NEW TESTAMENT PLAN OF SALVATION
Jesus proclaimed in Luke 24:46-49, “…thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that (1) repentance and (2) remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, (3) I send the promise of my Father upon you…”
Peter preached in Acts 2:38-39, “Then Peter said unto them, (1) Repent, and (2) be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and (3) ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For 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.”
STEP ONE: REPENTANCE
Jesus died and so must we by repentance. Have faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and repent. Believe Jesus Christ is Lord and died for you. Be sorry for your sins and recognize your need of the Savior in Acts 3:19. Determine to turn from sin and give your life completely to Him.
Not to be confused with: Salvation itself. Believing is necessary and leads to the other steps. See Acts 8:12-17 and Acts 11:14-18.
STEP TWO: BAPTISM
Jesus was buried and so must we by baptism. Be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. Be buried with him by total immersion in water. Have the saving name of Jesus Christ pronounced over you as in Acts 22:16. Obtain remission of sins in baptism through obedience and faith in His name.
Not to be confused with: Repeating the titles “Father, Son, Holy Ghost” and sprinkling or pouring. See Acts 8:35-38 and Acts 19:1-6.
STEP THREE: HOLY GHOST
Jesus rose and so must we by receiving the Holy Ghost. Receive the Holy Ghost baptism evidenced by tongues. Meet the conditions of repentance, faith and obedience. Believe God has promised it and that you can receive it as in Acts 2:4. Know that tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
