What Does It Mean to be Saved?
There Are Many Definitions for the word “Saved” …
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For some being saved, means that they have read certain scriptures or booklets, or memorized selected catechisms.
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For others, being saved means that they have accepted Christ in their heart as their personal Savior and made a public confession.
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For others, it might mean that they have been accepted into the fellowship of a local assembly.
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Still others, define being saved as having had some emotional experience – perhaps having cried, lifted hands, or stammered or spoken a few words in tongues.
Salvation (also called redemption) is the deliverance of the soul from sin, its power, and its consequences – which include death and separation from God – through Christ's death and resurrection. In biblical terms, salvation is to pass from spiritual death to spiritual life (John 5: 24).
The Bible is clear as to how people were saved in the early church. We believe that plan is still valid today.
Getting the ‘Real Thing…’
Here is the scriptural outline for receiving Bible Salvation…
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Believe God – Hebrews 11: 6 – “He that cometh to God must believe…”
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Repent – repentance is a sincere sorrow and turning away from the past life that is displeasing to God. Acts 2: 38 – “Repent and be baptized every one of you…”
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Be Baptized in Water – water baptism by immersion is essential. It is an act of obedience to faith, following the example of Jesus Christ and the apostles of scripture.
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Water baptism typifies…
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Death to sin (Romans 6: 3-11)
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Burial of the “Old Man” (Colossians 2: 12)
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Resurrection into Newness of Life (Romans 6: 4-5)
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Water Baptism is not optional…
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Jesus commanded it (Mark 16: 16)
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Jesus Himself was baptized (Matthew 3: 13-17)
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Peter and the Apostles commanded it (Acts 10: 47-48; Acts 8: 16; Acts 19: 3-5).
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According the Scriptures, Baptism in Jesus’ Name washes away sins (Acts 22: 16; I Corinthians 6: 11)
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Water Baptism does more than prepare us for heaven… it prepares us for life on earth!​
The New Testament mode of baptism is valid today…
Read Acts 2: 38; 4: 12; 8: 16; 19: 5…
4. Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost – “The Holy Ghost” – “Holy Spirit” – “Spirit of God” – “Spirit of Truth” are all one and the same. Did you know that one can be good, kind, moral, upright, and generous… but the Holy Ghost is still necessary for full salvation – Read Romans 8:9.
A thought to ponder: there are many opinions about salvation, but we should ask ourselves one question – “If my salvation isn’t biblical, is it really salvation at all?”
It’s Your Soul… Who Else Should Care?
New Testament Salvation is a “know so” experience. No one should tell you that you’re saved or that you have received the Holy Ghost. If someone must tell you that you are saved, something is lacking.
Consequential Questions… Responding to Truth
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Do you understand that water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ is essential to the saved life?
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Since confessing belief in Jesus Christ as your Savior have you been baptized in water in Jesus’ Name?
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Do you understand that water baptism is more than just an act of obedience, but the burial ground of the old you?
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Have you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost since you believed? If not, what hinders you from asking and receiving this Gift from God?