Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
1. Christ is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him - He 5:9
2. Therefore we must believe in Jesus and His words - e.g., Ac 16:30-33
a. Many stop with verse 31, concluding faith only saves
b. But the context reveals much more was taught, including the importance of baptism
immediately
3. We must repent of our sins - Ac 2:38; 17:30
4. We must confess Jesus as Lord - Ro 10:9-10; e.g., Ac 8:35-38
5. We must be baptized for the remission of sins - Ac 2:38; e.g., 22:16
6. Having thus obeyed the Lord, we receive Jesus into our lives and begin enjoying the
blessings of an abundant life - cf. Ga 3:26-27
a. How do we become children of God by faith? By putting Christ on in baptism!
b. How do we receive Jesus into our lives? By clothing ourselves with Christ in baptism!
-- As the apostles proclaimed the gospel, they stressed the same need of an obedient
faith as did their Lord!
CONCLUSION
1. Some think stressing an obedient faith involving repentance and baptism is teaching salvation by
works...
a. But repentance and baptism are acts of faith to receive salvation, not works of merit to earn
salvation
b. Baptism in particular involves the working of God, to which man humbly submits - Co 2:11-12
-- A simple illustration of how a boy receives his uncle’s inheritance by fulfilling a simple
condition demonstrates how obedience does not nullify faith and grace
2. Where does “The Perverted Gospel” stumble in its message...?
a. At the point of how one receives Christ and thereby enjoys forgiveness
b. In telling people to say “the sinner’s prayer” to receive Christ
1) Which is nowhere taught in the Scriptures
2) Which neglects to tell people what Jesus and His apostles commanded
c. In failing to consider the context of passages used to support the concept of receiving Christ
through a simple prayer
When one is ready to receive Christ into their life, they do well to heed the words of Jesus and His
apostles themselves, and not those who through TV and other media have perverted the simple gospel of
Christ! Have you received Christ through faith and putting Him on in baptism (Ga 3:26-27)...?
Note: For a short history on the development of “the sinner’s prayer” in evangelical religion, visit the
following web site: http://www.bible.ca/g-sinners-prayer.htm
Topical Sermons 270