The Plain Truth About WHEN we are saved?

The Difference between Scriptural and Non-Scriptural Baptism

 

What is sin?  I John 5:17

 

 

What are the consequences of sin?  Gen 3: 22-25 & Isa 59:2; Rom 5:12; 6:23; Col 3:24-25

 

 

Who sins?  Rom 3:23

 

 

What is salvation? Gal 3:26-27; Rom 8:1-2: 2 Tim 1:10 ( I ask this question to everyone I teach. I rarely get a Scriptural answer. Why do we offer salvation if folks don’t even understand what it is? Take time to discuss the definition of what it is you are trying to “sell”.  Make a clear distinction between what it is and what most folks think it is.)

 

 

a) Feeling good towards God                 b) Being freed from the consequences of sin and

                                                                    death

 

 

How do we accept the free gift of salvation and eternal life? Heb 5:8-9

 

When are we saved? When are we freed from sin and death? At what point?  Mark 16:16; I Peter 3:21

 

Let’s investigate: We will look at the life of Saul (Paul).

 

Event in Paul’s Life

Scripture

Condition of Paul’s soul?

1. Good conscience; felt good about his actions, was zealous for God, held strict religious beliefs, and was comfortable about his relationship to God.

Acts 22:3; Acts 23:1; 26:1-11; 26: 9, 10

 

2. As a Jew and Pharisee, Saul (Paul) experienced many types of baptisms in water.

All Pharisees went to John for baptism

Mark 1: 5; Matthew 3:7

 

3. On the road to Damascus, Paul was given a visitation by Christ.  Miracle #1

Acts 9:3 22:6-11; 26:13-14

 

4. Paul acknowledged Christ as “Lord” and believed

Acts  9:5; 22:8; 26:15; 22:10

 

5. Paul was struck blind. Miracle #2

Acts 9:8; 22:11

 

6. Told to go and wait in a city—he OBEYED the voice from Heaven

Acts 9:6-8; 26:19

 

7. Paul wanted to do what was “right”

Acts 23:1

 

8. Fasted and prayed for 3 days (a true sinner’s prayer)

Acts 9:9

 

9. Had hands laid on him and received a miraculous healing. Miracle #3

Acts 9: 17-18; 22:13

 

10. Was given a commission by God to preach to the gentiles

Acts 9:15; 22:14-15

 

11. Was told to “arise and be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord” to wash away his SINS.

Acts 22:16

 

12. Obeyed immediately

Acts 9:18

 

13. Immediately after baptism—he proclaimed Jesus Christ as the son of God

Acts 9:20; 26:20-21

 

 

At what point was Paul freed from sin and its consequences?

After 3 miracles? After calling Christ, “Lord”?  After a vision? After obeying by going into Damascus? After repenting and turning away from his original intent to kill Christians? After praying the “sinner’s prayer” for 3 days and nights while fasting? After being promised a commission from God?

 

When was he saved? --when he called on the Name of the Lord in Baptism

 

If you do not believe, have faith that God washed away your sins during baptism, will your baptism be acceptable to God? Rom 14:23; I John 5:5-12; Gal 3:27; James 4:17; Col 2:12

 

 

Other Points:

 

Why be a Christian? Eph 1st Chapter lists all the blessings we have NOW.

 

When should one be REBAPTIZED? Acts 19:1-5; James 4:17

 

Man submits to baptism while God works in baptism.

 

What Work Does God Do In Baptism?  Col 2:12; Eph 1st Chapter

 

There are 2 Processes that Save Us – Titus 3:3-5

(1)   Washing of regeneration  (2) Renewing by the Holy Spirit.

Baptism cleanses us from past sins while renewing by the Holy Spirit is a continual, life-long process of perfecting the saints.

 

Cost of discipleship. What did Saul (Paul) lose as a result of becoming a Christian?