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Revealed In Scripture
By Roger A. Scully, Jr.
theme of the Bible. Every page of inspiration deals with the fact that God is holy and man is not, thus man’s need of
salvation (cf. Rom 3:4, 23; 6:23). Though many different answers are given from various religious sects as
pertaining to man’s salvation, we wish only to look to that which God has revealed in His word, giving book, chapter
and verse reasoning (cf. Col 3:17; 2 Tim 3:16, 17; 2 Pet 1:3).
As we look to the Bible seeking the answer as to what man must do to be saved, we must first understand where to
look. You see: we are not living under the Old Testament Law, thus the things written therein as pertaining to man’s
fellowship with God will not be the things that we today must do to be in fellowship with God. The Old Law is
described as a “school master to bring us unto Christ that we may be justified by faith” (Gal 3:24), and as that which
has been taken “out of the way” (Col 2:14). Since “the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a
change also of the law” (Heb 7:12), hence “a new covenant,” has been established with man, for “he hath made the
first old” (Heb 8:13). Since the Law of Moses was “until John” (Lk 16:16), we must begin with the gospel accounts
forward to understand that which man must do to be saved.
As we look to the ministry of Jesus we find Him speaking of man being able to “know the truth” and this “truth”
making man “free” (Jn 8:32). He further spake of repentance as a necessity (Lk 13:3) and even of faith being a work
(Jn 6:29). After His death, burial and resurrection, just before His ascension back to the Father He said, “Thus it is
written and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk 24:46, 47). There
are several things from this passage to which we call special attention: (1) Repentance will be preached in His name;
(2) Remission of sins will be preached in His name (this is that about which we are most concerned seeing as how
this is what brings about salvation); and (3) These things will first be preached in Jerusalem.
As we leave the book of Luke and enter the book of Acts, a continuation of Luke’s gospel account (Ac 1:1), we find
Jesus, just before he ascended, instructing His apostles to return to Jerusalem (Ac 1:4, 12). In Acts 2 they are in
Jerusalem and began to preach concerning Jesus (2:31, 32). At the conclusion of the discourse those who heard,
who were penitent, asked, “Men and brethren what shall we do?” (v.37). What shall they do to what? In reality, they
were asking how to “call on the name of the Lord.” You see: in the discourse it was stated, “whosoever shall call on
the name of the Lord shall be saved” (v.21). Thus, as they were asking what to do to be saved, they were asking
how to call on the name of the Lord, because it was, and is, by calling on the name of the Lord that a person is
saved. Peter answered by explaining exactly how one calls on the name of the Lord in verse 38. Now, as we read
this verse remember Luke 24:47. Peter said, “repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins.” What, for the remission of sins? Is that what Jesus said would be preached in His name?
Indeed. So how, then, do we have this? By repenting and being baptized. This is also how one calls on the name of
the Lord, for notice Acts 22:16, “and why tarriest thou, arrise and be baptized, washing away thy sins, calling on the
name of the Lord.” How did Paul call on the name of the Lord? By being baptized, washing away his sins.
But his is not all that the Bible says about salvation. The Bible says that man must believe Jesus to be the Son of
God, “unless ye believe that I am He ye will die in your sins” (Jn 8:24), “he that beleiveth and is baptized shall be
saved” (Mrk 16:16). The Bible further says that man must repent of his past sins, “unless ye repent ye will all
likewise perish” (Lk 13:3), “the times of this ignorance God winked at, but not commandeth all men everywhere to
repent” (Ac 17:30), “repent and be baptized everyone of you for the remission of sins” (Ac 2:38). Scripture goes on
to say that man must confess his faith in Christ as the Lord, “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Rom
10:10). And, of course, the Bible teaches that one must be baptized, “for baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet 3:
21), “he that beleiveth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mrk 16:16). This is when a person is born again (Jn 3:3-5),
and enters the church of Christ, “as many as received his word were baptized and there were added unto them
about three thousand souls” (Ac 2:41), “and the Lord added unto the church daily those who were being saved” (Ac
2:47). One is baptized into the body of Christ (Gal 3:27), which is the church of Christ (Eph 1:22, 23). It is in the
church that one serves God faithfully (1 Cor 15:58), and in the church where one has salvation (Eph 5:23).
Are you in the church for which Christ died? Have you taken the proper steps in securing salvation for yourself? If
not, please find a church of Christ in your area, or e-mail us so that we can assist you in your search for truth.
Roger A. Scully, Jr.