What Must I Do to Be Saved?
(Acts 2:37–38; Mark 16:15–16)

Introduction
The question, “What must I do to be saved?” is the most vital question anyone can ask. It determines where we will spend eternity. God, through His Word, has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Scripture, we find every step necessary for salvation.

God Has Revealed the Way of Salvation
God’s Word is complete. Peter tells us that everything needed for life and godliness has been given through the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 1:3). Paul adds that all Scripture is inspired by God and is sufficient to make us spiritually complete (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We do not need additional revelations or human traditions. The Bible alone provides the pattern for salvation.

The Authority of Christ’s Words
Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). On Judgment Day, we will not be judged by creeds, councils, or popular opinion but by the words of Christ. He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Our salvation rests on His authority, not on that of men such as Luther, Calvin, or the pope.

The Narrow Way and the Will of God
Jesus warned that few will find the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14). The majority will choose the broad path of destruction. Sincerity alone is not enough. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus said that many who call Him “Lord” will be turned away because they did not do the will of the Father. Genuine faith always results in obedience.

Faith: The Beginning of Salvation
The first step toward salvation is faith. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” True belief means trusting in Jesus, obeying His teachings, and following His example. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Repentance: Turning from Sin
Repentance is essential. Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance means a sincere change of heart that leads to a change in life. We turn from sin to righteousness and commit ourselves to serve God faithfully.

Confession: Acknowledging Christ
Jesus requires confession before men. “Whoever confesses Me before men, him will I confess before My Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33). Paul wrote that “with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). Every believer must be willing to publicly declare faith in Christ as the Son of God.

Baptism: The Point of Forgiveness
In the Great Commission, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). On Pentecost, when convicted hearers asked what to do, Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Those who obeyed were baptized, forgiven, and added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:41, 47). Baptism is where sins are washed away (Acts 22:16), and one becomes united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).

Christ’s One Church
Jesus promised to build only one church, His own (Matthew 16:18). The saved are added to that church—not to a denomination but to the body of Christ. Paul wrote that Christ is “the head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Ephesians 1:22–23). To be in Christ is to be in His church.

Faithful Living After Salvation
Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life, not its completion. We must “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). The blood of Jesus continues to cleanse us as we live faithfully. Jesus promised, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). A faithful Christian life demonstrates continual obedience and love for God.

What Must I Do to Be Saved? Sermon Outline:

• Hear the Word of God – Romans 10:17; John 5:24

  • Faith comes through hearing the gospel.

• Believe in Jesus Christ – John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6

  • Trust that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior.

• Repent of Your Sins – Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30

  • Turn away from sin and toward righteousness.

• Confess Christ Before Men – Matthew 10:32–33; Romans 10:10

  • Publicly acknowledge your faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

• Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4

  • Be immersed in water to have your sins forgiven and to enter Christ.

• Live Faithfully Until Death – 1 John 1:7; Revelation 2:10

  • Remain obedient, walk in the light, and persevere in faith.

   

Call to Action
Every accountable soul must answer the same question that pierced the hearts of those on Pentecost: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” God’s answer has never changed. If you have not obeyed the gospel—if you have not believed, repented, confessed Christ, and been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins—your salvation is not secure. The invitation stands open today. God desires your obedience, and He promises eternal life to all who come to Him through Christ.

Key Takeaways

• The Bible contains all we need for salvation (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• Jesus’ words will judge us (John 12:48).

• Faith must be active and obedient (John 14:15).

• Repentance, confession, and baptism are essential steps (Luke 13:3; Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38).

• Salvation places us in the one church Christ built (Matthew 16:18).

• Eternal life awaits those who remain faithful (Revelation 2:10).

Scripture Reference List

• 2 Peter 1:3 – God provides everything for life and godliness.

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture fully equips the believer.

• John 12:48 – Christ’s words are the standard of judgment.

• John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father.

• Matthew 7:13–14 – The narrow way leads to life.

• Matthew 7:21–23 – Only those who do God’s will shall enter heaven.

• John 3:16 – Salvation begins with belief in Christ.

• John 14:15 – Love for Christ is proven through obedience.

• Luke 13:3 – Repentance is required for salvation.

• Matthew 10:32–33 – Confession of Christ is essential.

• Mark 16:16 – Belief and baptism bring salvation.

• Acts 2:38, 41, 47 – Baptism for remission of sins and addition to the Lord’s church.

• Romans 6:3–4 – Baptism unites us with Christ’s death and resurrection.

• Ephesians 1:22–23 – The church is Christ’s body.

• 1 John 1:7 – Walking in the light keeps us cleansed.

• Revelation 2:10 – Faithfulness unto death brings the crown of life.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Additional Resources

Online KJV Bible

More Sermons On Salvation

YouTube Playlist of Sermons on Salvation