A Look at the Church of Christ #3 - How to Become a Christian
A Look at the Church of Christ #3:
How to Become a Christian
Text: Acts 2:37-41
Introduction:
(1) How does one become a Christian?
(2) In the religious world today, there are many varying answers to that question.
(3) Let’s forget everything that we’ve been told and simply look at the Bible for the one answer to that question.
Discussion:
I. First, we must know exactly where to look.
A. Obviously, we must look to Jesus and the Bible (John 6:68).
B. However, we must learn to divide the Word of God correctly (2 Tim. 2:15).
C. For example …
1. We cannot be saved today by building an ark (Gen. 6-8).
2. We cannot be saved today by offering up animal sacrifices (Heb. 10:1-4).
D. Therefore …
1. We must remember that the New Covenant came into force when Jesus died on the cross (Heb. 9:15-17).
2. We must learn that what took place before that (e.g., the thief on the cross) cannot be offered as an example of how a person is to be saved today.
II. Second, we must follow exactly what we find.
A. Let’s begin our search in the book of Acts looking at the conversions.
1. Acts 2:38 – 3000: Repented + Baptized
2. Acts 8:12 – Samarians: Believed + Baptized
3. Acts 8:36-38 – Eunuch: Believed + Baptized
4. Acts 9:18 & Acts 22:16 – Saul: Believed + Repented + Baptized
5. Acts 10:48 – Cornelius & Household: Believed + Baptized
6. Acts 16:14-15 – Lydia & Household: Believed + Baptized
7. Acts 16:31-33 – Jailer & Household: Believed + Baptized
8. Acts 18:8 – Crispus & Household & Other Corinthians: Heard + Believed + Baptized
9. Acts 19:5 – Ephesian Disciples: Heard + Believed + Baptized
10. Based upon this, F.F. Bruce correctly observed: “The idea of an unbaptized believer does not seem to be entertained in the New Testament” (Bruce, Acts 70).
B. Is this consistent with the rest of the New Testament?
1. Matthew 28:19 – Believe & Baptize
2. Mark 16:16 – Believe & Baptize
3. Romans 6:3-5 – Baptism = Death, Burial & Resurrection
4. Galatians 3:27 – Baptism = In Christ
5. Colossians 2:12 – Baptism = Burial & Resurrection
6. 1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism = Saves us & the answer of a good conscience toward God
C. What can we learn?
1. Must Hear (Rom. 10:17)
2. Must Believe (John 8:24)
3. Must Repent (Luke 13:3)
4. Must Confess (Rom. 10:9-10)
5. Must be Baptized (Acts 2:38)
III. Third, we will receive exactly what they received when we do what they did.
A. Acts 2:38 – Remission of Sins & Gift of Holy Spirit
B. Acts 2:47 – Added to the Church
C. Galatians 3:27 – In Christ
D. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New Creature
E. Ephesians 1:3 – All Spiritual Blessings
F. Revelation 21:27 – Name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life
Conclusion:
- Will you become a child of God today and be blessed eternally?