RAMSEY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST
FAITH IS THE VICTORY!
If we may assist you in becoming a Christian, as they were in the 1st Century, please contact us by email: info@ramseyroadchurchofChrist.org
The Plan of Salvation is a Pattern
In building a HOUSE, we must first have a plan, a blueprint. The plan must be approved by the building department. Then we follow the plan, the pattern, to complete the HOUSE.
In the same way, in becoming a Christian, we must first have a plan. The plan must be approved by the building department: The Word of God. Then we follow the plan, the pattern, to complete the project of becoming a Christian.
All of the following steps in the pattern of the Plan of Salvation are clearly taught in the Book of Acts by the many examples of conversion and in other New Testament books. We are to:
· Hear the Word of God preached and understand it Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
· Believe it Hebrews 11:6
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.
· Repent of our past sins Luke 13:5
"I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” and Acts 2:38 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 Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...
· Confess Jesus, the Christ , IS the Son of the Living God
Matt. 10:32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven."
· Be baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of those past sin
Acts 2:38 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 1 Peter 3:20, Acts 8:36, and Acts 10:47.
· Arise from the watery grave of baptism to walk in NEWNESS of life
Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 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.
· Then be faithful until death, asking God’s forgiveness for our sins along the way
Revelation 2:10 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.
· Realizing all the while that we are saved by the grace of God through faith
· Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
During the HOUSE building process there are inspections to make sure the HOUSE is being built according to the plan submitted. The same with the Christian: We have Bible studies and sermons to encourage us to follow the pattern and to grow in maturity. At the completion of the HOUSE, there is a FINAL INSPECTION. The same with the Christian: There is a Judgment Day, a final inspection, when the Book of Life is opened. (Rev. 20).
Judgment Day isn’t just for Christians; it’s for everyone. Are we going to do things OUR way? Or God’s way? Will we follow the Pattern, the RIGHT pattern? In the right spirit? Or will we be told: “Depart from me. I never knew you. You have failed the Final Inspection.”
Some people build without a permit; they have a plan, their OWN plan: “I’m gonna do things MY way.”
Listen to Matthew 7:21 - 27
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
Psalm 127:1 says: “Unless the LORD builds the HOUSE, They labor in vain who build it; …..”