What Are The Terms?

Whenever one enters into any kind of agreement it is good to know what the terms are. How long is the commitment? What is the interest rate? What is expected of me? All fair questions.

Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life.” (John10:10) And, “the son of Man is come to save that which was lost.” (Matthew 18:11) What about this saving? Are there any terms or stipulations? Jesus also said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

God has always given rules to obey in order to be acceptable to Him. It is no different concerning man’s salvation today. Let’s note what Jesus Himself says the terms are:

1. “...if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” - John 8;24
2. “...unless you repent you will all likewise perish…” - Luke 13:3
3. “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 10:32
4. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” - Mark 16:16

These are the terms Jesus delivered. But what of applications? Jesus told his apostles to teach all men “to observe all things that I have commanded you;…” (Matthew 28:20) Did they teach what Jesus taught?

In Acts 2 the apostles are in Jerusalem. Through the power of the Holy Spirit they begin to preach. What is the message? It is about Jesus! They speak of the prophecies about Him and the fulfilling of them. Verse 36 drives home the point that they must believe in Him and acknowledge Him - “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

The Jews evidently believed what was preached and were willing to accept His terms. They asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter was very clear in his instructions to them. Christ had told him and the other apostles what to teach those who were willing to believe that He was the Christ. The answer given in verse 38 is, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The terms? Upon their willingness to believe in Jesus as Lord and Christ, repent of their sins, and be baptized, they would have remission (forgiveness) of sins. Verse 41 says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” When they accepted and obeyed the terms they were added. Those were the terms for having the life Jesus came to give - to be saved as Jesus came to save. We cannot change those terms. We must preach the same message the apostles preached.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony