The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth
John King
This well-known phrase illustrates a principle often overlooked by Bible-believing people. Truth is not simply revealing one matter of fact, but rather revealing all matters of fact relating to a specific subject. One piece of a puzzle truthfully reveals itself, yet it fails to give a complete picture.
Many times, I have heard and read that all one needs to do to be saved from his or her sins is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for our salvation. Is belief needed for salvation? Certainly! The Philippian jailor in Acts 16:31 was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Jesus said, in John 8:24, “Except ye believe that I am He (the Messiah) ye shall die in your sins.” However, is belief ALL I must do? Is belief the “whole truth?” Is belief the whole picture or just one piece of the puzzle?
In Acts 2:37, after being convicted of their sins, the people asked basically the same question as did the jailor in Acts 16:31. They asked, “What shall we do?” Peter, in verse 38, tells them, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins.” Jesus said, in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
As one reads the book of Acts, it is clear that water baptism was part of being saved. The Philippian jailor mentioned above was baptized immediately after expressing his belief in Christ. Acts 16:33. The Jews on Pentecost were baptized the same day as part of the process of obtaining salvation. Acts 2:41. The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized immediately after he was asked if he believed in Christ. Acts 8:38. Cornelius was baptized immediately after he heard the gospel. Acts 10:48. Lydia was baptized immediately after she heard Paul preach concerning Christ. Acts 16:15.
It is easy to see that the preaching of Christ included preaching the need for baptism. Acts 8:35-37.
Along with belief and baptism, repentance is needed. Luke 13:13. In addition, “confession unto salvation” is needed. Romans 10:10. Moreover, the hearing of God’s word is needed to start the whole process. Romans 10:17.
Salvation is much too important to see only part of the picture or realize only part of the truth. Study your Bible and put it all together. –9137 Prunty Rd., Berea, WV 26327.