Bible Correspondence Course
By Mike Gurganus

In lesson one of this course you learned,

1. The importance of doing things God’s way. Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:21
2. That a person is under obligation to examine the evidence to determine if it is in accordance with God’s Word. II Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10-12
3. That God’s word is to be the sole authority for man today. II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:3
4. That the Old Testament (Law of Moses) is not to be used for authority by man today. Deuteronomy 5:1-3; Galatians 3:19,24; Colossians 2:14-17
5. That the New Testament (gospel of Christ) is to be used for authority by man today. Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16; John 12:48

Now in lesson two, may you seek to apply what you have learned from the previous lesson.

The most important question that one can ever ask is "What must I do to be saved?" Realizing that the New Testament is the law for mankind today, may you search the New Testament scriptures to find the answer to salvation.

(Circle the answer that you believe to be correct)

Question A – (Did you join, Were you voted into, Were you added to) the church you are a member of?

"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." Acts 2:41 
(All scripture references are from the NKJV)

"Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:47

In the New Testament when a person was obedient to teachings of the gospel, he was added to the church by the Lord, Himself. Does the answer you circled harmonize with God’s Word? (Yes/No)

Question B – Write down on paper what you did to be saved.

(after writing your response down, continue studying below)

We are living in a time of confusion regarding salvation. There are many different plans given by many different men and religious bodies. This question is very pertinent, because it will decide the eternal destiny of the questioner. The Bible has answered this question plainly. If you will let the Bible speak and take it as it is written, you will find that the answer to this question is really quite simple. The book of Acts provides numerous examples of what people did to become Christians. Following is the Bible answer:

• "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them." Acts 8:5—One must hear the Gospel.

• "But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized." Acts 8:12—One must believe the Gospel.

• "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38—One must repent of his sins.

• "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:36, 37—One must confess Christ.

• "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38—One must be baptized for the remission of sins.

Does your answer to what you did to be saved harmonize with what God’s Word say to do to be saved?

The answer to most of this question is accepted in religion. However, when it comes to baptism many stop and say it is non-essential. Are you willing to accept the Bible answer (Acts 2:38,41; 8:12,13, 36,38; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15,33; 19:5; Galatians 3:27; I Peter 3:21?) (Yes/No)

If one leaves out any of these commands they have not completed their obedience to the plan of salvation.

 

CONCLUSION

Man has many plans of salvation; however God has but one. The question you need to ask yourself is this, "Whom are you seeking to please—man or God? Remember Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." The Bible has answered some very important questions for you today. You will someday give account for the reaction that you have to these answers. Are you ready to change your life to fit the answers? Do you need to become a Christian? Why not do so now? The Bible is plain in its answers. It will not change. Now it is up to you. What will your answer be?

If I can be of assistance to you in obeying the Gospel, please do not hesitate to call me.

Sincerely,

Mike Gurganus, 
Preacher
Office—252-492-2416