The Bible Only -- Bible Study

2008-01-15T23:59:00.000-06:00

Our aim is to unite all believers in Christ. It would be great if all believers were working together in serving God. Our plea is for all people to look to the Bible as our sole authority in religion. This study assumes that you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and the final authority for what we do and teach.

The church of Christ is not a denomination. It has no earthly headquarters, nor are any district, state or national meetings held to decide what is taught or believed. We have no creed but the Bible. Religious divisions have resulted not by what the Bible teaches, but by what men teach in either adding or taking away from God's word.

God's word assures us that we can have eternal life in Heaven through Jesus Christ. The following study simply looks at Bible passages and poses questions for you to consider. Although the order of passages does skip around through the New Testament, there is no intent to take Scriptures out of context or to pervert them. All Scriptures are cited so that you may study their context in your own Bible if you desire. God bless you in your study.

01. Authority of the Scriptures

2008-01-15T23:58:00.000-06:00

First read the following verses:

Mark 7:7 (NKJV) And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:9 (NKJV) He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.

Mark 7:13 (NKJV)making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."

Now, based on the Scriptures, answer the following questions:

Are the commandments of men equal to the commandments of God?

Is tradition equal to the Word of God?

What happens when we follow the commandments or traditions of men?

Now Read:

1 Timothy 4:1-4
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Using the Scriptures, answer the following:

What are two examples of traditions of men found in verse three?

What happens when people give heed to deceiving spirits and things taught by demons?

Previous -- Home -- Next

02. Inspiration of Scriptures

2008-01-15T23:57:00.000-06:00

Read the following Bible verses:

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Then, based on on the Scriptures, ask yourself the following questions:
What Scriptures are inspired of God?

What is the Scripture profitable for?

Read:

II Peter 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Answer:
How much have we been given that pertains to life and godiness?

Do we need any more than that which was given in the first century?

Previous -- Home -- Next

03. Old and New Testament

2008-01-15T23:56:00.000-06:00

Look at these verses:

Colossians 2:14 (NKJV) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Ask yourself:

Since the handwritting of requirements refers to the Old Testament, when was it taken out of the way?

Study the following:

Galatians 3:24-25 (NKJV) Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Now ask:
Since we saved or justified now by faith, are we under the new law.

READ:

Hebrews 8:6-7 (NKJV) But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What is a covenant?

Are we under a better and new covenant with better promises than the old covenant?

Now Read:

Hebrews 9:15-17 (NKJV) And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.

And now ask yourself:

When does a will or testament come into force?

So we are under what testament today?

===========================

Previous -- Home -- Next

04. All Have Sinned

2008-01-15T23:55:00.000-06:00

Read this verse:

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Based on the Bible, Answer the following:

How many of us have sinned?

Now Read:

1 John 14:6 (KJV) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Based on the verse answer:

What is sin?

What does transgress mean?

(Transgress means to "move across" or go beyond that which God wants)

Previous -- Home -- Next

05. Christ Reconciles

2008-01-15T23:54:00.000-06:00

Read Romans 5:8-10

Romans 5:8-10 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Because God loved us, what happened for us?

Read the next verse:

John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

What is the only way we can come to God the Father?

Previous -- Home -- Next

06. Obey God's Will

2008-01-15T23:53:00.000-06:00

Read what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) “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. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Based on what Jesus said-- Who will go to heaven? (verse 21)

Will everyone who professes to be a Christian be saved?

Read what Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14:

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV) “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

What is the way to destuction like?

What is the way tp eternal life like?

Is their safety in numbers?

Now read what Jesus said in John 14:15:

John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

If we really love the Lord, what will we do?

Previous -- Home -- Next

07. A Few Questions

2008-01-15T23:52:00.000-06:00

Before proceeding with our study, answer the following 4 questions:

08. Thanks

2008-01-15T23:51:00.000-06:00

Thanks for anwering the questions!

Let's Continue our study, by clicking the "continue button" below:

09. Believe

2008-01-15T23:49:00.000-06:00

Read the following verse:

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

What does this verse say we must do to have eternal life?

Read John 8:24

John 8:24 (NKJV) Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

What will happen if we don't believe in Jesus?

Now read:

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

It is impossible to please God without what?

Home -- Next

10. Repent

2008-01-15T23:48:00.000-06:00

Take a look at:

Luke 13:3 (NKJV) I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

This verse says we will perish or be lost unless we do what?

(Repent means to change the heart or mind which leads to a change of life.)

Now Read:

Acts 17:30 (NKJV) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent

This verse tells us God commands all people everywhere to do what?

Is ignorance of God's law an acceptable excuse?

Read the following verse:

II Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death

What does godly sorrow work in us? (We will never change or repent until we truly feel sorrow for our sins.)

Previous -- Home -- Next

11. Confess

2008-01-15T23:43:00.000-06:00

Read what Jesus said:

Matthew 10:32-33 (NKJV) “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Ask yourself:

What do these verses say we must do if we want the Lord to acknowledge us before God?

Read the following verses:

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

These verses teach that, in addition to belief, we must do what to be saved?
How do we make this confession?

Read:
Acts 8:37 (NKJV) 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.”

What did the Eunich confess?

Previous -- Home -- Next

12. Baptism

2008-01-15T23:40:00.001-06:00

Read:

Acts 8:35-39 (NKJV) Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 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?” 37 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.”38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

When Phillip preached Jesus, the Eunuch wanted to do what?

Read what Jesus had to say in Mark 16:15-16:

Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV) And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

What two things did Jesus say we must do before we are saved?

Read the following verses:

Acts 2:37-41 (NKJV) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 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. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
A Vital Church Grows 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

What were these people told to do to have remission (forgiveness) of sins?

Acts 2:37-41 (KJV) 37Now 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? 38Then 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. 39For 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.
40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

In verse 40, What does it mean when they were told to save themselves?

Romans 6:3-6 (NKJV) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

What is baptism compared to in this passage?

How do we bury people?

I Peter 3:21 (NKJV) There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

What does this verse say saves us?

Read:

Acts 22:16 (NKJV) And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

When we are baptized what happens to our sins?

Previous -- Home -- Next

13. Results of Obedience

2008-01-15T22:38:00.000-06:00

Read the following:

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

What happens to those who are saved?

Do we join the church?

Are we voted in?

Would you like to do as Paul did and arise and be baptized and wash away your sins and be added to the Lord's Church?

Click "YES"

Or you can continue your study by clicking continue:

Previous -- Home -- Next

14. An Invitation to become a Christian

2008-01-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

There are many Christians all over the world eager to study with and/or baptize you.

Your soul is very important.

Please complete the complete the form below

and someone will contact you.

Or you can use the CHURCHZIP.com search at

the very bottom of each page

and visit or contact a church of Christ.

Previous -- Home -- Next

15. Second Half Begins Here

2008-01-10T18:27:00.000-06:00

Let's continue to Part 2 of our bible study

16. Unity, One Church

2008-01-10T18:15:00.000-06:00

Read What jesus prayed for:

John 17:11 (NKJV) Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.

Answer the following:

Christ prayed for unity. Does Jesus want us to be one as He and His Father are one?

Now Read:

I Corinthians 1:10-13 (NKJV) Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Is Christ divided?

Is God pleased with religious division?

I Corinthians 3:3-6 (NKJV) for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

What do strife and division show about people? (Carnal means fleshly, worldly, evil)

Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Are Christ's body and the church the same in this passage?

Ephesians 4:4-5 (NKJV) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

How many bodies or churches are there?

Matthew 16:16 (NKJV) Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

How many churches did Jesus build?

Upon what did He build His church?

Previous -- Home -- Next

17. Organization of the Church

2008-01-09T23:00:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.

Who is the head of the Church?

Philippians 1:1 (NKJV) Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

What two types of offices did churches have in the first century? (Bishop means overseer; deacons were special sevants working under the bishops. The Bible teaches that bishop, elder and pastor all refer to the same office. See I Timothy 3:1-10 for qualifications)

Who are saints?

Previous -- Home -- Next

18. Names

2008-01-09T22:35:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Romans 16:16 (NKJV) Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

What does this verse use as a term for groups of God's people?

Is a name important?

Acts 11:26 (NKJV) And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

What were disciples called for the first time in Antioch?

Should we use only terms in Scripture to discribe God's people?

Previous -- Home -- Next

19. Attendance

2008-01-09T21:36:00.000-06:00

Read:

Hebrews 10:25-26 (NKJV) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins

Now anwser the following:

Should we make the assembling or gathering of the church an important part of our life?

Previous -- Home -- Next

20. How to Worship

2008-01-09T19:39:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

John 4:23-24 (NKJV) But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

How must we worship? (In spirit means with the heart or spirit involved.) But whay is truth? (see next verse)

John 17:17 (NKJV) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

What is truth?

Previous -- Home -- Next

21. Acts of Worship -- Lord's Supper

2008-01-09T18:40:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Matthew 26:26-29 (NKJV) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Who insituted the Lord's Supper?

What are the two parts of the Lord's Supper?

Would it be right to add other things?

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NKJV) For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

What is the purpose of the Lord's Supper?

Previous -- Home -- Next

22. Acts of Worship -- Preaching

2008-01-08T20:18:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Acts 20:7 (NKJV) Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

Why did the church assemble on the first day of the week?

How often do we partake of the Lord's Supper?

What else did Paul do?

Previous -- Home -- Next

23. Acts of Worship -- Giving

2008-01-08T18:30:00.000-06:00

Read:

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

Now based on the Scriptures, anwser the following:

When should the church members give?

Is any specific amount commanded?

Previous -- Home -- Next

24. Acts of Worship -- Prayer

2008-01-08T17:44:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

I Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) pray without ceasing

Should the Christian be consistent in prayer?

Previous -- Home -- Next

25. Acts of Worship -- Singing

2008-01-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Ephesians 5:19 (NKJV) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

What kind of music should Christians used in worship to God?

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Did you know that vocal music as named here is the only music authorized or approved for Christian worship?

Previous -- Home -- Next

26. Obey All Commands

2008-01-07T16:41:00.000-06:00

The Bible ends with one last warning in Revelation 22:18-19 --

Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV) For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Should we add or take away from what the Scriptures say?

Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV) I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Should we preach or teach doctrine not found in the New Testament?

Previous -- Home -- Next

27. Guides For Life

2008-01-06T23:27:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

What are we asked to present to God?

How are we dead with the world?

Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

How are we to live as Christians?

Previous -- Home -- Next

28. Study

2008-01-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

II Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Why should we study the Bible?

Previous -- Home -- Next

29. Remain Faithful

2008-01-06T19:16:00.000-06:00

Answers the following questions based on the accompanying Bible verses:

Revelation 2:10 (NJKJ) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

How long must we be faithful to recieve Salvation?

James 4:17 (NJKV) Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

If we know to do good and don't do it, what is it?

John 14:15 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

What will we do if we truly love God?

Previous -- Home -- Next

30. An Invitation to become a Christian

2008-01-06T18:03:00.000-06:00

There are many Christians all over the world eager to study with and/or baptize you.

Your soul is very important.

Please complete the complete the form below

and someone will contact you.

Or you can use the CHURCHZIP.com search at

the very bottom of each page

and visit or contact a church of Christ.

Acknowledgements

2008-01-05T20:36:00.000-06:00

Back To The Bible Workshop

Northwest Church of Christ

24th and Cache Rd.

Lawton, OK 73501

http://nwcoclawton.org/overview.html

Note: The "Back to The Bible" study is copyrighted material, see information below:

Elders

Northwest Church of Christ

Lawton, OK

Revised 01-27-06

PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO MAKE COPIES, PROVIDED

THEY ARE NOT PRODUCED FOR SALE AND PROPER CREDIT IS GIVEN.

Contact Information for Nortnwest Church of Christ:

Northwest Church of Christ

24th and Cache Rd.

Lawton, OK 73501
580-353-4230

Safety Chain Bible Study

8000 Western Hills Blvd.

Fort Worth, Texas 76108

http://www.wfcoc.org/safety_chain.htm

Contact Information:

West Freeway Church of Christ

Outreach Ministry

8000 Western Hills Blvd.

Fort Worth, Texas 76108

817/246-8000

Sinner's Prayer or Sinner's Snare?

2008-01-04T21:53:00.000-06:00

by Kimberly B. Southall

Please note: Each scripture is linked to The Bible Gateway. Scriptures will open in a separate window in your browser while this window will also remain open. You can click back and forth between the two windows. Once you have read all of the scriptures, you can close that window.

Every day countless individuals who seek salvation are instructed by well-meaning individuals to say a "sinner's prayer" in order to receive salvation. That would be wonderful except for one detail–the sinner's prayer won't save anyone from anything! Rather than calling it the sinner's prayer, it could be more accurately labeled the "sinner's snare."

While God's Word outlines His (and the one and only) plan of salvation, the sinner's prayer or any reference to it whatsoever cannot be found in the Bible. Don't believe me? Then look for yourself. Ask anyone who promotes the sinner's prayer to name a single scripture which says that praying a prayer can save anyone. See if you or anyone else can find a single scripture reference to praying Jesus into your heart. It can't be done, because no such scripture exists.

The sinner's prayer is not mentioned in any of the nine Christian conversions in the book of Acts nor anywhere in either the Old or New Testaments. So if it can't be found in God's Word, then where on earth did the sinner's prayer originate? Where on earth, indeed! For it was the deceptive god of this age, Satan, who has come up with the brilliant scheme to entice those seeking God and His salvation away from the truth and ensnare them with a lie–the sinner's prayer.

While it is possible for one utilizing the erroneous sinner's prayer to complete the first four steps of the biblical plan of salvation (hear, believe, repent, and confess), those who promote the sinner's prayer almost always stop short of the next step, the key ingredient which grants the forgiveness needed in order to be saved–baptism (immersion in water). Or such an individual will claim that one praying the sinner's prayer should (rather than must, as the Bible says) be baptized, but only as a symbol that they have already been saved. The problem with that is simple–it's a lie. One cannot receive forgiveness of his sins, and therefore salvation, without being baptized. Read it in God's Word and weep. (See Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:12-16.) Weep for all the souls being deceived and lost for all eternity while they are deluded into thinking they are actually saved. Is there anything sadder than that!?

Sinner's prayer or sinner's snare? I guess you could still choose either label, for the sad fact is that anyone who relies upon the sinner's prayer for salvation will be just as unforgiven and just as much as a sinner when they say "amen" as when they began. And, on the other hand, anyone who relies upon that unbiblical and false plan of salvation has most assuredly fallen into Satan's snare. Sinner's prayer or sinner's snare? Choose neither. Choose eternal life through the biblical plan of salvation. Hear, believe, repent, confess, be immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and live a faithful Christian life to the end.

The Biblical Plan of Salvation
1. Hear the Gospel message (John 5:24 & Acts 15:7)
2. Believe in Jesus as the resurrected Son of God (John 3:16-18 & Acts 16:31)
3. Repent (turn away from known sins) (Acts 17:30 & 2 Corinthians 7:10)
4. Confess Christ before others (Romans 10:9-10)
5. Be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit–for salvation (Mark 16:16 & Acts 2:38)
6. Live a faithful Christian life and stand firm to the end (Matthew 10:22 & Mark 13:13)

Click here for more scriptures

The Nine Christian Conversions in Acts
1. 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)
2. The Samaritans (Acts 8:9-12)
3. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)
4. Saul/Paul (Acts 9:1-19 & Acts 22:3-16)
5. Cornelius’ Household (Acts 10:44-48)
6. Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)
7. The Jailer (Acts 16:16-34)
8. The Corinthians (Acts 18:1-8)
9. The Ephesians (Acts 19:1-7)

Contact Us

2008-01-04T10:45:00.000-06:00

Thanks!!

2008-01-04T10:18:00.000-06:00

CONVERSIONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

2008-01-03T19:16:00.000-06:00

CONVERSIONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS

MARVIN L. WEIR

The Book of Acts is not only a book of history, but also a book of conversions. If one genuinely wants to know what to do to be saved, he can read the book of Acts and find the Biblical answer.

Let us consider eight examples of conversions found in the Book of Acts. The following chart will enable one to clearly see what these people did to be saved.

PREACHING	BELIEVED	REPENTED	CONFESSED	BAPTIZED	SAVED
Pentecost Acts 2:14-41	-	Repented vs. 37-38	-	Were Baptized vs. 38-41	Remission of Sins vs. 38-47; Saved
Folks of Samaria Acts 8:5-13	Believed v. 12	-	-	Were Baptized vs. 12-13	-
The Eunuch Acts 8:35-39	Believed vs. 36-37	-	Confessed v. 37	Was Baptized v. 38	Went on his way Rejoicing – v. 39
Saul Acts 9:1-20	-	-	-	Was Baptized v. 18	Sins were washed Away; Acts 22:16
Cornelius Acts 10:34-48	Believed v. 43	-	-	Was Baptized v. 48	Remission of sins v. 43
Lydia Acts 16:13	Gave Heed v. 14	-	-	Was Baptized v. 15	-
The Jailer Acts 16:32	Believed v. 31	-	-	Was Baptized v. 33	-
The Corinthians Acts 18:8	Believed v. 8	-	-	Were Baptized v. 8	-

The student of God’s Word will note that teaching or preaching occurred in each instance of salvation recorded above. It is true that "belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17).

The astute student will also note the fact that baptism is mentioned in every case of conversion. Man-made denominations insist that baptism is not required for one to be saved, but the Word of God declares that the act of baptism is indeed a perquisite in every case of conversion.

Add Us to Your Website

2008-01-02T05:57:00.003-06:00

The Bible Only Bible Study is a ministry and we needs your help. We would appreciate if you would add a link to our site from your site, including church web sites. You are free to copy the HTML code below into an appropriate table cell or text field on your site!

If you want this picture that when clicked links to "The Bible Only -- Bible Study"

Style 1 (Image and link):

<--STYLE 1 -------Copy below this line for the FIRST Option---------->

<a href="http://thebibleonly.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_-9ToIiixayo/R6OGl4c4jII/AAAAAAAAAWo/P3ADMzYPNt8/s200/TBO--BS+03.bmp" border=0></a>

<-----------------Copy just above this line---------------->

For Sytle 2 (link only):

Visit: THE BIBLE ONLY -- Bible Study"

<--STYLE 2----Copy below this line for the SECOND Option--------->

<a href="http://www.thebibleonly.blogspot.com/"> Visit: THE BIBLE ONLY -- Bible Study"</a>

<--------------------------Copy just above this line---------------->

Thanks!

The Bible Only -- Bible Study

The Bible Only -- Bible Study

01. Authority of the Scriptures

02. Inspiration of Scriptures

03. Old and New Testament

04. All Have Sinned

05. Christ Reconciles

06. Obey God's Will

07. A Few Questions

08. Thanks

09. Believe

10. Repent

11. Confess

12. Baptism

13. Results of Obedience

14. An Invitation to become a Christian

Request Form

15. Second Half Begins Here

16. Unity, One Church

17. Organization of the Church

18. Names

19. Attendance

20. How to Worship

21. Acts of Worship -- Lord's Supper

22. Acts of Worship -- Preaching

23. Acts of Worship -- Giving

24. Acts of Worship -- Prayer

25. Acts of Worship -- Singing

26. Obey All Commands

27. Guides For Life

28. Study

29. Remain Faithful

30. An Invitation to become a Christian

Request Form

Acknowledgements

Sinner's Prayer or Sinner's Snare?

Contact Us

Contact Form

Thanks!!

CONVERSIONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Add Us to Your Website