It is important for each one of us to remember that salvation is found within the church. The church is the only institution in which salvation is found. This is why that it is so important that we spread the Word as Christ says in the Great Commission, so that we can help to save as many as possible (Matthew 28:18-20).
Now, Acts 20:28 says, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Notice, that the church is bought with the priceless Blood of Christ. The church has been built by Christ, Matthew 16:18 and Acts 2. Acts 2:38 says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Those who obey the Gospel are baptized into the Blood of Christ and are added to the church. Acts 2:41 says, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Jesus says in Matthew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Notice from Acts 2:38 that remission of sins or forgiveness of sins comes by the Blood of Christ and a person then contacts this in baptism. Romans 6:3-4 says, “Know ye not, that so 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 up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
I Peter 1:18-19 says, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” Those who are baptized have their sins washed away by the Blood of Christ. Acts 22:16 says, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Revelation 1:5 says, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,.” The church then is where salvation is found.
In order for one to become a member of the church then he or she must hear the Word of God (Romans 10:17), believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Mark 16:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). This is how a person becomes a Christian, then Christians must live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10). When a child of God becomes erring, forgiveness is extended through repentance, confession of sins, and prayer (Acts 8:22, I John 1:9).
– Jason Gann, TBC Registrar
