What is the Greatest Question ever asked? - Page 3
the will of the Lord. It must be an obedient, responsive, working faith (Gal 5:6), for men are not saved by faith only (James 2:24). An acceptable faith must be grounded in the word of God (Rom 10:17), and this is why the jailor in Acts 16 was told to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 31). As an unbeliever, this is just what was needed. We read, then, in the next three verses, of his faith showing his penitence and of his being baptized into Christ. We see that faith is essential, but it is not acceptable faith unless it moves you to render full obedience.
When the jailor asked, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30), he knew little or nothing about Christ and had no faith in him. In answer to his question they began at the very first and said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." This was a sort of blanket proposition meaning that he would have to obey Christ and trust in him for salvation. They then preached Christ unto him so he could believe, for faith comes by hearing the word (Acts 16:32; Romans 10:17).
He evidently believed and repented for he took them and tried to undo the harm done, and washed their stripes. He also was baptized the same hour of the night - at midnight (Acts 16:25, 33). He was then saved by Christ who had said in the commission, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." He rejoiced after his baptism. He also was saved by
obedient faith and not by faith only (Heb. 5:9).
(2) Repentance is essential. This is “a change of mind,” but since God has demands upon heart and life, the repentance is shown by a change in life and conduct. Since real faith is obedient to the Lord’s will, the person with that faith is penitent regarding his sins and purposes to live anew according to God’s will. Believing men in Acts 2 cried out: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (v.37). The first instruction the inspired apostle gave them was to repent (v.38). This is so vital that, like faith also being so used, repentance is made to stand for the whole sum of man’s response to God: “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Jesus summed it up: repent or perish! (Luke 13:3, 5). Since Bible faith is an obedient working faith, the man who truly has faith then repents of his sins and transgressions.
Search the Bible for words , phrases or verses.