Usually, for an individual to ask this question, they are in trouble, in need or lost. And the Philippian jailer who asked Paul and Silas this question, realized he was lost. And of course they gave him a direct answer.
Acts 16:31-32And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
What exactly
did they mean to Believe and be Saved? Let’s look into some writings of Paul.
In his letter to the Church at Corinth he explained the Gospel:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The Gospel which can save us is to believe Christ Jesus Died (on the cross) for our sins, according to the scripture
was buried, according to the scripture
and on the third day rose alive, according to the scripture
There is (and always has been) a lot of confusion about what one must do to be saved in this age of grace. Then again there are those who don’t believe they have a need to be saved. But for the ones who want to be saved from an eternal damnation, which everyone faces after death (Hebrews 9:27), a study of God’s word, just looking at references of where SHALL BE SAVED are used will reveal just how one can (must) be saved.
All references found in the Old
Testament speak to the Jew (Israel):
Numbers 10:9 has to do with Israel under God’s protection in the time of WAR. And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shallbesaved from your enemies.
In Psalm 80 it again appears this has to do with the physical protection of Israel as they serve God: 80:3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shallbesaved. 80:7Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shallbesaved. 80:19Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shallbesaved.
Proverbs 28:18 (read surrounding verses) also appears to be speaking of physical life on earth: Whoso walketh uprightly shallbesaved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Now in Isaiah the text appears to be speaking of eternal salvation: 45:17But Israel shallbesaved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. 64:5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shallbesaved.
Then in Jeremiah SHALL BE SAVED speaks prophetically about the time of TRIBULATION (which is yet to come). 17:14Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shallbesaved: for thou art my praise. 23:6 In his days Judah shallbesaved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness. 30:7Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shallbesaved out of it.
Then in the New Testament (the Gospels) we find the words of Jesus speaking to JEWS:
Matthew 10:22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shallbesaved. Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall besaved. Mark 13:13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall besaved. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shallbesaved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. John 10:9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shallbe saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
After the resurrection Peter tells the Jews (Israel) how to be saved (Spiritually): Acts 2:21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shallbesaved.
Confess is actually a very easy word to understand. The Greek word is homologue which literally means “to speak alike or the same, and referred to the idea of agreement or consent (especially in law courts).” It means to confess, profess, proclaim, acknowledge, state openly, declare with a “sense of promise,” affirmation, commitment, public intention.
Matthew 3:6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Mark 1:5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John 1:20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” Acts 19:18Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. James 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The above verses apply to the Nation (and individual Jew) of Israel. The below verses apply the age of Grace.
Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 2 Corinthians 9:13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
There is much said about confession
of sins both to be saved before and also after salvation.
Let’s see what Paul taught his
Gentile converts about confession:
Romans 10:9-10That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Looking at this passage (vs 9,10) it would appear that the confession is “Jesus is God” and when you believe that and speak (confess) it out loud (with your mouth) you will be saved.
Romans 14:11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Whether you do it in this life or not,
you will do it after death.
Romans 15:9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
The door of salvation isopen to Jews and Gentiles because God is now declaring it. Philippians 2:11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
See Romans 14:11. Now, in this life or Later in the after life. JESUS IS LORD (GOD)!
Romans 3:23 FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD; Romans 5:12 WHEREFORE, AS BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED: Romans 6:23 FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. ROMANS 1:18 FOR THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM HEAVEN AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF MEN, WHO HOLD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS; Romans 5:8 BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.
Romans 10:9-13 THAT IF THOU SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, AND SHALT BELIEVE IN THINE HEART THAT GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED. FOR THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE JEW AND THE GREEK: FOR THE SAME LORD OVER ALL IS RICH UNTO ALL THAT CALL UPON HIM.FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 2 Corinthians 2 :11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Devices or Wiles of Satan, The Devil: DOUBT – Many a young believer will doubt their salvation, especially when they sin, things are falling apart all around them. This is a device of the devil. God would not have us DOUBT our salvation. Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. FEAR – another device of Satan: Fear is not of God. We should not fear death. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. And Paul (who suffered much) reminded believers to fear no man: Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. NO HOPE – HOPELESSNESS– Satanwants us to believe we have no hope, that all is hopeless. This is not from God. Remember Job? (read chapters 1-3) Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus WORRY– another wile from Satan. He wants the believer to worry about everything. But Paul offers a solution: Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. UNFORGIVENESS – Satan would love for a believer to think they are unforgiven. But Paul reminds us that through HIS blood we have forgiveness: Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: BITTERNESS – Another trap from the devil. Bitterness or being bitter hurts our testimony. Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; HATE – Believers should not HATEsomeone. But hate sin: Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Paul reminds us of what we were: Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. ENVY – The devil loves to get into the mind of a believer with this device: Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 2 Corinthians 12:20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another. Philippians 1:15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. To defeat the DEVICES or WILES of the devil, the apostle Paul wrote: 1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrew saw-tawn adversary, withstand, Satan Greek satanas the Accuser, the devil, Satan
Satan has many names and is referred to 174 times in the scripture. I. The Person: 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4 II. His origin Created by God Ezekiel 28:11-19(14) Lucifer became Satan Isaiah 14:12-20 Satan means adversary III. His present location: 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Job 1:7, 2:2, Revelation 12:10 IV. His Kingdom: Matthew 12:24-30(26) Ephesians 6:12, Daniel 10:10-14(13) V. His methods: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Galatians 1:6-9 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Peter 2:1-2 VI. His doom: Revelation 12:9-12, 13:2-8, 20:1-3, 20:7-10 Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Names of Satan: Revelation 9:11 (1) angel of the bottomless pit (2) Abaddon (Destroyer) (3) Apollyon I Peter 5:8 (4) adversary (5) the Devil (6) a Roaring Lion Matthew 12:24 (7) Beelzebub (8) prince of the Demons II Corinthians 6:15 (9) Belial Revelation 12:9-10 (10) Dragon (11) serpent (12) Satan (13) accuser of the brethren Isaiah 14:12 (14) Lucifer (15) son of the morning John 8:44 (16) murderer from the beginning (17) father of lies Job 1:6 (18) son of God Ezekiel 28:12 (19) king of Tyre Psalms 91:3 (20) the fowler Mathew 13:4 (21) the fowls Matthew 13:19 (22) the wicked one Matthew 13:25 (23) the enemy (sower of tares) John 10:12 (24) the wolf John 14:30 (25) prince of the world II Corinthians 4:4 (26) god of this world (age) II Corinthians 11:14 (27) angel of light Ephesians 2:2 (28) prince of the power of the air Ephesians 6:12 (29) ruler of darkness II Thessalonians 2:3 (30) man of sin (31) son of perdition I Thessalonians 3:5 (32) the tempter
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Many people today, and through out history have scoffed at the idea of an evil being called SATAN. If an individual does not believe the Holy Bible then they have no reason to believe. But SATAN is mentioned by this name and several others all through the Scripture. This study will only look at the occurrences of SATAN. He is first mentioned in Chronicles where he provoked King David. 1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. To get an insight to the spiritual battle between God and Satan we turn to the first 2 chapters of the book of Job (Probably the oldest book in the Bible). Job 1:6-9Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Job 2:1-4Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. Job 2:6-7And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. As the story continues, it looks like Satan gets the best of Job. Yes, Job suffered a lot but reading of the final chapter shows how God rewards faith. The next mention of Satan is in Psalms. It deals with the life of a wicked man. (vs 7-8 refer to Judas) Psalm 109:6Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.
The world situation today: News broadcasters, commentators and prophets, both true and false are filling the air waves with what’s happening and what’s going to happen, according to man’s calculations and what the word of God does or doesn’t say. We’re being blasted with doomsday reports: Food shortages, Oil, Gas, heating shortages, overcrowding, global warming or cooling, Hurricanes and Ocean risings. Environmental EXPERTS are continually warning us about the destruction of Mother Earth. They warn, we’ve got to stop our fighting, our bickering, our useless wars, we’ve got to join to combat the common problems that will destroy us all. There is just too many of us traveling thru space on this little ball which is growing smaller each day. What’s the Solution? Something as to be done… More Laws, more legislation, more controls, tighter regulations, tighter controls, WE NEED HELP! We need a Solution!
The only solution (and many of our own elected officials are promoting this) is a ONE world government. Now this Government (like all governments) will need a leader – a man to head it up – a Super person to run the show. The whole world is calling for this to happen. For many, many years world leaders have been stating this very fact and look what they’ve tried: The League of Nations, The United Nations, both man’s efforts at a one world government, ONE WORLD LEADER.
What does scripture have to say about all this? What’s the THUS SAITH THE LORD? Daniel predicted a one world leader: 7:8,21-26, 8:24-25 , 9:27, 11:37-45 . Then in Revelation 13:1-8 Where he comes from, his kingdom, his power, his authority, even his length of serving. He’s the Beast!
Two Beasts: Revelation 13:1 (the 1st beast) and 13:11 beast number 2. Why two Beasts? God is a trinity: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Satan is a counterfeiter. Isaiah 14 gives us his bold “I WILL” claims. One of these is “I will be like the most High God”. Satan (Lucifer) will copy God’s trinity. Revelation 12:3 gives us the Dragon, Satan’s counterpart to God. The first beast (Revelation 13:1) is the counterpart to Christ. The second beast (Revelation 13:11) is the counterpart to the Holy Spirit. Revelation 19:20 names the second beast “The False Prophet”.
The first beast is simply called the “beast”. Daniel referred to him as the “Little Horn” but that’s to show his power not his name. The Christian world calls him the ANTICHRIST. Which means “one who opposes or is opposite Christ”. It is interesting to note “ANTICHRIST” is only found in John’s epistles and then it doesn’t speak of the Antichrist. 1 John 2:18,22, 4:3, 2 John 7
Christ warned that in the great tribulation (Last 3 ½ years) there would be many false christ’s Matthew 24:21-28. Even now there are those false christ’s around. The ANTICHRIST (beast of Revelation 13) will be a man, a political leader, he’ll be a world renowned person, he’ll appear to be a good guy, solving many problems and offering peace to all. Here’s the question. If we are in the last days (and many say we are), the Antichrist must be around (alive). Who is he? During the last 1900 years many men have been assigned the title, but none have filled the bill. During WW2 a famous evangelist was sure that Benito Mussolini was the Antichrist. Others thought Hitler, and still others said it was Stalin. In 1967 another man, Moshe Dayan was named. Then Henry Kissinger was thought to be the Antichrist. And today other names are suggested.
But what’s God’s word say? What’s the THUS SAITH THE LORD? 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Let’s not be too quick to look for the Antichrist. Our command is to keep our eyes upon the Lord. To look up for our redemption draweth neigh. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
… a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person’s death.
The only time the word HEIR is used in the gospels is found in the Parable of The Certain Householder in Matthew 21:33-40, Mark 12:1-9, Luke 20:9-16. Matthew 21:38, Mark 12:7, Luke 20:14But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. The Apostles James and Peter understood that they, the Jews were HEIRS according to the (Old Testament) promise made to Abraham: James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirsof the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. And again, the Apostle Paul also writes to the Hebrews, (Jews) while proving that Christ was the Messiah, He was also Heir of all things: Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: And also, of Noah: Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. And also, of Abraham (and his descendants): Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirswith him of the same promise: (see Gen 17:4,5) And then to BELIEVERS Paul wrote: Romans 4:13-14 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heirof God through Christ. Galatians 4:30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heirwith the son of the free woman. Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Yes, we not only received Everlasting Life when we believed the Gospel(I Corinthians 15:1-4) and acted uponit (Romans 10:9-13). We also have the victory over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). And we are joint HEIRS with Christ for Eternity.
