pray this prayer ....and accept Jesus into your heart ....and you shall be saved.
Surely, we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus the Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
But should we not look to the Holy Scriptures of the Holy Bible for our answers, not rely only on what a pastor of a church, or its statement on a website?
This is your salvation we’re talking about.
With that long introduction, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
My first answer would be to mimic exactly that which Christ's apostle Peter stated so clearly is his sermon to the people on the day of Penteccost.
There are actually several steps toward achieving your salvation with God, but before we get there, first ask yourself a question:
What is your reason you want to be saved?
There are some people who will come who want to be saved, but for many of us out there, before we came to Christ, we sadly wanted nothing to do with Jesus, God or his word or his ways.
We wanted and liked to do what we liked to do; to do what we wanted, how we wanted, as long as it was within reason and nobody gets hurt.
Maybe what we did actually hurt someone, possibly mentally, possibly physically, and some even mortally. Maybe we lied, or we stole from someone else. Maybe we committed some other transgression against God and man, we sinned against God.
We are all sinners and we behaved ungodly.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Roman 5:6
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
1st Titus 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Many have come to a point in their life where they are seeking a better alternative to this present world in which we all live in -- looking for a better hope.
For some it's at this point in their life where they are beginning to claw the walls of this muddy world to get out of the pit calling out for God's help. It might be escaping an addiction such as drugs or alcohol, or pornography, or maybe it's disillusionment with life in general, or they want something they found they are missing.
Or maybe you’re coming from a different religion and you haven’t found that true inner peace.
This world lacks allot more than we all realize.
So, it may be at this point in our life where God has actually done some softening in our life.
There are several key steps toward achieving your salvation with God.
The first step is the acknowledgement of the problem, the acknowledgement of our need for God.
You should Begin to Seek God.
Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye YHWH while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto YHWH, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Begin to Commune with God through the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
It's only through reading the word of God in the Holy Bible that we begin to actually commune with God.
God is doing much of the talking, and very word begins revealing things in our lives and pointing out some serious points that need repair.
The law and righteousness of God is revealed to us and how unrighteous and sinful natured we truly are and have acted all this time.
It's through reading the word of God in the Holy Bible that we begin to learn of God’s plan of salvation through Christ Jesus, and one can come to true faith in Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
You should have faith.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2nd Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:22
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Now we're beginning to see and understand what the text is speaking about. Our faith is building or growing.
You should have conviction of belief.
Now as you read the Holy Bible, or hearing the word via preaching, the person begins to feel conviction of his own actions (past or present) recognizing "I'm a sinner and I need Jesus! Now I understand that I need Jesus as my personal Savior who died in my place on the cross as a substitute for my sins when he took all the sins of the world upon himself. Now I believe in Christ Jesus and want to serve Jesus my Lord and my Savior for rest of my life."
You should humble yourself and REPENT to God of your sins.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Matthew 4:17 (KJV)
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Luke 13:5 (KJV)
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
By acknowledging that Jesus died for your sins, humble yourself and make sincere, heartfelt, repentance directly to God for all of your sins.
So what is next?
Well, or most people today, they find a church, except that it was not the way the biblical Christians did things, because the believer became the Church immediately by following the next step.
So what did people do in the Bible to be 'saved?'
Romans 10:8-13 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
It's simple, except it seems that very few today feel the need to do it anymore.
After true faith, conviction, and repentance to God takes place into a believer's life...
You should be baptized.
What did Peter the Apostle say again?
Acts 2:37-40 (KJV)
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, 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. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
If you fully believe JESUS He is the Christ, the Son of God!—that God sent His Son JESUS, the Christ, to die for the sin of the world on the cross, his blood shed for the remission of (your) sins, being raised the third day out of the grave into glory, and having ascended into heaven and given all power; who shall come again and Judge the living and the dead—then you have fulfilled what is recorded in the book of Acts by the apostle Philip.
Acts 8:36 (KJV)
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Read that closely, "what doth hinder me to be baptized?"
Here is the answer.
Acts 8:37-38 (KJV)
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Jesus said if you want to be ultimately 'saved' you should be baptized.
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Many churches today are telling people they are "saved," but amazingly care little to believe or teach what Jesus their Lord said on how to be saved.
John 3:5 (KJV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Today there are some churches that forbid or teach it is unnecessary to be baptized, but that is not what Christ said nor did his apostles ever teach such a distorted doctrine.
Understand to deny baptism is to deny what is said by Christ, God, and His word.
John 12:48 (KJV)
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Is baptism, as some believe, “a work?”
Some use this scripture to prove baptism is “a work” and therefore not necessary toward your salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Baptism, as understood by his apostles, was not seen as a work, rather a commandment by Jesus.
Jesus led by his example.
Matthew 3:13-17 ¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
God was well pleased when Jesus had been baptized.
Jesus stated that If HE washed not his apostles, they were none of His.
John 13:1-17 (KJV)
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. [2] And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; [3] Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; [4] He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. [5] After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. [6] Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? [7] Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. [8] Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. [9] Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. [10] Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. [11] For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. [12] So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? [13] Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. [16] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. [17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
If baptism was the example by Christ to his disciples, then what is a baptism?
A true baptism is when one goes down in the water in the full knowledge and full faith that Christ died for his or her sins and he or she is baptized according the Holy Scripture in the name of Jesus the Christ for the remission of sins.
What about infant baptism?
Many claim to be baptized already as a baby.
Ask yourself, How can a baby comprehend the revelation of Jesus Christ?
A baby being "baptized" or "christened" cannot. The baby has no knowledge of sin, no knowledge of Christ!
How should one be baptized?
The Bible is clear that anyone ever baptized in the Holy Bible went down into the water and was baptized.
Acts 10:47 (KJV)
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
The person performed the following steps in a biblical baptism.
The person about to be baptized, repented, if this was not yet done or had not occurred already.
The person to be baptized and the one baptizing both went into the water (a baptism tank, a lake, a pond, river, or fairly knee-deep stream).
A preacher, pastor, one baptizing will usually pray over the one holding hands upon or over the person to be baptized.
The preacher or one baptizing will say these words (quoting the word), calling on the name of the Lord:
I Baptize you ________ in the name of JESUS Christ ( the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ), for the remission of (your) sins"
Psalm 116:13 (KJV)
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of YHWH.
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
At which point the one being baptized is let or eased back ward into the water as to be completely immersed or covered fully by the water for only a second and then let up, or raised (with the help of the preacher, or the baptizer) up out of that water.
Any number of things usually can occur at this point, the most common being praising God, or crying with joy. The baptized one may possibly speak in tongues, or simply quietly get out of the water, usually smiling.
If you have done this, you have followed to the letter, A BIBLICAL BAPTISM.
Baptism prepares and changes one both for renewed life in this world and makes it fully possible to be able to even appear in the next, whereby we are changed, as we are baptized into the very SPIRIT OF CHRIST!
Romans 6:3-9 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Ephesians 2:4-9 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
John 3:5-6 (KJV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
1st Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
2nd Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Bible says that We have ONE BAPTISM
Ephesians 4:1-7 (KJV)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; [3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Is Paul speaking of one baptism only? Yes, that of our Lord Jesus, Christ, His blood baptism shed on the cross you are hereby baptized by.
The water and the blood also agree in, as Paul states above, the UNITY OF THE SPIRIT. The blood and water are both Testimonies in Jesus the Christ who came by both water and blood.
1st John 5:6 (KJV)
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1st John 5:8 (KJV)
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
If you compare both Paul and John's teachings, both agree in the UNITY of the SPIRIT-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
A few rules to note about baptism.
Only a baptized believer can perform a baptism. The person does not have to be a preacher. Any man baptized for the remission of sins in name of our Lord can perform a baptism.
One anointed person is all that is needed, but two or more can speed things up when you have many awaiting eagerly to be baptized.
Matthew 18:20 (KJV)
For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.
The one baptizing should "call upon the name of the Lord" JESUS, which fulfills the name of the Father (YHWH) the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (the holy spirit sent by God in Jesus' name).
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Baptism should only be performed "for the remission of sins."
Why?
Matthew 26:28 (KJV)
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
There are no 'rules' such as what one should wear. Christ accepts us as we are.
Luke 8:26-36 (KJV)
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. [27] And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. [28] When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. [29] (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) [30] And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. [31] And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. [32] And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. [33] Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. [34] When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. [35] Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. [36] They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
It's entirely up to you if you wish to stay clothed or put on a robe or a bathing suit.
Realize once you come out you'll be wearing new garment, that is a wedding garment and there will be an invite in the Kingdom of Heaven awaiting you for the wedding party.
Matthew 22:11-12 (KJV)
And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: [12] And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Do you recall the latter end of that man who was not properly clothed for the king's wedding party?
It's the same fate awaiting all those who failed to properly obey their "Lord."
Luke 13:24-28 (KJV)
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. [25] When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: [26] Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. [27] But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. [28] There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Now once you have been baptized, according the Scriptures, you are now a part of THE CHURCH, or the BODY OF CHRIST, of His kingdom of God here on earth.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TOWARD YOUR SALVATION!
Understand, the show is not over, the grand prize is not yet won, nor are your duties to God. You have not even yet begun, and It's going to get allot more interesting now. Perhaps, even more uncomfortable in this world.
YOU NOW BELONG TO GOD.
You are now God's child and thus an heir of Christ (and a good possibility you were descended of your lost ancestor's ancient Israelite blood (of the physical and seed of "the ISRAEL of GOD.")
You are surely born of Abraham's Seed according to the promise.
Galatians 3:22-29
[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. [23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. [24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Now you are in Christ!
You are now IN THE CHURCH, the Body of Christ!
CHRIST NOW DWELLS IN YOU, you have the Spirit of God inside you!
Isaiah 59:21 (KJV)
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith YHWH; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith YHWH, from henceforth and for ever.
Ezekiel 36:27 (KJV)
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Continue in the doctrine.
So now you should seek God in further daily reading your Bible, studying and learning what God has for you to do upon this earth.
Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
We all have a ministry, regardless of if we lack a church building, or much tithe money, or thousands of followers, or foreign land of strangers to travel to.
You are now anointed in Christ, JESUS anointed and "washed of all your sins," and "clean" and "acceptable", presentable as "an offering" (of the harvest) before God and His holy throne.
John 21:17 (KJV)
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Luke 10:2 (KJV)
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Overcome this world.
1st John 4:4 (KJV)
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Once we are baptized and someone tells you, "you are now saved," You can believe it, but you should fear God more so than you believe that you are "saved."
God knows your days ahead of you, and you do not know your own weakness or what ugliness is actually inside the flesh you still live in.
Don't misunderstand me, but you may fall, and there is nothing you can do to justify yourself by any righteous deeds, but Christ died for sinners and took upon him all the sins of the world, long before you were even born. So admit you are a sinner! Let Christ be God and know your sins have been washed away!
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Revelation 2:7 (KJV)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:11 (KJV)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 2:17 (KJV)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Revelation 2:26 (KJV)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 3:5 (KJV)
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:12 (KJV)
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 3:21 (KJV)
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Revelation 21:7 (KJV)
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
It is good to fear God.
Luke 12:5 (KJV)
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear HIM, which after He hath killed Hath POWER to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.
Acts 9:31 (KJV)
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Romans 11:19-24 (KJV)
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. [20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. [23] And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. [24] For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
For only with a healthy fear of God and much love, fear first and you will show God your love, will you "overcome the world."
Deuteronomy 17:19 (KJV)
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear YHWH his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Psalm 103:11 (KJV)
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.
Psalm 111:10 (KJV)
The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever.
2nd Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Hebrews 12:28 (KJV)
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
1st Peter 2:17-18 (KJV)
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. [18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
1st Peter 3:15 (KJV)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Question, have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Romans 8:1-11 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
So If you have not been baptized yet...
First, be fully assure of your salvation, that is your Hope in Christ Jesus then Be baptized for the remission of Your sins in the holy saving name of Jesus, the Christ, calling upon the name of the Lord.
Acts 4:10-12 (KJV)
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If you have been baptized already, I ask you as Christ's own apostles asked others of their day who had been previously baptized another way, of another origin.
Unto what then were ye baptized?
Acts 19:3-5 (KJV)
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
If you were baptized either as an infant and have since fallen away in your sins or baptized as an initiation ceremony to join as part of a particular church and you did not hear the words "I baptize you in the Name of JESUS Christ for the remission of Sins."
Then you might think about being re-baptized.
4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
While there is one baptism according to that which is in Christ, some of us may have had to get 'dunked' more than once... until we got it right.
And you will know when you are God's.
I was "baptized" as a baby in a Catholic church in his "christening" and was raised a Catholic and received communion only to leave the church becoming close to almost a militant atheist, rejecting all religion, and sinning grievously in carnal sins and abominations before God.
I was a do unto others as I would unto me person, but I lied. At times I stole; I cheated; I looked at things I should not have; committed abominations; I hated, which means I murdered; I was dishonest; I promoted sinful things, I supported sinful activities; I blasphemed God, I joked and even mocked His Son.
I am not worthy of the blood shed for me, but then truly none of us are, but were it not for God's supreme grace and mercy.
1st Titus 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
I was baptized (in the blood and by the Spirit) in the saving name of JESUS Christ for the remission of my sins in 2002 on St Patrick's day (purely by happenstance, and God's doing, as I was so engrossed learning all I could about baptism, eager to be baptized I had no idea even what day I had scheduled it).
Prior to coming to Christ I had dedicated 10 years of my young adult life to the worldly unrighteous cause of Irish Republican politics, which I have repented of.
My former wife was raised Presbyterian and fell away until coming to Christ, baptized in a river, at age 25, in the name of JESUS Christ for the remission of sins later bringing this sinful man as well, Praise God!
Please realize I came to Christ (rather God pulled me in like a fighting fish) and was baptized in a UPCI Pentecostal Church.
At first my wife and I loved the church, the praise, and worship, but soon we sought more scripture and more teaching and later we left.
UPCI Pentecostalism do not have the full truth (So, so very close, a great place to start), but as many churches, they appeared to preach far too much of their own man-made doctrines, and appear fall into the trap of worshiping the Zionist Israeli state as so many other churches in America sadly do.
In truth, I am not worthy, for I am by no means perfect, I have fallen, many times, but I get back up, and I do try my best and continue to race the good race for Christ JESUS. I am now separated unto to Christ.
LISTEN:
DO NOT RELY ON YOUR CHURCH!
DO NOT RELY ON THEOLOGY!
DO NOT RELY ON YOUR PASTOR!
PLEASE DO NOT RELY ON ME! OR A WEB MINISTRY (GOD FOR BID!)
RELY ONLY ON WHAT THE WORD OF GOD SAYS!
(Study, research, prove, and discover a competent Bible version(s) to use)
"SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES" TO SEE IF IT BE SO!
If you were not baptized in the Name of JESUS Christ for the remission of your Sins...Reexamine what the word of God says about Baptism.
Now, you can also ask God for a further blessing, to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:1-7 (KJV)
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, [2] He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. [7] And all the men were about twelve.
This is a gift by God to those who ask in true faith, and is witnessed in the Holy Bible as falling on those who asked for the Holy Ghost also sometimes referred to as 'Fire Baptism.'
It is real! I can speak from experience, IT IS REAL!
The day I was to be baptized I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (When this happened no one touched me, BUT GOD!) before I received my water baptism.
I spoke in tongues when this occurred.
It was like a rushing wind from down within me coming out causing my tongue to move of its own will.
After this happened I was even more eager to be baptized, and again when I came out up of the water of my baptism I spoke and thanked God with praise in "tongues".
Study the Scriptures Fast and Pray for it.
Do you want to receive the Holy Ghost?
ONLY GOD CAN GIVE THIS GIFT!
You could receive him NOW.
Do you believe?
Have FAITH!
Have FAITH! (Raise your hand now and ask God for his Holy Ghost.)
Lord I want to receive the Holy Ghost!
Father, YHWH please fall on me now, send forth your Holy Spirit!
In the Name of JESUS!
If you wish to learn more in detail about Baptism and other ideas spoken about, I strongly suggest and invite you to read the following study links below.
Articles related to Baptism and Christian Faith
Understanding the blood of the lamb
Article on Baptism (covers also the Baptism of the Holy Ghost)
Article on Repentance
Peter the man Christ gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven
A better understanding about Grace
I pray, as I first published this article on the First day of the Hebrew Feast of Tabernacles 2005, that YHWH will bless you according to your Faith in Christ, Jesus, and show you all truth in His Word and in this world, and the next to come! IN JESUS NAME!
Praise YHWH and Praise HIS CHRIST for His Mercy Endures forever!
Acts 2:38-47 (KJV)
Then Peter said unto them, 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. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.