Almost Persuaded, Almost, But Lost

We sing the song, we hear the story, and yet so few understand the urgency of being saved. Most think they have many years to decide to devote their life to Jesus not knowing that life can disappear in the wink of an eye. Did not James tell us that life if but a vapor which appears for a little time, and then vanishes away? Jam 4:14 Did not Luke record how Felix delayed obeying the gospel for a more convenient season? Acts 24:25

How often we hear the analogy of a potential convert delay their baptism for another day and time, and in an instant they died and were buried before they had the chance to be buried with Christ in the watery grave of baptism. Rom 6:3,4 How often we are told that this confessed believer with a penitent heart has woken up in hell for making the tragic mistake of delaying. What is sad is that so many don’t take this warning very seriously, and perpetuate the notion that God will save when we delay to be baptized.

Delayed Baptism

There is not a single case of delayed baptism in the New Testament. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “And he took them the same hour of the night (midnight) Acts 16:25, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his immediately” (Acts 16:33). Saul was commanded by Ananias,  “And now why do you delay? arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). If all these didn’t delay, why should we? Do we dare tempt the patience of God who can toss both soul and body in hell in an instant? Mt 10:28 “Why stand we in jeopardy every hour?” 1 Cor 15:30 “Knowing therefore the terror of God, we persuade men.” 2 Cor 5:11

If Belief Was Enough

It is hard, and often impossible to save someone who doesn’t even know that they are lost. One cannot help but wonder about those “chief rulers” who “believed on” Jesus but would not confess Him, for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42,43. If belief alone was enough to save, then demons will be in heaven too. Did not James tell us that the demons believe and tremble? Jam 2:19 There is not one person in the entire new testament who ever believed only, and was saved.

False Hope

The Baptist are quick to say that the thief on the cross believed, and therefore cause for one to delay their salvation until the very hour of death. Thus, many today live a riotous life up until the very moment of death and then cry out “Lord I believe, save me!” Such has lead many into hell without once considering the false hope that the “thief on the cross” gives them.

Where is it recorded that the thief believed that Jesus was the Christ the Son of God? They are quick to say that Jesus forgave the thief of his sins, but that too was never recorded. They are quick to say that Jesus saved the thief, but that too was never recorded in the new testament. Don’t take my word for it, read it for yourself and you will find that all that Jesus told the thief was “Today you shall be with me in ‘Paradise’ “ Lk 23:40-43 Remember, David recorded these prophetic words about where Jesus went when he died, “For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” And while you are reading, read the apostle Peter’s account of where Jesus went the three days he was in the belly of the earth, and you will find Jesus went to the part of the Hadean world which contained the wicked who were in prison. 1 Pet 3:18-20 This is where Jesus went, and this is where thief went as well. Unless one has proof one is saved in their sins, or forgiven after they have died, then it is conclusive, the thief was lost in his sins.

The Biblical Plan of Salvation

Who could disagree that Christ died that we might be saved, or that  His blood brings redemption by grace through faith? (Rom. 3:23; 5:6-8; Eph. 1:7; 2:8,9) Paul and Silas said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). “That if you shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Rom. 10:9).  Then Jesus sent forth his apostles to preach the GOSPEL into all the World. Jesus commanded all of mankind to both believe and be baptized in order to be saved. Mk 16:15,16 Peter was in perfect harmony with the words of Jesus when he said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). And again he said, “Baptism saves us now”. 1 Pet 3:21

Yes, hearing the gospel saves! 1 Tim 4:16 Yes, Believing Jesus is the Christ saves! Eph 2:8 Yes, Confessing this belief with all of our heart saves! Rom 10:10 Yes, Repenting of our sins saves! Lk 13:3 Yes, being buried with Christ by baptism saves! Rom 6:3,4 f; Mk 16:16 Yes, faithfulness saves! Rev 2:10 Yet, none of these by themselves saves anyone. It takes ALL of these in order for one to be saved. This is the gospel Jesus and his apostles proclaimed, and every Christian convert in the new testament obeyed. Don’t delay your salvation, for as Paul recorded, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor 6:2 Today, if you will hear his voice, and harden not your heart, for his hand is stretched out still. Heb 3:7,8 f; Isa 9:17