How to Be Saved
Contrary to what is taught in many denominations today, the bible does not teach that human beings are born in sin, nor with a “sin nature”. Instead, we will all reach a point where we know the difference between good and evil, between right and wrong, and we will choose to do wrong (Proverbs 1:29, Isaiah 7:16). This is a violation of the laws given to us by our Creator, starting even with the laws of our own conscience (Romans 2:15). Sin is transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4), and eventually every human being who knows right from wrong will sin (Romans 3:23). Sin is deadly serious because it separates us from God, and condemns our soul to an eternity in the fires of hell (Romans 6:23, James 1:15). But because of the willing sacrifice of the divine Son of God, Jesus Christ, who died for us and then rose from the dead the third day, human beings actually have an opportunity to be forgiven of all of their sins and enjoy eternal life in heaven instead (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
Knowing what to do about our burden of sin is the most vital piece of information in this world (Psalm 38:4). Fortunately Jesus and then His inspired apostles and prophets made it very clear to mankind how to have our sins forgiven. Please read all of the following passages in the bible:
After hearing the good news about Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14-17), one must believe that Jesus is/was more than just a man, but rather “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, Acts 16:31, Galatians 2:16, 1 Timothy 1:16). The person who believes this must be willing to confess (to tell) before others what they now believe about Jesus (Acts 8:36-37, Romans 10:8-10, 1 Timothy 6:12, John 4:15). They also must repent (turn away) from their past and current sins, as willfully remaining in our sins would be an affront to God (Matthew 4:17, Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, Acts 17:30, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Hebrews 6:1, 2 Peter 3:9). And the believer must submit to baptism (being immersed under water) to have their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:3-5, Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-13, 8:38, 9:18, 10:47-48, 16:15,33, 18:8, 19:3-5, 22:16, Romans 6:1-9, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 12:13, Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 4:5, 5:26, Colossians 2:12, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 10:22, 1 Peter 3:21, Revelation 1:5, 7:14). After being baptized, as a new Christian, one must remain faithful until they leave this world (Matthew 25:21-23, Galatians 5:22, Revelation 2:10).
We sincerely hope that you read all of those bible passages, because there is much religious error taught in denominations today on this vital subject. Many will teach a “faith only” salvation, even though the only time these words appear in scripture are in James 2:24 “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” Many will teach someone to say the “Sinner’s Prayer” (which never appears in scripture) or to accept Jesus into their heart as their personal Savior (which also never appears in scripture). We at Chatham Heights do not teach that one is saved by their works. The scriptures above plainly teach that one is saved by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, the only thing in this universe powerful enough to forgive sins. The question is what one must do to come into contact with His blood.
Almost all denominations teach that belief (faith) is needed for salvation. Many will teach that confession is needed. Some will teach that repentance from sin is needed. Sadly, almost none will teach the importance of baptism. For this reason, we at Chatham Heights include this special section below, to show, from God’s word, what baptism accomplishes. Please honestly consider these passages and then contact us for further study of God’s word.
- Jesus instructed His apostles to teach and to baptize. Matt.28:18-20
- Jesus said that those who believe and are baptized will be saved. Mk.16:16
- Jesus said that unless one is “born again” by water and the Spirit they cannot enter the kingdom of God. Jn.3:5
- In the first ever gospel sermon after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter told his audience to repent and be baptized for the remission (removal) of their sins. Acts 2:38
- Baptism is further practiced and commanded by the apostles and prophets throughout the book of Acts (on at least 9 more occasions, see above). Please also note the “urgency” of doing this as quickly as possible!
- Saul of Tarsus, who had already miraculously seen the resurrected and glorified Jesus, and had been praying for 3 days, was still told to be baptized and wash away his sins. Acts 22:16
- We are baptized into Jesus’ death according to Romans 6:1-9. The waters of baptism are where our old man of sin lies buried, and we rise from those waters (born again) into a new life. (Note that if you believe you should bury someone in baptism AFTER they have been saved, you are burying them alive!)
- When we were washed we were sanctified and justified. 1 Cor.6:11
- Baptism is also how we are added to Christ’s body, the church. 1 Cor.12:13, Eph.1:22-23
- Baptism is how we “put on” Christ. Gal.3:27
- There is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, according to Eph.4:5.
- Christ sanctified and cleansed the church by washing her with water. Eph.5:25-27
- In baptism we are buried with and then raised with Jesus Christ. Col.2:12
- Christ, in His mercy, saved us through “the washing of regeneration”. Tit.3:5
- Baptism grants us a full assurance of faith and sprinkles our hearts from their evil conscience. Heb.10:22
- Baptism saves us, per 1 Pet.3:21, through Jesus’ resurrection.
- Jesus washes us from our sins in His own blood. Rev.1:5 (We have already seen above at what moment our sins are “washed away”)
- The redeemed had “washed” their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev.7:14