Previous chapters explored the conditions under which faithful servants of the Lord lived. In each dispensation, identified by the method God used to communicate His will, unique conditions existed for acceptable service to God. In the beginning mankind knew the Lord but chose to stray, eventually ignoring Him altogether. Over time God changed the way in which He interacted with humans as well as altering the conditions for service. Before the creation of the universe, God promised salvation and eternal life (Titus 1.1-2). Sin made it necessary for God to put His plan in motion to redeem mankind in spite of the fact that the majority of humans no longer listened to Him. The plan to bring salvation into being was concealed in its entirety until God was ready to unveil it. The establishment of the church, preaching of the Gospel and final revelation of the Lord’s will in a written form, reveals God’s conditions for acceptability today. In this chapter we will look at the unique conditions in place for us. We will also see that the character and nature of God has not changed even if the means of achieving acceptance have. We will discuss the way in which pleasing the Lord today connects us with the faithful of all time as one family.
During the Patriarchal period, or dispensation, God spoke directly to the heads of households. Adam and his male offspring,leading their respective households, were responsible for guiding their families spiritually by listening to God and being faithful to the Lord’s commands. Each of these individuals received instruction from God and were able to communicate with the Lord as well. Over time mankind drifted away from God making it clear that humans are willful beings who oppose taking direction from God. Eventually, as part of the plan to redeem man from sin, God selected Abraham, a man who was faithful to God, as the patriarch whose family would bring the Messiah into the world.
Although the focus of the scriptures narrows, concentrating on the family of Abraham, we established that God is still Lord of the entire Earth and exercised authority over all nations. We have seen that the narrative focuses on the family of Abraham and their descendants but evidence indicates that the knowledge of God was not completely lost outside of his family duringthis dispensation. The example of Melchizedek, described as a priest of God and king of Salem, who met Abraham on his way back from the battle of the kings, demonstrates this point (Genesis 14.18-19, Hebrews 7.1-4).
The law of Moses was given to the descendants of Abraham. Hebrew males were required to be circumcised on the eighth day which was the sign of the covenant with God. The Hebrews, as a nation, were to observe the ordinances and regulations of the Law. A provision was made for foreigners who lived in the land and we have examples of those who joined themselves to the Hebrews such as Rahab and Ruth. During this period the Levites ministered before God and the people offering sacrifices, teaching the Law and inquiring of God when questions or problems arose. The Law was in a written form but God still spoke to the prophets as special messengers when the need arose.
The Christian dispensation began with the preaching of the forgiveness of sins in the name of Christ Jesus and was marked by the gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. The apostles were able to lay their hands on others for whom they prayed after which, according to the will of God, would receive a spiritual gift as well. Over time the New Testament was recorded in written form and the need for miracles waned until they vanished. The new law is one which is in writing, believed on and incorporated into the heart of the individual who desires to serve God and be saved eternally. Physical inheritance has no bearing on the Gospel and anyone can become a child of God through obedience. This is somewhat different from the Law of Moses but there are many similarities with both the Mosaic and Patriarchal dispensations.
The similarities are simple. Each of the dispensations reflects a different point in the development of God’s plan to save mankind. At each stage the methods of communication and conditions for obedience are different but the difference is only on the surface. Underlying the actions required and other considerations are two things. God’s command and the individuals response. Those who have been acceptable to the Lord listened to what God had to say and obeyed without question. Those who failed to do this have passed into the ages with a negative reputation and evil influence on those around them. God has always been faithful to His word and demands the same from those who would have a relationship with Him. The requirements are the same for each age. When God speaks we need to listen and do what God has commanded. Salvation is dependent on knowing what the requirements are for the present age in which we live and acting on those in faith and obedience.
In this chapter we will look at the ways in which those in the first century became members of the Lord’s body, the church. This part of the study will deal with one of the most controversial aspects of the Bible. Many today discount the process by which one becomes a Christian. Others have distorted the message of the Gospel by deleting crucial aspects of it’s teachings. It is important to remember that the Bible is a whole and should be understood in it’s entirety. The purpose of this book has been to demonstrate that it is possible to come to an awareness of the doctrine of the Bible without resorting to technical studies or lengthy arguments. The context of the scriptures, as has been presented, is such that the meaning of passages can be understood when they are compared to other passages. Placed in their appropriate context, problems in interpretation give way to understanding when this is preserved.
The Gospel plan of salvation consists of several elements which are equally important. None of them can be singled out as the most significant nor can any of them be left out of the plan of salvation. To eliminate any of these will create problems in understanding the scriptures and will cause one to be spiritually unacceptable to God. The aim of this study has been to present the word of God as a cohesive and complementary whole which functions only when the integrity of the book is respected and the context of each verse, chapter or book is maintained.
The scriptures demonstrate that those who turned their hearts to God in obedience followed a similar pattern based on the commands of Christ and the teachings of the apostles and faithful Christians. This is a simple common sense chain of requirements that can be found in examples of conversion in the book of Acts and discussed in detail in the epistles. These are; hearing the word of God in order to know and understand God’s will and our spiritual state, believing what the scriptures tell us concerning Christ, His resurrection and God’s ability to save us when we obey from the heart, willingness to repent or change our lives to conform to God’s standard, willingness to confess the name of Christ, and finally, being baptized, or immersed in water, coming into contact with Christ’s blood and being raised to walk in a newness of life. Once these conditions are met one is added to the Lord’s body by God who removes the sins previously committed. Each of these elements can be studied individually but are dependent on one another as we shall find as we examine them in more detail.
The apostle Paul gives us a concise view of this process in his address to the Romans. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10.13-17). An examination of Paul’s statements reveals a progressive process leading to one becoming a Christian.
The process begins when one comes into contact with the body of knowledge that can save the soul. The Bible is readily available but Christians have a responsibility to reach out to the world around them and teach the word. Paul identifies the teacher, or preacher in this context as the beginning point of this process. Paul states, “And how shall they preach except they be sent?” (Romans 10.15). Christ set a precedent during his work on earth of spreading the news of the coming kingdom. On one occasion Christ sent the twelve to preach in the cities that the Messiah would be coming to. “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns preaching the gospel and healing every where.” (Luke 9.1-6, Matthew 10.1-7).
On another occasion Christ sent out seventy of his disciples to preach as well. “And after these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” (Luke 10.1). The instructions given to this group are similar to those given to the twelve sent out earlier (Luke 10.4-11). In these examples Christ demonstrates that His desire was for the word to be spread among the people of God. The time had not come for the kingdom to be preached everywhere leading to this event being called the limited commission. The directive was clear that it was the will of God for the word to be preached to those willing to listen to what His disciples had to say concerning the kingdom.
Prior to His ascension Christ gave the remaining eleven apostles specific instructions. He stated, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28.19-20). This directive was not limited to the Jews and is called the great commission for that reason. The Gospel was to be preached first in the city of Jerusalem which occurred on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Christians in the early church made a commitment to teaching the word in spite of persecution that came upon them. Following the death of Stephen, the first Christian to lose his life for the Gospel (Acts 7), the Christians were scattered. Luke records their attitude as they fled their persecutors. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8.4). Their readiness and desire to teach the Gospel is consistent with Peter’s statement about our attitude toward spreading the word. Peter writes, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear....” (1 Peter 3.15). The church is made up of saved believers and the mission of the Christian is to reach out to others who are looking for God.
Paul asks, “....and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10.14). Those who take on the task of telling others about the Gospel must be cautious to teach that which is scripturally accurate. James warns those who are teachers or “masters” in his letter, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3.1). James is not discouraging those who desire to teach, but points out the significance of teaching what the scriptures say. Peter gives a similar warning. “If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorfied through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4.11). The word of God, referred to as the oracles, is the central unifying factor in what should be taught. Those who are sent need to spread God’s words, not our own.
Peter emphasizes that we must use the ability that we have to teach others. We must also therefore desire to speak truthfully. The message of the gospel must be preserved and presented accurately in it’s entirety. Alterations, whether great or small, corrupt the integrity of the Gospel. Adherence to the gospel is one way in which Christians defend the faith. Jude exhorts us to do this. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”(Jude 3). The gospel message is precious, paid for by the blood of Christ who sacrificed Himself for the church and the completion of God’s revelation. Since Christ paid for it with His blood the message must be respected as God’s property. The faithful are characterized by this respect and adherence to God’s word.
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the need for faithfulness as trusted servants of the Lord. He writes, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4.2). Christians must live in such a way that God is glorified and we add to the unity of the faith by adhering to the standard which is the word of God. Paul recalled his example as a good steward in his last meeting with the Ephesian elders. Paul told them, “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20.26-27).
Paul exhorted the young preacher Timothy to preach the word faithfully. He writes, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season; out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4.1-2). Paul emphasizes the need to preach the word when it is popular and wanted as well as when it is unpopular and unwanted. Paul stresses the need to adhere to the doctrine in Timothy’s preaching.
Christ warned about false teachers that would arise in the future. Christ told his disciples, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24.24). Paul informed the Ephesian elders that this process had already begun during the first century. Paul cautioned them, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall greivous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20.28-31).
It is essential that what is taught is in accordance with the will of God. God put His will in writing so that claims made by anyone labeling themselves a teacher or preacher may be studied and compared with the word. In order to preach or teach there is a level of understanding that must be reached on the part of the Christian who desires to instruct others. The writer of Hebrews bears this out. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become as such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5.12-14).
Peter speaks of the way in which one grows spiritually, pointing us in the direction of the word of God. Peter states that “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2.2). One who is able to teach has studied the word of God and put it to good use in their own lives in order that they may be the type of example God would have one to be.
Next, Paul asks, “....and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10.14). Simply stated, one must hear the gospel accurately presented by one who teaches the entire message in order to determine what they think about it. The facts concerning Christ which one must believe are contained in the word of God. In order for one to believe, we have to come in contact with the material. Paul brings this out in his letter to Titus. “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of our Saviour....” (Titus 1.1-3). God’s word contains the truth, the power of God that is capable of saving the soul (Romans 1.16). The preacher who faithfully teaches the word becomes the agent by which the message is heard and believed.
Hearing the Gospel does not make much sense to most people in the world. Some do not believe words have any power and doubt what the Bible says about our souls, the need for salvation and judgment. Paul’s writings remind us that this is not a new attitude. Writing to the Corinthians Paul states, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1.18). Paul notes that the wisdom of God is manifested in the simplicity of preaching the gospel. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not to bring to nought things that are....” (1 Corinthians 1.27-28). In the eyes of the world it seems impossible for Christ’s death to make a difference in one’s life but this is God’s design. When we believe in what God says, we make a statement that we trust Him and accept His authority. This is the first step in the development of true faith.
Why should we believe the Gospel? The answer brings us back to understanding what God’s love is and how it is made available. Christ is the manifestation of God’s love for all mankind. Christ stated, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3.16). God loved mankind enough to send His son into a world that would misunderstand, hate and kill Him. The Lord was willing to do that in spite of the fact that the majority of humanity would not accept the story of the Messiah and His mission to save us. There was nothing for God to gain by doing this nor did Christ. Jesus was willing to come into the world and make it possible for us to be reunited with God. No human could accomplish this on their own. Belief embraces the love of God, denotes a desire to be like the Lord and demonstrates this by compliance with God’s commands.
What does the Bible mean by belief? The popular concept is that acknowledging Christ as Lord is enough to make us acceptable to God. Many experience emotional relief thinking they have entered into a relationship with God because of their acceptance of Christ as their Lord. Is this enough? James states, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2.19). Godly belief is more than affirming that Christ is the Son of God. True belief involves accepting all that Christ commanded. This is clear when Jesus told His disciples if they loved him they would keep His commandments (John 14.15). The majority of religious bodies calling themselves Christian deviate from these commands in some way. Many times the discrepancy is at the most basic level. If we believe God and desire to love Him, and accept His love, we cannot pick and choose what parts of His commands we will keep. When one hears the message, it is necessary to accept God’s word it in it’s entirety.
Belief that leads to salvation causes one to act on that information. Our actions will determine the type of person we are in a spiritual sense. The story of the Ethiopian eunuch confirms this. The eunuch, on his way home after worshiping in Jerusalem (Acts 8.27), read from the prophet Isaiah (Acts 8.30). Philip was directed to go to the eunuch by the Holy Spirit (Acts 8.29) and joined the man in his chariot (Acts 8.30). Philip then preached Jesus to the Ethiopian from the passages in Isaiah from which the eunuch read (Isaiah 53).
As the teaching progressed the eunuch was moved to act on the information. “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8.36-39).
The belief that causes one to act is a manifestation of faith in the things that are heard. To hear, in the scriptural sense, is to weigh the evidence presented and reach a conclusion that leads one to God. Paul states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10.17). Our attention is drawn back to the scriptures as the only basis for faith in God. This fact also completes the picture of conversion that we have been building from these passages. A faithful teacher, or preacher of the word, presents the message in it’s entirety. Encountering the word of God, and accepting the facts presented, leads to conviction and a desire to act on the information. The Ethiopian eunuch believed Philip’s preaching and was moved to take action. What action did the eunuch take and why? The scriptures answer that question.
Paul poses the question, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?” (Romans 10.14). A simple acknowledgment of Christ as the Son of God is not enough to save our souls. Christ stated, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me ye workers of iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock....” (Matthew 7.21-24). Christ indicates that there is a difference between belief that saves and that does not save the soul. One must accept Christ’s commands contained in the New Testament and keep them. One who wishes to be pleasing to God, and therefore saved, must render obedience to these commands, or conditions. A closer look at what it means to call on the Lord will help us understand the difference.
What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? The apostle Paul explains this as he recounts his own conversion. “Andone Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see the Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be a witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22.12-16).
This account shows that a faithful preacher taught the Gospel to Paul. In the message delivered there were instructions concerning what Paul needed to do to be saved. When Paul heard this message it is obvious that he believed, otherwise he would not have followed Ananias’ instructions. Paul was then baptized for the remission of his sins which is referred to as “calling on the name of the Lord”. The information in this story leads us to conclude that calling on the name of the Lord involves hearing the gospel, believing the message preached, repenting, or determining to change our lives and demonstrating our belief through action. The last of these actions for Paul was to be baptized. This is consistent with Christ’s statements to his disciples and the examples of conversion found in the book of Acts.
Each of these elements are equally significant and are God’s commands revealed in the scriptures. Most people will agree that one cannot believe in something we do not know about and recognize the significance of changing our lives to live better. Confessing the name of Christ is accepted as something we should do out of love for both man and God as we try to carry the Gospel to everyone who will listen. Confessing the name of Christ is an affirmation of faith in the Lord and acceptance of His authority. Baptism has become controversial for many people due to a large number of teachers who eliminate it from the process of being saved or teach that it is optional. There are some who teach and practice baptism but the reasons for it are not consistent with what the scriptures teach. A few baptize for the correct reasons but practice doctrines that violate the scriptures in other areas. Baptism, like the other aspects of rendering obedience to God, must be understood in light of what the scriptures state.
Baptism is that which places one in contact with the blood of Christ which was shed in his death. Paul states, “Know ye not that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6.3-4). Baptism is also the way in which one puts on Christ. Writing to the Galatians Paul states, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3.27). It is reasonable to conclude from these passages that one who has not completed their faithfulness through baptism have not put on Christ and as such are unsaved while still believing. Christ stated that not every one that said Lord, Lord to him would enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7.21-23). It is possible to believe in Christ and be fooled by those who do not teach the complete message of the gospel. God cannot save us if we have not completed our obedience by being baptized in water for the remission of sins. Failing to do that means that we have not been raised to walk in newness of life, nor have we put on Christ.
Peter speaks of baptism’s role in salvation and reinforces the above point. Comparing baptism to the flood that destroyed the evil of the world in the days of Noah, he states, “....when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The likefigure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ....” (1 Peter 3.20-21). When one submits completely to God in obedience, including baptism, one’s sins are taken away in the mind of God.
Paul details the significance of the operation of God when one is baptized into Christ. Writing to the Colossians he states, “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein ye are also risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2.10-12). Paul demonstrates that complete obedience to God is that which removes the sins from one’s life. Peter referred to this as the exercise of a “good conscience toward God” demonstrating acceptance and compliance with God’s conditions. The availability of salvation through the gift of Christ is the grace of God at work. One however must be willing to submit to the authority of God in this matter without question. This is the manifestation of faith in one’s life from the beginning of one’s conversion. The grace of God frequently spoken of (John 3.16) is freely available but we must answer God’s call by doing what He commands.
Paul states that God’s love and provision for salvation is open for all who will hear and obey when he states, “For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10.13). God’s love and grace are not limited to any nationality, ethnic group or race. Those who will accept the terms laid out in the scriptures may be added to the Lord’s kingdom the same as those in the first century were (Acts 2.47). This is the grace of God at work. God did not rely on the righteousness of mankind to bring His plan to it’s fulfillment. While there are conditions to be met, it is the gift of God. To further demonstrate that these elements are evident in the conversions given in the scriptures, a brief summary of these from the book of Acts follows.
On the day of Pentecost those who heard Peter’s sermon were told to repent and be baptized (Acts 2.37-38). The people of Samaria who believed Philip’s preaching of the gospel were baptized (Acts 8.12). The Ethiopian eunuch was told that if he believed with all his heart he could be baptized which he did after confessing the name of Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8.37-38). Paul, after hearing the gospel preached to him by Ananias, was baptized (Acts 9.17-18, 22.16). Cornelius demonstrated faith in God when he sent for Peter to preach the gospel to him and was baptized in accordance with the will of God (Acts 10.47-48). Lydia, who met Paul in Philippi, was baptized after hearing the gospel preached to her (Acts 16.14-15). The Philippian jailer was baptized after hearing the gospel preached by Paul and Silas (Acts 16.25-33).
This is only a brief listing of the examples of conversion. In other references in the book of Acts we are told that others who heard the gospel believed. It is reasonable to conclude, and consistent with the scriptures, that this implies the process of conversion which is fully detailed in other accounts. The final conclusion that one may reach is that conversion included hearing the gospel, believing what was preached or taught, a willingness to repent or change, the confession of Christ as Lord, and finally, baptism as the final step in the process. Nowhere in the scriptures can we find an account where anyone was saved without completing their obedience in baptism for the remission of sins. Teachings, such as the sinners prayer, cannot be found in the scriptures and must be abandoned as a doctrine of men. We also cannot find where an angel, or Christ, ever taught the Gospel to anyone. Teaching was always done by a faithful Christian.
How many times does God have to say something in the scriptures before we will accept it? Baptism as a necessary step in completing one’s obedience is indicated in the accounts above. These accounts are given as examples so that anyone reading the scriptures may come to an awareness of what God would have one do. God has not authorized anyone to alter these conditions. Changing them creates problems in interpretation and practice in other areas when God’s word is not respected. The little things are important.
Finally, one must realize that there is a price to be paid for acting in accordance with the will of God. Some expect that life will dramatically alter once they have become Christians. Internally one will change. Externally however, one may encounter new problems which come about as a result of becoming a Christian.
Christ stressed the need to count the cost (Luke 14.28-33). Family problems may arise as a result of becoming a Christian if one’s family members are not Christians or follow doctrines not supported in the scriptures (Luke 12.51-53, Matthew 10.34-39). Our own attitudes may present obstacles for us if we have accepted something that is not in accordance with the scriptures (Luke 9.23) and we are struggling to change those ideas. Until we have grown spiritually in the Lord there are many things that may cause us to want to give up (Luke 8.10-15). One who truly develops the faith necessary to reach the end of this life will reap the promise of a home with Christ as He has promised (John 14.1-3).
One must resolve to grow and remain faithful no matter what, knowing that God will help us in this endeavor (Hebrews 13.5). Christ told the Christians at Smyrna, “....”be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2.10). Christ pronounced a blessing on those who remain faithful when he stated, “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching....” (Luke 12.37). This is the hope of the gospel. One must decide if the conditions set forth by God are worth the effort, and if so, hold to them for the rest of this life. This is the Gospel plan of salvation.