Is The Complete Answer To Salvation Given in Acts 16:31?

 By: Garland Robinson

            A Bible story book I was reading told about a man who asked the question, “what must I do to be saved?”. The book said that Paul gave this man the complete answer to his question in verse 31. The verse reads, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” This verse is used to teach that believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is all that is necessary to being saved. This idea is comforting to a lot of people, but it is not the complete answer. The Lord has more to say about it.

            The word “complete” is defined by Webster as “having all necessary parts, elements, or steps.” So, if believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the complete answer to the question “what must I do to be saved,” then we’re going to have to throw away all the other verses that speak about salvation. For example, we’ll have to disregard Ephesians 2:8 which says we’re saved by grace. Who will deny that?

            We’ll have to disregard what Jesus said in Luke 13:3, “…except ye repent, ye shall…perish.” If believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the complete answer, then one can be saved without repenting of their sins. But God commands repentance in order to be saved (Acts 17:30; 2:38).

            We’ll have to disregard Matthew 10:32-33. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father…But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny…” If believing on the Lord is the complete answer, then out goes confession.

            We’ll have to tell Jesus he was wrong when he said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16). Who’s going to tell Jesus he was wrong? Water baptism is when one’s sins are washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6, 17-18). Baptism begins a new life by putting one INTO Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). Peter even said we’re saved by baptism (1 Peter 3:21). Jesus was not wrong!

            Acts 16:31 is not the complete answer. However, it gives the starting point or basis upon which salvation is found. One must obey to be saved (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:9). Obedience is done in faith. Faith without works (obedience) is dead (James 2:24, 26). Will you believe and obey?

“Super Sunday”

 By: Larry Yarber

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:23-25). A few weeks ago many gathered around their televisions to give homage to footballs classical finale of the year, the Super Bowl. While there is nothing wrong with this, in and of itself, it's sad to think of the millions who, on that same day, chose to ignore the sacred memorial of the One Who gave His life blood for them.

The Bible teaches us that Christians are to assemble the first day of every week, in part, to observe a memorial feast commemorating Christ's sacrificial death for all, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight" (Acts 20:7) and "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come" (1st Corinthians 11:26). However, many choose to put the physical things of the world before those things which are spiritual, thus, absenting themselves from this memorial feast. Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Wouldn't it be great if Christians were as loyal and faithful to Christianity as football fans are to the NFL?

Much preparation had been given toward "Super Sunday". Chips, sandwiches, soda, etc. had to be purchased and prepared. Furniture had to be properly arranged so everyone would have a good view of the game. And much, much, more! Likewise, under the Mosaic system of worship great attention was also given to the day of worship. The Priests had to be properly dressed and washed before they were allowed to offer their sacrifices before God. The entire book of LEVITICUS is devoted to this subject matter. It was quite an elaborate ceremony! Under the Christian Era we are all priests of God, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1st Peter 2:5). And, our worship is to be offered in a decent and orderly fashion, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1st Corinthians 14:40). Decently means: "... suitable as to words, behavior, dress, and ceremony; ..." [WEBSTER] while order means: "...fixed succession..." [STRONG]. Are we as excited and energized about worship as NFL fans are the Super Bowl or the Israelites were about their worship? Have we made proper preparation for this day?

Finally, countless numbers had been invited to come watch the game. Family, friends, even complete strangers were invited. Ball teams watched it together; office workers, social clubs, religious groups, etc. What if Christians were as zealous to fill God's House as NFL fans are the stadium? When Cornelius sent for Peter to come preach the gospel to him, the Bible says, "And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends" (Acts 10:24). In the parable of "the great supper" the Lord said unto his servant who was to invite the guests, "...Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" (Luke 14:25). Let us ask ourselves this question, "When was the last time I invited family, friends, or neighbors to come worship with me in God's House?

If Christians were as zealous about worship as NFL fans are about the Super Bowl perhaps every Sunday could truthfully be called "Super Sunday"!

The Challenge of a Life Worth Living

By: David Rushlow

             “For what is your life?” (James 4:14). This perplexing but essential question is one that must be answered by every accountable person. The prodigal son in Luke 15:17 answered by running away only to find he could not run far enough or hide from the answer. Finding himself in a disgusting situation among the pigs, he repented and returned home.

            As each person looks at his life and ponders the outcome, he should consider the following:

1)      There must be a “self fit to life with”. We live in an age of indifference and confusion. Recently a news article revealed that 25 people watched as a girl was beaten and raped. “Who cares” and “so what” are the type of cries coming from the world around us. Man may be able to shut out the world round about him, but he still must face himself. Only in Christ do I find a self fit to live with. Philippians 4:8, 9 describes the characteristics of a “life worth living.”

2)      There must be a faith fit to live by. No man is an island. Every man lives by some rule or code of faith, but it is only the faith in Christ that is fit to live by. It is impossible to please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). It is an intelligent faith (Romans 10:17). It is a personal faith. Paul said, “I know in whom I have believed”. It is practical faith (Romans 8:35-39). It is a sacrificing faith (Romans 12:1-2), and it is a producing faith (James 2:14).

3)      There must be a person fit to live for. A life without purpose is not worth living. Why are our young people committing suicide at a greater rate than ever before? No purpose is living must be one of the answers. Christ is the only worthy purpose for us to live for. He came that we might have life and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). He is all in all to all who will give all to have him. He will lift you up at the last day. The only life really worth living is the life that is in Christ Jesus. Regardless of all that seems to be the “good life”, in the final analysis it will vanish away as does vapor. But the life that is in Christ will last throughout eternity. Take the challenge – the challenge of a “Life Worth Living in Christ.”