Of all the resolutions an individual can make, no greater resolution can be made than the one that follows:

I am resolved to begin the year 2009 as a Christian by obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ today!

Indeed, many of you who read this will say, “I am already a Christian” or “I have already obeyed the Gospel.” In response, this article challenges you to “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Furthermore, many of you know your need to obey the Gospel, but have procrastinated your obedience for one reason or another. In response, this article challenges you to quit procrastinating, before it is too late!

Manywho profess Christianity believe that they have “obeyed the gospel.” However, when they look at what they have done “to be saved” in light of the truth of God’s word (cf. John 8:32; John 17:17), they may realize they have fallen far short of the Lord’s expectation.

We learn first century Christians heard the word of the gospel and believed it (cf. John 5:24; Acts 4:4; Acts 15:7; Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5, etc.). They confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of God (cf. Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37; Matthew 10:32; 1 John 4:2-3, 1 John 4:15, etc.). They repented of their sins (cf. Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19, Acts 3:26; Acts 11:18; Acts 17:30; Acts 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10, etc.). They were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins (cf. Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:36-38; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 16:14-15, Acts 16:31-33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:5; Romans 6:1-6; 1 Corinthians 3:13-17; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:11-14; 1 Peter 3:21, etc.). Finally, those who became Christians through obedience to the Gospelcontinued in the faith and were commanded to remain faithful unto death to receive the crown of life (cf. Acts 2:42 ff; Revelation 2:10).

The previous paragraphs summarize the things that the apostles taught the first century Christians to do in order to render obedience to the Gospel. These things are consistent and true with the whole counsel of God’s word. However, there are many today who teach differently. There are many who teach salvation requires more, just as there are many who teach salvation requires less. Each one of us has to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Let us consider some of the most common errors taught today about salvation. Many honest people have been deceived by the false teaching of many honestly deceived teachers. Thus we must continually turn to God’s word to assure what we believe is truth. For it is only the truth that can set us free (John 8:32).

Some say that you need only to believe and you will be saved (i.e., confession, repentance, baptism and faithful living are not necessary). In response, I challenge this position with the words of James, who reminds us “even the demons believe – and tremble” (James 2:19). Are the demons saved? Demons believed in Jesus and even confessed Him as the Son of God (cf. Luke 4:3; Luke 4:41). Does this make them Christians? No! The thing that sets them apart from Christians is that Christians have fully obeyed the Gospel — all of it (confession, repentance, baptism, and faithful living — not just part of it (i.e. belief alone).

As an offshoot of the aforementioned belief, some say you are saved when you say a “sinner’s prayer” or “receive Jesus into your heart.” These positions are challenged by the simple fact that we have no such example in scripture proving such methods of salvation. Indeed, if prayer saved, certainly Saul (later to be called the apostle Paul) was saved by his three days of prayer and fasting (Acts 9:9-11). If prayer saved, why did Ananias command Paul to be baptized (Acts 9:18)? If all we have to do is receive Jesus in our hearts, why then is there no example of this—why is there no statement teaching this?

Some say that baptism is not necessary to salvation. I challenge this position with the words of our Lord, who said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved, he who does not believe shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). The Lord’s words are clear and easy to understand! Baptism is a necessary element of Gospel salvation. Without baptism, one is still in his sins (cf. Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16; Colossians 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-6). Peter tells us clearly that baptism saves (1 Peter 3:21).

Some say that one must be baptized in the Holy Spirit to be saved. I challenge this with the example of Cornelius and his household. If they were saved by Holy Spirit baptism, why did Peter command them to be baptized in water (Acts 10:44-48)? Paul wrote that there is “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). Is it water or Holy Spirit baptism that saves? In light of the examples of conversion found in the book of Acts, this one baptism can only be water baptism.

Some say that infant baptism saves. Such a position is challenged on the basis that first century Christians were commanded to hear the word, believe, confess with their mouths, repent, and live faithfully. Is an infant capable of hearing the word and choosing to believe? Can an infant comprehend Christ’s sacrifice, much less confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God with his mouth (Romans 10:9-10)? What sin has a baby committed that he must repent of (cf. Romans 9:11)? His father’s sin? Adam’s sin? Read Ezekiel 18 and consider how God answers this question. An infant is not the proper candidate for baptism.

Some were sprinkled with water or had some water poured upon them when they were told they were saved. This is not Bible baptism. The Greek word for baptism means immersion. The Bible likens baptism unto a burial (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4). In Acts 8:38-39. Note how Phillip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and both came up out of the water. The eunuch was immersed in water.

Evidently, there are many erroneous teachings about salvation and obedience to the gospel. This is why we must be diligent to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). This is why we must prove all things, hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Most certainly, there is a day coming when we will not have the opportunity to obey the Gospel! There is a day coming when it will be too late! “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:17-18).

Indeed, Jesus will return, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10).

Therefore, friend, make it your resolution to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ today—before it is everlastingly too late!