12/31/2025
Isn't it amazing to know that SO MANY people OBEYED the gospel of Christ in the book of Acts and was saved, and was added to the church by the Lord, and NOT ONE of them ever brought up the thief on the cross?
They all knew that the thief was already is IN PARADISE the place everyone of us should be pressing to be. They knew that the thief could not save them, and that they ought to do the things Jesus say in the New Testament for them to be saved and not what was done under the old law.
They knew that obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as the New Testament emphasizes the necessity of both belief/faith and obedience for salvation and spiritual growth. The concept is rooted in biblical teachings that frame the Gospel not just as information to be accepted, but as a divine imperative requiring a life transformed by faith and action.
Jesus began His ministry by calling people to "repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15, NIV), an act that involves turning away from sin (repentance) and placing trust in Him (faith). This initial act of obedience leads to the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This IS NOT just mere talking or just to believe! Believing/having faith is good, but there are more to be done to obtain remission of sin and salvation than just believing/having faith alone.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 10:17 told us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" so, here we find another requirement of the Lord, which is to HEAR the word of God in order believe/have faith.
Bringing up another man's salvation has nothing to do with your obedience to the gospel. You must obey the gospel for yourself to have your sins remitted, so that you can obtain salvation.
The Book of Acts details several conversions, with common elements of hearing the Gospel, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized. The reactions of the converts varied, often marked by joy, obedience, and a transformed life.
Here are some key conversions and the recorded reactions:
● The three thousand on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41):
Their Reaction: The people were "cut to the heart" and asked what they should do. After hearing Peter's message to repent and be baptized, "those who GLADLY received his word were baptized," and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They continued in fellowship and broke bread with glad and sincere hearts.
● The Samaritans (Acts 8:4–13):
Their Reaction: They "believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women; and they were baptized". Simon the sorcerer also believed and was baptized.
● The Ethiopian Eu**ch (Acts 8:26–40):
His Reaction: After Philip explained the Scripture (Isaiah 53) and "preached Jesus" to him, the eu**ch EAGERLY asked to be baptized upon seeing water. Following his baptism, "he went on his way REJOICING".
● Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–16; 26:12–18):
His Reaction: Struck blind by a heavenly light and a confrontation with Jesus, Saul (Paul) was humbled, fasted for three days, and prayed (even though that was not what he was told to do. After Ananias restored his sight and he was baptized, he IMMEDIATELY began to preach boldly in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God, astonishing all who heard him.
● Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10:34–48; 11:1–18):
His Reaction: As Peter was preaching, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, and they began speaking in tongues and glorifying God. In response, Peter commanded them to be baptized. This event showed the early church that salvation was also for the Gentiles. (Also, shows that when you obey the gospel, you encourage others to obey as well).
● Lydia and Her Household (Acts 16:13–15):
Her Reaction: Lydia, a businesswoman, was a worshiper of God whose heart the Lord "opened to pay attention to what was said by Paul". She and her household were baptized, after which she SHOWED HOSPITALITY by inviting Paul and his companions to stay at her home.
● The Philippian Jailer and His Household (Acts 16:25–34):
His Reaction: After an earthquake shook the prison, the jailer was about to kill himself. Paul stopped him, and the jailer asked how to be saved. He and his household were preached to, believed, and were baptized that same hour. He brought Paul and Silas into his house, FED THEM, and "REJOICED GREATLY, with his entire household, that he had believed in God".
● The Corinthians (Acts 18:8):
Their Reaction: Many of the Corinthians, including Crispus the synagogue leader, "heard, believed and were baptized".
● The Disciples of John (Acts 19:1–7):
Their Reaction: When Paul discovered they had only received John's baptism, he explained the baptism of Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Upon carefully examining these convert, we see where NONE OF THEM argued, fussed, debated, get upset, nor even brought up someone else's conversion. The most we see that they did was to ask question for further clarification that leade to their salvation. ~ Winston S Chambers
