Answer: A man in the Greek city of Philippi asked a very similar question to Paul and Silas. We know at least three things about this man: he was a custodian or a jailer, was a pagan, and desperate.
He had been on the verge of suicide when Paul stopped him. And that's when the man asked, "What must I do to be saved" (Acts 16:30).
The fact that the man did this question, shows that he recognized his need for salvation, their only expectation was death for himself, and he knew he needed help.
The fact that he asked Paul and Silas, shows that he believed they had the answer. The response was quick and simple: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (verse 31).
The passage then shows how the man believed and became Christians. His life began to show the difference from that day.
Note that the conversion of man was based on faith (The text says "believe") He had to trust Jesus and nothing else. The man believed that Jesus was the Son of God (The text says "Lord") and the Messiah who fulfilled the Scriptures (The text says "Jesus Christ"). His faith also included the belief that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, because that was the message that Paul and Silas were preaching (Romans 10:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
"Becoming" literally means "go." When we turn TOWARD something, we turn necessity of something else. When we turn to Jesus, we must turn from sin. The Bible calls this turning from sin "repentance" and turning to Jesus "faith." Therefore, repentance and faith are complementary.Repentance and faith are indicated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 where it says "... how you turned to God from idols ..." A Christian will leave behind their previous paths and everything pertaining to religion false as a result of conversion genuine Christianity. To simplify it, to become a Christian, you must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again. You must agree with God that you are a sinner with a need of salvation, and you must trust in Jesus alone to save you. When you turn from sin to Christ, God promises to save you and give the Holy Spirit, who will make a new creature.
Christianity, in its true form, It´s not a religion. Christianity, according to the Bible, is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Christianity is God offering salvation to all who believe and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. A person who becomes a Christian is not someone who leaves a religion for another religion. The conversion to Christianity is to receive the gift that God offers and start a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that results in the forgiveness of sins and an eternity in heaven after death.
Want to convert to Christianity by what you've read in this article? It is only trusting in Christ that saves you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. You can repeat this prayer now, "God, I know that I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ paid the punishment that I deserve, and through faith in Him I can be forgiven. I put my trust in You for my salvation. Thank you for your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! In the Name of Jesus, Amen! "
Note that the conversion of man was based on faith (The text says "believe") He had to trust Jesus and nothing else. The man believed that Jesus was the Son of God (The text says "Lord") and the Messiah who fulfilled the Scriptures (The text says "Jesus Christ"). His faith also included the belief that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, because that was the message that Paul and Silas were preaching (Romans 10:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
"Becoming" literally means "go." When we turn TOWARD something, we turn necessity of something else. When we turn to Jesus, we must turn from sin. The Bible calls this turning from sin "repentance" and turning to Jesus "faith." Therefore, repentance and faith are complementary.Repentance and faith are indicated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 where it says "... how you turned to God from idols ..." A Christian will leave behind their previous paths and everything pertaining to religion false as a result of conversion genuine Christianity. To simplify it, to become a Christian, you must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again. You must agree with God that you are a sinner with a need of salvation, and you must trust in Jesus alone to save you. When you turn from sin to Christ, God promises to save you and give the Holy Spirit, who will make a new creature.
Christianity, in its true form, It´s not a religion. Christianity, according to the Bible, is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Christianity is God offering salvation to all who believe and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. A person who becomes a Christian is not someone who leaves a religion for another religion. The conversion to Christianity is to receive the gift that God offers and start a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that results in the forgiveness of sins and an eternity in heaven after death.
Want to convert to Christianity by what you've read in this article? It is only trusting in Christ that saves you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. You can repeat this prayer now, "God, I know that I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ paid the punishment that I deserve, and through faith in Him I can be forgiven. I put my trust in You for my salvation. Thank you for your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! In the Name of Jesus, Amen! "
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THE APOSTLE PAUL'S CONVERSION
ResponderEliminarBefore discussing Saul's conversion we need to establish a point of fact. You cannot become a Christian and have unforgiven sins. If your sins have been forgiven you are a Christian. If you are a Christian then your sins have been forgiven. It is impossible to separate forgiveness, from being in Christ. How could you say I became a Christian last night but my sins were not forgiven? By the same reasoning you could not assert that I had my sins forgiven last night but I am not a Christian.
What is true for us, was true for the apostle Paul.
Acts 9:3-6 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what to do."
Saul obviously believed in Jesus at this point, yet he was still not forgiven of his sins; therefore he was not a Christian. Paul was not saved by "FAITH ONLY."
Acts 9:9-11 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am Lord." 11 And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
Saul believed that Jesus was Lord.
Saul repented.
Saul fasted and prayed for three days.
After three days on the road to Damascus Saul was still not forgiven of his sins. Saul was not saved by faith alone, Saul was not saved by repenting alone. Saul was not saved by praying and fasting. SAUL WAS NOT SAVED ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
Acts 22:12-16 "A certain Ananias....13 came to me....16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'
Saul's sins were forgiven after he was baptized in water, not before.
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Saul was not a Christian until he was baptized into Christ.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved......
Saul was not saved until he was immersed in water.
Acts 2:38...and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins....
Saul sins where not forgiven until he was baptized in water.
Paul was saved the way all men are saved. FAITH John 3:16---REPENTANCE Acts 3:19---CONFESSION Romans 10:9-19---WATER BAPTISM Acts 2:38
YOU CANNOT SEPARATE BECOMING A CHRISTIAN AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS!
PAUL WAS NOT SAVED ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS----PAUL WAS SAVED IN DAMASCUS.
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