Faith, Obedience, and Salvation: What the Apostles Actually Taught
Introduction: A Question That Still Matters
In Acts 16, the Philippian jailer asked one of the most important questions a human can ask: “What must I do to be saved?” The Apostle Paul answered plainly, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” However, the conversation did not end there. The very next verse tells us that the jailer immediately washed the apostles’ wounds and was baptized, along with his entire household, that same hour of the night. Yet today, many isolate Paul’s statement about belief and use it to argue that baptism is unnecessary. This misunderstanding has caused confusion and division. When we read Scripture carefully and honestly, the Bible presents belief and obedience as inseparable parts of true faith.
Belief That Produces Action
True belief in Jesus Christ always leads to obedience. The Philippian jailer did not delay. He responded immediately. His belief moved him to action. That action included repentance, care for others, and baptism.
To claim belief without obedience is a serious error. Scripture teaches that faith is not merely intellectual agreement. Instead, faith is trust that results in submission to God’s revealed will.
The Keys of the Kingdom
Jesus gave the Apostle Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). On the Day of Pentecost, Peter used those keys when he preached the first gospel message to the church.
When the people asked what they should do, Peter answered clearly:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
This message was not optional. Jesus Himself said that whatever Peter bound on earth would be bound in heaven. Therefore, repentance and baptism were established as God’s ordained response to the gospel.
Baptism and the New Birth
Peter later explained the role of baptism by pointing back to Noah’s flood. Just as water separated the saved from the lost, baptism now saves, not by washing the body, but by providing the answer of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:20–21).
Baptism is not a human work. It is a God-ordained act of obedience where sins are remitted and the believer enters into Christ.
Jesus and the Global Gospel
Jesus commanded that the gospel be preached to every creature. He declared:
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16)
Belief and baptism appear together again. Scripture never separates them. Therefore, rejecting baptism is not obedience, it is resistance to God’s command.
One Message, One Doctrine
Some argue that Peter taught one way and Paul taught another. Scripture rejects this idea. Paul himself confirmed that there is only one true gospel. In Galatians 1:8–9, he warned that anyone—even an angel, who preached another message should be accursed.
John echoed this warning, teaching believers not to receive or support anyone who brings a different doctrine. Unity in truth mattered deeply to the apostles.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
The Bible declares one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one hope. This baptism is the biblical baptism preached from Jerusalem and agreed upon by all the apostles. It is baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Any message that alters this foundation is not a harmless difference of opinion, it is a departure from apostolic doctrine.
Interactive Quiz: What Does the Bible Say?
Question: According to Acts 2:38, what response did Peter command for salvation?
A. Believe only
B. Pray silently
C. Repent and be baptized
D. Join a church
(Answer: C)
Quick Poll
Do you believe faith and obedience belong together?
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Yes, faith leads to obedience
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No, belief alone is enough
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I’m still studying Scripture
Final Reflection
The Bible presents one clear path to salvation. That path includes belief, repentance, baptism, and faithfulness to the doctrine delivered by the apostles. Scripture invites each of us to examine ourselves honestly.
The question remains: Will we follow tradition, or will we follow truth? You be the judge.
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