Road Map to Salvation
INTRODUCTION.
A. In any type of important journey, it is crucial that the traveler knows where he is going. He must follow precisely any directions and maps that someone has given him. If he deviates from the map, he will not reach his destination.
B. So too is one’s journey towards salvation. If you want to be saved, then you must follow the road map to salvation.
C. If you want to go to Heaven, then you must follow the road map established by Jesus. (John 14:1-6)
D. Let us begin this lesson by examining the instructions Jesus gave regarding the road to salvation.
I. THE ROAD MAP TO SALVATION.
A. One must believe in Jesus as the son of God. (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10)
B. One must repent of his sins. (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38)
C. One must confess his belief in Jesus. (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37)
D. One must be baptized to be saved. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)
E. After being saved (Mark 16:16), a person must live a faithful life. (Revelation 2:10b)
II. CONSIDER EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THIS MAP.
A. The 3000 - Acts 2:37-38
1. (Belief) + Repentance + (Confession) + Baptism = Remission of Sins.
2. Belief is evident in their question which stemmed from a lesson about Jesus.
3. Confession is evident in their action.
B. Many Who Believed - Acts 3:19
1. (Belief) + Repent + Be Converted (Confession + Baptism) = Sins Blotted Out
2. Belief is understood because Peter had just preached about Jesus.
3. To repent is “to change one’s mind, . . . 2) to change one’s mind for better, . . .” (Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon)
4. To be converted is to turn from something to something. In this case, they were to be converted to or turn to Jesus and obey what He had taught which would have included confession and baptism.
C. The Samaritans - Acts 8:12-13
1. Believed + (Repentance) + (Confession) + Baptism = (Saved)
2. Philip preached Jesus, which included His teachings. As we know Jesus’ teachings included belief, repentance, confession, and baptism.
3. Repentance and confession are evident in the people’s willingness to obey the command to be baptized.
4. Their being saved, while not specifically stated, is an expected result based upon Jesus’ promise in Mark 16:16.
D. The Eunuch - Acts 8:35-39
1. Believe + (Repent) + (Confession) + Baptism = Rejoicing
2. Belief is evident in the eunuch’s question and statement.
3. Repentance is implied because of the eunuch’s willingness to follow that which is was being taught.
4. Confession is seen in his statement and action.
5. The need to be baptized is seen in his question and his action.
6. We know the eunuch was saved because he went on his way rejoicing.
E. Cornelius - Acts 10:44-48: Belief + (Repentance) + (Confession) + Baptism = (Saved)
F. Lydia - Acts 16:11-15: Belief + (Repentance) + (Confession) + Baptism = (Saved)
G. Philippian Jailer - Acts 16:25-45: Believe + (Repentance) + (Confession) + Baptism = Rejoiced
CONCLUSION.
A. Jesus and the inspired writers of the New Testament have given us the road map to salvation. It is up to us to follow this road map. In order to follow this map, you must follow the directions.
1. The road map as taught by Jesus and His apostles is simple: Believe, repent of your sins, confess your belief, and be baptized. Then you will be saved.
2. Any other pattern is not the pattern taught by Jesus.
a. B + R + C - B ≠Salvation
b. B + R - C + B ≠ Salvation
c. B - R - C - B ≠Salvation
3. ONLY EQUATION: B + R + C + B = Salvation.
B. If you will follow Jesus’ pattern to salvation, then you will be saved.
C. If you have not yet followed Jesus’ pattern, then you are not yet saved. Turn to Jesus and follow His road map to salvation.
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Road Map to Salvation -- January 13, 2002 -- File # 2055
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK