GETTING SAVED I

‘Getting Saved’ in the New Testament seems like a different idea than is often presented nowadays. In Acts of the Apostles 16 we read of Paul and Silas in Jail at Philippi. An earthquake opens the prison doors and removes the shackles from their feet. The Jailer is about to kill himself over his escaped prisoners until stopped by Paul. The Jailer then asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) “They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household” (16:31). “And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household” (Acts 16:32). 

In the book of Romans, Paul, an apostle wrote: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Saved from what? Sin. Death. Devil. (Hebrews 2) It appears that confessing, declaring and believing by faith unleashes the Holy Spirit to produce the new birth to make a new person. Out of this obedience a person is baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit (not always in that order).

An important statement is Acts 16:32 (above): “And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.” This is not the fear tactic of, ‘If you died tonight…would you go to heaven?’ or some such line. It is thoughtful, careful, loving, feeding to give a new believer understanding.

It is to help others understand what’s happening while ‘Getting Saved.’

“Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man[a] came to seek and save those who are lost.” Jesus