Blueprint for Eternity

What must I do to be saved?

This is the single most important question anyone can ever ask. Our souls will exist for eternity but on the Day of Judgment when Jesus Christ judges all who have ever lived, He will divide the saved from the unsaved. The saved will go to eternal life while the unsaved will go to eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46). This is why it is imperative we be on the right side of the dividing line before that day arrives.

The Bible teaches, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). So everyone is in need of salvation. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ. And “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12).

To be saved we must:

Hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:14)

Believe (Hebrews 11:6; Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16; John 8:24)

Repent of our sins (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; Mark 10:15)

Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-37; Romans 10:9)

Be baptized (in water) for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:37-41; 1Peter 3:21; John 3:3-5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26-27; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:34-39; Ephesians 4:5)

Remain faithful for the rest of our lives and carry our cross daily (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:13; Luke 9:23)

We become saved (conversion occurs) and we come into contact with the blood of Christ (or enter into Christ), at baptism, after steps 1-4 have been fulfilled.

ANSWERS TO SOME COMMON ARGUMENTS AGAINST BAPTISM

Ephesians 1:11-14

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him[*] who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard[1] the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed,[2,3] you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,[5] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.