The life and teachings of the early church are the patterns that we need to follow if we are to be sure that we are truly walking in Biblical Salvation. These patterns are found both in the personal teachings of Jesus Christ throughout His ministry, which we find in the Gospels and also in the teachings of the early church that we find in the Book of Acts and the Epistles.
In this teaching, I will seek to show you the 4 crucial biblical steps of salvation that were followed by all who were members of the early church, more than 2,000 years ago, and why they are still relevant today in the modern church.
4 Steps to Biblical Salvation
Step No.1 Repent
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ,
let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance
from dead works and of faith toward God."
(Hebrews 6:1)
What is the meaning and significance of Repentance?
(Greek) metanoeó: to change one's mind or purpose
I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.
A Definition of Biblical Repentance
“True repentance is not only sorrow for sins and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them, a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light. *This is accomplished through a daily yielding of our lives to the inworking of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and the outworking of God's grace and salvation through the development of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
"Repentance makes room for God to move in our lives, the deeper our repentance, the more God will do"
Who preached a message of Repentance in the Bible?
John The Baptist
(Matthew 3:1-2) In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
(Luke 3:7-9) Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
(Acts 19:4) Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
Jesus Christ
(Mark 1:14-15) Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
*The Gospel is the Good News of the Messiah Jesus Christ
The Apostle Peter
(Acts 2:14,37-38) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words...
..Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul
(Acts 26:19-20) “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
The Twelve Apostles
(Mark 6:7,12) And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits..
..So they went out and preached that people should repent.
Step No.2 Believe
Believing In Jesus Christ As Lord And Saviour
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
(John 1:12)
(Greek) pisteuó: to believe, entrust
I believe, have faith in, trust in;
(Matthew 1:21) And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Jesus lived a perfect sinless life before God and therefore qualified as mankind's Saviour. He accomplished this by voluntarily giving up His own life and paying the price for our sins when He died for us on the cross. Salvation comes to us when we believe in the resurrection of the the Lord Jesus Christ.
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
God doesn't want anyone to perish and therefore He made a way that we could enjoy eternal life with Him. Part of our salvation is eternal life!
(John 3:18) “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
God provided a way for us to be forgiven and accepted into the Kingdom of God, that way is through our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.
(John 3:36) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Everyone has the opportunity to believe, but not everyone chooses to believe, and therefore their sins can not be forgiven because they have rejected Christ's sacrifice for them. Salvation is only available to those who believe!
(John 6:40) And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
The everlasting life that God gives us includes our physical body being raised or resurrected by God in preparation for our heavenly eternity. Resurrection of our physical bodies is part of our salvation.
(John 20:30-31) And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name
The Bible has been written so you might hear and believe God's words and by believing you may receive the gift of salvation (and eternal life).
(Acts 16:31) So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
(Ephesians 2:8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God
Frequently Asked Questions About Salvation
Step No.3 Be Baptised
(Matthew 28:19-20) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.
(Mark 16:15-16)
(Greek) baptizó: to dip, sink
lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.
Why is Baptism so Important and What does it Signify?
(1 Peter 3:21) There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
(Colossians 2:11-12) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Baptism signifies both a burial and a resurrection for the believer. As the believer goes under the water in Baptism he/she leaves their old life behind and as they emerge from the water they are spiritually positioned into the resurrection Body of Christ. Our conscience is cleansed and we can now have confidence before God because we have become a part of His family through Jesus Christ.
Believers Baptism
Nowhere in the Bible are babies baptized. Those who were baptized were old enough to confess their sins and choose to follow Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches a believer's baptism, and not merely a dedication as a baby. I would encourage all believers to be baptized as an adult in accordance with Jesus' command.
(Mark 16:16) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Paul's Baptism
Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
The Apostle Peter's Preaching on the Day of Pentecost
(Acts 2:38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
The Apostle Peter's Preaching in Cornelius's House
(Acts 10:47-48) “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Philip's Preaching at Samaria
(Acts 8:12) But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
(Acts 8:35-38) Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
The Biblical Requirement For Baptism:
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
Paul's Teaching on Baptism
(1 Corinthians 12:13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
(Galatians 3:27) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ
Baptised Into The Body of Christ
Through our water baptism, our spiritual position in the heavenly realm is transferred into the Body of Christ. All believers, worldwide and throughout the ages have been placed in this glorious abode of living in Christ, our Master and Saviour. When God sees us, He sees the righteousness of His Son, with whom He is well pleased.
Step No.4 Receive The Holy Spirit
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(Acts 2:1-4)
Receiving The 3rd Person of the Trinity
(Greek) pneuma: wind, spirit
wind, breath, spirit.
The Holy Spirit is God's Spirit, working upon the earth today. He enters into the hearts of believers and strengthens and encourages them in their walk with God. Without the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, it would be impossible to become more like Jesus, our Saviour. Receiving the Holy Spirit is a wonderful benefit of our salvation in Christ.
As the Holy Spirit continues to transform us day by day, we are becoming more and more like Jesus. He is the Head of the Body, and we are His servants and the vessels that He lives in and works through upon the earth. We all have different jobs in the Body of Christ, according to the gifts and abilities that God Himself has given us through the Holy Spirit.
John The Baptist's Teaching
(Matthew 3:11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire
(John 1:33) I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
Jesus' Teaching On The Holy Spirit
(John 14:16) And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
(John 15:26) “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me
(John 3:8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Further Scriptures To Study On This Subject
(John 14:17) (John 14:26) (John 16:8-11) (John 16:13-15)
Receiving The Holy Spirit
(Acts 2:38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
The Apostle Peter's Preaching in Cornelius's House
(Acts 10:44-46) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we receive spiritual gifts from God to help us function within the church, and to manifest God's power and life in the world. Receiving the Holy Spirit is a wonderful and life-changing experience for many.
God Bless
John Nolan
This teaching is now available as a Free Audiobook on our YouTube Channel
Isn't Being A Good person Enough?
(Ephesians 2:8-9) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Only one person has lived up to the perfect heavenly standard required by God, and that was Jesus Christ, His Son. Our own good works can never be good enough to gain entrance into heaven because they are also accompanied by our failures. (Sins)
When we accept the Salvation and Lordship of Jesus Christ, we receive God's forgiveness for our failures and have Jesus' Righteousness (Being Right With God) imparted into our lives.
Once Saved Always Saved???
(Greek) pisteuó: to believe, entrust
I believe, have faith in, trust in;
There are many scriptures in the New Testament which prove the point that "Once Saved Always Saved" is unscriptural and false teaching.
* It is important to realize that the Greek word 'believe' is most often found in 'the present-continuous tense', which means that we don't merely believe on one occasion, but must continue to believe throughout our lifetime if we are to receive the rewards of salvation.
(Hebrews 10:38) Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Some of the Scriptures to study on this subject: (Hebrews 6:4-6) (1 Timothy 4:1) (Matthew 24:9-13) (Colossians 1:21-23) (Romans 11:20-22) (Hebrews 3:12-14) (1 Timothy 1:18-20) (John 15:1-6) (Galatians 5:4) (James 5:19-20)
*John Wesley who summarized the “once saved, always saved” teaching infers or presumes that somehow:
No virgin’s lamp can go out…(Matthew 25:8)
No promising harvest can be choked with thorns…(Matthew 13:7)
No branch in Christ can ever be cut off for not abiding…(John 15:6)
No forgiveness can ever be forfeited… (Matthew 18:32)
No name can be blotted out of God’s book…(Revelation 3:5; Exodus 32:33)
No salt can ever lose its flavor…(Matthew 5:13)
The Importance of Making A Public Confession Of Your Faith
When we tell others about our decision to follow Jesus Christ we are empowered with strength and boldness in our faith, and also realize that we must live up to the profession we have made because others will be watching to see if Christianity is real or not.
* There are some countries where we must use wisdom about who we tell about our faith in Jesus Christ, as they are antichrist and punish Christian believers severely. In these situations consider prayerfully whom you will tell about your faith.
(Matthew 10:32-33) Whosoever, therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
(Romans 10:8-9) But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
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