Bible Truth FAQs
THE STEPS UNTO SALVATION
When faithful gospel preachers outline the way into Christ where there is salvation, there are some who ridicule the simple plan and label God's messengers as "five-steppers" or other nicknames in an effort to belittle the inspired instructions and to diminish the effectiveness of the message. Regardless of Satan's wiles, the scriptures show certain requirements on man's part for his salvation.
The first is to hear God's word (Rom. 10:17) which will produce faith (also see Heb. 11:6). The second is to believe on Christ as the Son of God (John 8:24). A person must repent of all sins (Luke 13:3, 5). He must confess Christ before others (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10). Then he must be baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sins (Mark 16:15~16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:38). He is then in Christ (Gal. 3:26-27), a new creature (II Cor. 5:17). He is added to the church (Acts 2:41,47) by the Lord. After entering into Christ he is to add the Christian graces (II Pet. 1:1-11) and then live soberly, righteously, and godly (Tit. 2:12), faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10).
This is God's plan. This is what the Bible says. Man's intelligence may cause him to stumble at God's simplicity (read I Cor. 1:18-31). Yes, men may ridicule God and His word in this life, but the Lord is going to have the last word.
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