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“… unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24) “… unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3) “… unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Acts 8:26-39.
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“… unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24) • “… unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”(Luke 13:3) • “… unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3)
Why stop the chariot, if being a good, dependable person is enough? • The Ethiopian was a trustworthy official (Acts 8:27). • Man is expected to live honestly and blamelessly but will his good deeds save?
Why stop the chariot, if just being religious or going to church saves? • The Ethiopian traveled very far to worship Jehovah (Acts 8:27). • Worship is very important (John 4:23). • What more did the Ethiopian worshipper have to do?
Why stop the chariot, if reading the Bible is all that is required? • This good, religious man made time to read Scripture (Acts 8:28, 30). • Reading Scripture and Bible study are important to spiritual mindedness (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). • If it’s true that reading the Bible suffices, why did the Ethiopian have to do any more?
Why stop the chariot, if just hearing gospel preaching saves? • Philip preached Jesus to him (Acts 8:35). • Preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ are essential parts to saving sinners (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:21). • Many hear the gospel but do no more, building their lives on the sand (Matthew 7:26). Not this Ethiopian!
Why stop the chariot, if faith only justifies? • The Ethiopian believed in Jehovah and then in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:37). • Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:10 • If sinners are justified by faithonlyas most denominations teach, then the chariot wheels could have kept on rolling?
Why stop the chariot, if praying a “sinner’s prayer” washes away sins? • Many people teach that all a believer has to do is pray a prayer of confession and acceptance to be saved. • Why stop, if that’s all is needed to do?
Why stop the chariot, if baptism is not necessary, nor urgent, for salvation? • Philip preached Jesus. The believer responded by being baptized. • Baptism is necessary to be saved (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4). • Until a believer is buried with Christ in baptism, he is still in his sins and lost.