This is an excellent question
for every person to ask. It is the same question that the Jailer from
Philippi asked in Acts 16:30. When he thought all the prisoners that he
was guarding had escaped, he was ready to end his own life. When he
discovered these prisoners had not left, even though the opportunity was there,
he asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be
saved?"
In the Bible we read that it
is God's desire for every man to be saved. Consider the following passages:
"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." John 3:16
"For the grace of God
that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the
present age." Titus 2:11-12
These passages teach us that
it is God's love for man that prompted Him to send His Son, Jesus, so that man
might be saved. It is God's grace that offers man a gift that he does not
deserve...eternal life.
We also read in the Bible
that when man decides to turn to God, that God has certain things that man must
do to have eternal life as well. Consider the Jailer, he was told he must
believe and was subsequently baptized (Acts 16:30-33). James reminds us
in James 2:26 that: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so
faith without works is dead also."
As we look through the pages
of the New Testament, what are some things that man must do? Consider the
Following:
Man Must:
Hear God's word. Romans
10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God."
Have Faith. Hebrews
11:6 "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"
Repent of past sins.
Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the
Lord."
Confess that Jesus is God's
Son. Matthew 10:32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me
before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven."
Be baptized for the remission
of sins. Acts2:38 "repent and let
ever one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of
sins." The Lord will add you to His church. Acts 2:47
"And the Lord added to the church daily
those who were being saved."
Remain Faithful.
Revelation 2:10 "be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of
life" and Philippians 2:12 "work
out your own salvation with fear and trembling;"