Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), as "man spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). What is written in it, then, carries the authority of God. Peter reminded his readers they had "been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which giveth and abideth” (1 Pet. 1:23). He would go on to remind them the word of God abides forever (1:25).
To be born again, then, is not up to the discretion of the individual, or any preacher, or a multitude of church councils. Neither is it an issue that is gray, a vaguely defined position subject to a multitude of interpretations. Christ shed his blood so our sins could be forgiven (1 Peter 1:18-19), which shows how important our being saved is to God. There is a day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10), and an eternity either in heaven or hell that depends on the outcome of judgment (John 5:28-29). Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Since eternity depends on our response to the will of God, it follows He would be very clear to specify what it takes to be cleansed of our sins through the blood of Christ.
When we examine God's Word, then, we find He has clearly revealed how we can be forgiven of our sins. It begins then, with faith. "And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him” (Hebrews 11:6).
It's on the basis of faith that one must respond to the will of God. For faith to save, it must not remain an inward conviction, but the motive from which obedience comes. Only a faith that obeys God is a faith that can save. "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
By faith, then, one must repent of one's sins (Luke 13:3). By faith, one must confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33). By faith, one must be immersed for the forgiveness of sins. In the New Testament, baptism (immersion) always precedes forgiveness, not follows (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). Scripture is not gray on what to do to be saved, but absolutely clear and obvious, as it’s a matter of heaven or hell.
How do we receive the forgiveness of our sins? By faith, when one repents of his or her sins, confesses Jesus as the Son of God, and is immersed, the blood of Christ atones for one's sins. One is then forgiven before God, able to be His child, and have a fresh start spiritually, a hope for eternity.
Robert Johnson
Longview, TX
"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
"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."
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"
