The Gospel

The Bible teaches that a person is saved when they not only believe, but when they take action on that belief. (Mark 16:15-16)

According to the Bible, it is necessary to repent, to be baptized in Jesus name, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to be saved. These actions are what take place when a person truly believes! (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-13, Acts 2:38, 2Thessalonians 1:7-12, 1Peter 4:17, 1Corinthians 6:9-11, John 3:5, Romans 8:6-9)

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, then answered the people’s question, "…Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37

The people had heard Peter preach that Jesus is the promised Messiah. He preached Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The people at this point believed the gospel message.

Yet, they were not saved. They asked the essential question that a person that believes the gospel should and does ask, “What shall we DO?”

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37

Peter then answered the people’s question. Peter told them what they needed to do since they believed.

"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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

THEN Peter said, “SAVE YOURSELVES.”

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40

Here is the important response of the people: THEY WERE BAPTIZED.

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41

True believing results in action which brings salvation.

The people heard the gospel, they believed the gospel, but then they needed to respond with the action of baptism in order to be saved. They then OBEYED the gospel.

Notice, it was those that were baptized that were added to those that had already been baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost that were in the upper room. It was because of their obedience to the gospel, they were then counted as those that “BELIEVED.”

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" - Acts 2:42-44

"… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:47