“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
This is a pretty easy verse to understand. Jesus specifically states two things that are necessary for salvation – belief and baptism.
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The Bible is a book of books – a collection of inspired writings that reveal God’s will for mankind. In it we find God’s great plan to save man from his sins. The first book is Genesis, a book of beginnings, which helps lay the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Let us notice a few significant things that had their beginning in Genesis.
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The Bible has much to say about sacrifices. Animal sacrifices were practiced throughout the Old Testament. The sacrifice of Jesus is part of the foundation of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are told to sacrifice our lives for Him: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service” (Romans 12:1). Let us consider what the Bible has to say about the sacrifices we are to make.
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Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The instruction to accurately handle the word implies the need to study and learn the word of God (the King James Version actually uses the word study at the beginning of the verse). Timothy was to give diligence to the study and learning of God’s word.
This instruction applies to us as well. Therefore, it is good for us to read and study the Bible on different occasions: Bible classes, sermons, home Bible studies, our own personal reading and study, etc. It is something that we ought to do our whole life. So it is good to be reminded from time to time how we are to approach the Bible. We must approach it properly so we will benefit from our time studying.
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“And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ’” (Acts 17:2-3).
These verses describe Paul’s teaching in the synagogue in Thessalonica. He came with the message that Jesus was the Messiah who had been prophesied of in the Old Testament.
Notice how Paul taught this message. He did not simply state his premise that Jesus was the Christ and, therefore, had to suffer and rise again. He explained and gave evidence. His explanations and evidence were from the Scriptures.
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“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
Throughout this book, the Hebrew writer demonstrated why Jesus Christ and His new covenant are better than the system put in place by God through Moses. The above passage continued in this theme. It contrasted the work of the Levitical priests and the work of Christ.
The contrast is a simple one. The priests of old stand daily. Jesus sat down.
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Last month I wrote an article about putting on the armor of God. I briefly covered the items mentioned by Paul – truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17). Some include prayer in this list as well, as it is mentioned in the next verse (Ephesians 6:18) and may wonder why I did not mention it when discussing the other items.
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Peter issued this challenge to all Christians: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). However, many Christians feel unprepared to do this; therefore, many conversations that could potentially lead people to the truth never get started.
This book will help equip all Christians to start engaging in spiritual conversations with those around them by providing simple answers to some basic Bible questions. Being ready to give an answer does not mean having an answer to every possible question at the drop of a hat. Instead, it means being able to give a ready answer to questions that are fundamental to our faith that can open the door to further discussions and studies with those who are interested. By studying the material in this book and becoming familiar with the Scriptures cited in each answer, Christians will be better prepared and have more confidence when they discuss their faith with others.
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