Teaching the world the truth of God's Word
Gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. At its heart, the Gospel is all about sharing God's love, offering forgiveness for our mistakes, and letting everyone know that if you believe, there's a promise of eternal life waiting for you. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
Discover the pure, unaltered gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.
The Plan of Salvation
- 1 Hear the Word - Romans 10:14-17
- 2 Believe - Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:16
- 3 Repent - Acts 17:30
- 4 Confess - Acts 8:36-37
- 5 Be Baptized - Acts 2:38
- 6 Live Faithfully - 1 Peter 2:9
Plan of Salvation
God has revealed a clear plan for our salvation through His word. The steps outlined below are not man-made traditions, but the divine pattern found in Scripture.
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The Biblical Pattern
The New Testament reveals a pattern that all must follow to be saved. Each step builds upon the previous one in the journey toward salvation.
"There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." — 1 Peter 3:21
Learn the steps in detailHear the Word
Faith comes by hearing the message about Christ.
Romans 10:14-17
Believe
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6; Mark 16:16
Repent
God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Acts 17:30
Confess
Confess your belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
Acts 8:36-37
Be Baptized
For the remission of sins; to put on Christ.
Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27
Live Faithfully
Remain steadfast until death as God's people.
1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 2:10
This divine pattern is consistently found throughout the book of Acts, showing how people became Christians in the first century.
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What Must I Do To Be Saved?
A detailed examination of the biblical steps to salvation, with Scripture references.
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Hear the Word
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." — Romans 10:17
The first step toward salvation is hearing the gospel message. Without exposure to God's word, one cannot develop saving faith.
Scripture References:
- Romans 10:14-17 - "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?"
- John 6:44-45 - "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him... It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.'"
Believe
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." — Hebrews 11:6
Once we hear God's word, we must believe it. Faith is essential, but it's only the beginning of the salvation process.
Scripture References:
- Mark 16:16 - "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
- John 3:16 - "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."
- Acts 16:31 - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
Important Note:
Biblical belief is not mere mental assent, but a conviction that leads to action. James 2:19 states that even "the demons believe—and tremble!" Faith without obedience is not saving faith.
False Doctrines
A comparison of popular religious teachings against Scripture, helping seekers distinguish truth from man-made traditions.
"Test All Things; Hold Fast What Is Good"
1 Thessalonians 5:21
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"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." — Galatians 1:8
Many sincere people follow religious teachings that have no biblical foundation. The New Testament warns repeatedly about false teachers and doctrines that lead people away from truth.
Colossians 3:17 instructs us to do everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus," meaning by His authority. That authority is found only in Scripture, not human traditions.
The "Sinner's Prayer" vs. Biblical Conversion
| Popular Teaching | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|
|
Claim: Saying a "sinner's prayer" and "accepting Jesus into your heart" saves you. |
Truth: No example of the "sinner's prayer" exists in Scripture. When asked what to do to be saved, people were told to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16). |
|
Origin: Developed in the 19th-20th centuries during revival movements. |
Biblical Pattern: In Acts, conversions followed a consistent pattern: hearing the gospel, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized. |
|
Scripture Used: Romans 10:9-10, Revelation 3:20 (misapplied - the latter refers to Christians, not conversion). |
Correct Context: Romans 10:9-10 teaches confession as part of salvation but doesn't replace baptism. Read alongside Acts 2:38 for the complete picture. |
"Faith Only" vs. Biblical Faith
| Popular Teaching | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|
|
Claim: Salvation is by "faith only" without any works or acts of obedience. |
Truth: Biblical faith is always obedient and active. James 2:24 explicitly states "a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." |
|
Example Used: Often cites Ephesians 2:8-9 without the context of verse 10 which speaks of good works. |
Biblical Examples: Hebrews 11 shows faith always acts - Noah built, Abraham went, Moses chose, etc. Faith without corresponding action is not biblical faith. |
|
Misunderstanding: Confuses works of merit (which cannot save) with works of obedience (which demonstrate true faith). |
Clarification: We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8), but biblical faith includes obedience (John 3:36, Rom 1:5, 16:26). |
The Church
Understanding the New Testament pattern for the Lord's church - its organization, worship, and purpose.
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"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18
Christ established only one church (Ephesians 4:4-6), which is His body (Colossians 1:18). This church is not a denomination or a building, but the collection of all saved individuals who have obeyed the gospel.
To understand the Lord's church today, we must look to the New Testament pattern, not human traditions or innovations that developed centuries later.
New Testament Church Organization
The Lord's Church (New Testament)
In the New Testament church, each congregation was led by a plurality of qualified elders who provided spiritual oversight, unlike many modern churches with single pastors or hierarchical structures. This biblical pattern stands in stark contrast to human-established churches that claim divine founding through angelic visitations or permit women to preach over qualified men, practices explicitly rejected in scripture.
Biblical Requirements: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 - Many churches today appoint leaders who don't meet these qualifications
Biblical Function: Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4 - Unlike modern denominations where leaders often focus on administration rather than shepherding
Biblical Authority: Local only, never regional or universal - Contrasting with denominational hierarchies, popes, or regional bishops absent in scripture
The New Testament provides no authority for religions founded through claimed angelic revelations (Galatians 1:8-9) or those permitting women to exercise authority over men (1 Timothy 2:11-14). We must reject any religious organization lacking scriptural foundation, regardless of its popularity or claims of divine establishment outside biblical authority.
What to Avoid: Churches with single pastor leadership, hired ministers without biblical qualifications, hierarchical structures where authority extends beyond local congregations, or those founded on claimed angelic revelations
True Headship: Many organizations have faulty leaders who position themselves as the head of their church, forgetting that Christ alone is the true Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18)
What to Seek: Congregations led by multiple qualified elders who shepherd the flock, teach sound doctrine, and exemplify godly character as described in scripture
Baptism
Understanding the biblical teaching on baptism and its essential role in salvation.
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"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." — Acts 22:16
Baptism is one of the most misunderstood teachings in modern Christianity. Many view it as merely symbolic or optional, but Scripture presents it as essential for salvation and the means by which one enters into Christ.
This study will examine what the Bible teaches about baptism, addressing common misconceptions and explaining its true purpose in God's plan of salvation.
The Meaning of Baptism in Scripture
Greek Word Study: βαπτίζω (baptizó)
The Greek word for baptism, baptizó, means "to immerse, to submerge, to dip." It was used in classical Greek to describe ships sinking, cloth being dyed, or something being completely immersed in a substance.
This word was never used to describe sprinkling or pouring. The action is specifically immersion, which aligns with the biblical descriptions of baptism.
Biblical Examples of Baptism:
- John 3:23 - "Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there."
- Acts 8:38-39 - "And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water... And when they came up out of the water..."
- Romans 6:4 - "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism..."
Baptism is a Burial and Resurrection
"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
This imagery of burial and resurrection requires full immersion in water, not sprinkling or pouring.
Baptism Puts One "Into Christ"
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
Scripture teaches that baptism is the specific point at which one enters into Christ and puts on Christ, gaining access to all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
The Purpose of Baptism
For the Remission of Sins
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (Acts 2:38)
The Greek preposition "for" (εἰς/eis) means "unto, in order to obtain" - indicating that baptism precedes the forgiveness of sins.
To Wash Away Sins
"Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
Baptism is described as the point at which sins are washed away, not before. Paul had already believed and repented for three days, yet still had his sins.
To Enter the Body of Christ
"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." (1 Corinthians 12:13)
Baptism is the means by which the Holy Spirit places us into the body of Christ, which is His church (Colossians 1:18).
For Salvation
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)
Jesus connects baptism directly to salvation. Also see 1 Peter 3:21: "There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism."
Addressing Common Objections
"Baptism is a work, and we're saved by faith, not works."
Response: Baptism is not a work of human merit (Titus 3:5), but an act of submission to God's command. In baptism, the person is passive—the action is done to them. It's God who does the saving work when we submit in faith.
"In Him you were also circumcised...having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God." (Colossians 2:11-12)
Modern Issues
Biblical answers to contemporary moral and doctrinal challenges facing Christians today.
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"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
While modern challenges may seem new, God's word provides timeless principles that apply to every generation and circumstance. The Bible equips us to address contemporary moral and doctrinal issues with clarity and conviction.
This section examines several current issues through the lens of Scripture, seeking to apply biblical teaching rather than human opinion or cultural trends.
Biblical Marriage & Divorce
God's Design for Marriage
God established marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman.
- Genesis 2:24 - "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
- Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus affirmed this arrangement, adding, "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Biblical Grounds for Divorce
Scripture permits divorce in limited circumstances:
- Matthew 19:9 - "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery."
- 1 Corinthians 7:15 - Provides instruction when an unbelieving spouse departs.
These exceptions do not mandate divorce but permit it when reconciliation is impossible.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth: Incompatibility justifies divorce. Truth: Scripture calls for commitment despite difficulties (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).
- Myth: All divorced persons may remarry. Truth: Remarriage is permitted only for the innocent party in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbeliever.
Key Principles
- Marriage reflects Christ's relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33)
- Husbands must love wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25)
- Wives respect husbands (Ephesians 5:33)
- Marriage is honorable (Hebrews 13:4)
- Sexual intimacy belongs exclusively within marriage (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)
Common Questions
Resources
Bible study materials and tools to help you grow in your understanding of God's word.
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Back to the Bible
Encouraging personal Bible study through a return to Scripture alone.
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15
True Christianity requires a direct return to the Bible as our only guide, setting aside human traditions, creeds, and opinions.
We encourage you to study the Bible for yourself, taking it as your only authority in religious matters.
Principles for Effective Bible Study
- Study with an open heart (Acts 17:11)
- Let Scripture interpret Scripture
- Consider context carefully
- Respect the silence of Scripture
- Distinguish between Old and New Covenants
Contact
Have questions about salvation, Bible study, or finding a congregation? We're here to help.
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Get In Touch
Phone
410-208-7521Mailing Address
Truth of God's WordP.O. Box 12345
Anytown, USA 12345
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a congregation near me?
You can use our "Find a Congregation" search tool in the Resources section, or contact us directly with your location. We'll help you find a faithful congregation in your area.
Can I request a Bible study if I'm not a member?
Absolutely! We're happy to study the Bible with anyone seeking truth, regardless of your current religious affiliation. Studies can be conducted in person, by phone, or video chat.
How do I arrange to be baptized?
After understanding what the Bible teaches about salvation, we can help arrange your baptism. Contact us, and we'll connect you with a congregation or minister who can assist with your baptism.
How can I get physical copies of your materials?
We offer free printed tracts, Bible correspondence courses, and other study materials. Simply contact us with your request and mailing address, and we'll send them at no cost.