I Grew Up in Church… But I Wasn’t Grounded

1. What We Learn from the Video 

What does it truly mean to be saved? The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” reveals a powerful truth: salvation comes from obeying Scripture, not following traditions. Deshawn Clark shares his journey from a Baptist upbringing, where he was taught to say the sinner’s prayer, to discovering the Bible plan of salvation. He states, “I couldn’t find the sinner’s prayer anywhere… Instead, I saw… people heard the Gospel, believed it, repented, and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.” This realization led him to reject tradition and obey the gospel through baptism, finding assurance.

The main message is that many churches teach salvation through the sinner’s prayer, but the truth about baptism is central to the New Testament plan of salvation. Acts 2:38, cited by Deshawn, emphasizes repentance and baptism for forgiveness, not a prayer. His Baptist practices—Sunday services, revivals, and youth choir—lacked biblical grounding, as he “followed tradition, not truth.” This challenges viewers to examine their salvation against Scripture, not assumptions. Deshawn’s baptism as a believer gave him a “clear conscience,” showing the power of aligning with God’s Word.

Are you relying on tradition or Scripture? The Bible way to be saved requires hearing, believing, repenting, and baptism (Acts 2:38). Study Acts and Romans to ensure your faith reflects the truth about baptism, just as Deshawn found freedom in obedience. 

2. Why We Should Believe the Bible

Deshawn’s transformation in “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” stems from trusting the Bible over tradition, as he found “I couldn’t find the sinner’s prayer anywhere” and embraced Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” The trustworthiness of Scripture makes it the ultimate guide for salvation. Below, we explore why the Bible is reliable, urging you to view its authority of the Bible as supreme.

Fulfilled Prophecy

The Bible’s prophecies, like Micah 5:2 predicting Jesus’ birthplace (fulfilled in Matthew 2:1), prove divine origin. Over 300 Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ confirm the God’s Word is truth, giving confidence in its promises about salvation.

Historical Accuracy

Archaeological evidence, such as the Pilate Stone, verifies biblical figures like Pontius Pilate. Secular sources like Josephus document Jesus’ life and death, reinforcing the trustworthiness of Scripture. This historical reliability ensures the Bible’s accounts, including Acts’ church practices, are factual.

Eyewitness Testimony

The New Testament is built on firsthand accounts. 2 Peter 1:16 states: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths… but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” Written close to events, these testimonies, like those in Acts, provide credible evidence for the truth about baptism and salvation.

Divine Inspiration

The Bible’s unity across diverse authors over centuries shows divine guidance. 2 Timothy 3:16 declares: “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” Deshawn’s discovery that the sinner’s prayer lacked biblical basis, unlike baptism (Acts 2:38), reflects trust in this inspiration. The Bible’s cohesive message guides us to the New Testament plan of salvation.

Why It Matters: The Bible’s prophecies, accuracy, testimonies, and inspiration make it the sole authority of the Bible. Deshawn’s shift from tradition to truth, finding assurance through baptism, shows its power. Unlike man-made teachings, Scripture offers clarity for eternal life. Study Acts 2 and Romans 6 to align with the God’s Word is truth, ensuring your salvation rests on the Bible way to be saved. Trust the Bible—its authority leads to eternal peace. 

3. How to Apply This Truth to My Life

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” urges viewers to move from tradition to Scripture, as Deshawn Clark realized his Baptist upbringing emphasized the sinner’s prayer but lacked biblical grounding, stating, “I realized I had followed tradition, not truth.” To apply God’s Word to your Christian living, follow these four action steps inspired by the script for obedience to the gospel, ensuring your faith reflects the New Testament plan of salvation.

1. Read the Bible for Yourself. Deshawn’s turning point was “reading the Bible for myself.” Start with Acts, Gospels, and Romans to discover the truth about baptism and salvation. Avoid relying on church programs—study daily to question assumptions.
2. Question Traditions and Teachings. The speaker couldn’t find the sinner’s prayer in Scripture, realizing his baptism at 10 was uninformed. Examine your practices: Does your church teach faith alone, or the full gospel? Compare to Acts 2:38 for obedience to the gospel.
3. Obey the Gospel as in the New Testament. Deshawn was baptized as a believer, “fully understanding what I was doing and why.” Hear the gospel, believe, repent, and be baptized for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). Seek a church emphasizing this, like the Church of Christ.
4. Live with Assurance and Share Your Faith. With a “clear conscience,” Deshawn encourages others. Integrate Christian living through prayer, fellowship, and evangelism, as in Acts 2:42, building confidence in your salvation.

Modern Scenario: Jordan, 28, grew up in a Baptist church, saying the sinner’s prayer at youth camp, thinking he was saved. Struggling with doubt, he watches the video and studies Acts 2:38, realizing baptism’s role. Choosing obedience to the gospel, he repents and is immersed in a Church of Christ. His Christian living transforms—doubt fades, he joins Bible studies, and shares his story, inspiring friends. By applying these steps, you can apply God’s Word, moving from uncertainty to peace, as Deshawn found “assurance.” This ensures your salvation aligns with the Bible way to be saved, free from tradition’s limitations, leading to a vibrant, scripture-based faith.

4. What This Denomination Teaches about Salvation 

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” describes Deshawn’s Baptist background, where the preacher said, “if you want to be saved, come on down and say the sinner’s prayer. Just ask Jesus into your heart.” This reflects the Baptist Church’s emphasis on personal faith. As a Southern Baptist-like congregation (Greater Mount Hope Baptist Church), it aligns with broader Baptist doctrine. Below, we explore the denominational view of salvation from research, including the Baptist Faith and Message (2000), while noting differences with the New Testament, respectfully and factually.

Baptist Salvation Doctrine Overview

Baptists teach salvation by grace through faith alone (sola fide), a hallmark from the Protestant Reformation. The Baptist Faith and Message states salvation is “offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour,” involving regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. The sinner’s prayer, as Deshawn experienced, is a common tool for expressing faith, often during altar calls or revivals. It’s a verbal commitment to Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection for sins (Romans 10:9-10). Ephesians 2:8-9 is key: “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” Salvation is instantaneous upon faith, with eternal security (“once saved, always saved”) in many Baptist groups, especially Southern Baptists.

Role of the Sinner’s Prayer

The sinner’s prayer is central in Baptist evangelism, as Deshawn recalls: “That’s what we did. That’s what I believed.” It’s not a sacrament but a heartfelt response to conviction, often guided by the preacher. Research from the Southern Baptist Convention shows it as a way to “accept Christ,” emphasizing personal decision. While not all Baptists require it, it’s widespread in American Baptist culture, tied to faith alone. Deshawn said it “more than once,” thinking it guaranteed heaven, reflecting its role as a salvation “box to check.”

Water Baptism Meaning in Baptist Teaching

Baptist baptism is believer’s baptism by immersion, symbolizing faith and new life. The Baptist Faith and Message calls it an “act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour.” Deshawn was baptized at 10 but “didn’t know why,” highlighting it as post-salvation. The water baptism meaning is ordinance, not means of grace or forgiveness—salvation precedes it. Immersion represents burial with Christ (Romans 6:4), but it’s not essential for salvation, unlike sacraments in other denominations.

Historical and Theological Context

Baptist theology emerged in the 17th century, emphasizing individual faith amid Reformation debates. The 1689 London Baptist Confession affirms salvation by faith alone, rejecting works or sacraments for justification. In Deshawn’s experience, revivals and altar calls reinforce this, focusing on emotional response over ritual.

New Testament Teaching on Salvation

The New Testament presents a holistic Bible way to be saved, which Deshawn discovered: “people heard the Gospel, believed it, repented, and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.” Acts 2:38 states: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism is integral, uniting with Christ (Romans 6:3-4), and 1 Peter 3:21 affirms: “Baptism… now saves you.” The early church practiced immediate immersion after belief (Acts 8:36-38), part of the New Testament plan of salvation (Mark 16:16).

Key Differences

The denominational view of salvation emphasizes faith alone via the sinner’s prayer, with baptism as symbolic obedience. The New Testament ties baptism to forgiveness (Acts 2:38), requiring faith, repentance, and immersion (Acts 22:16: “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins”). The sinner’s prayer lacks direct biblical precedent, unlike baptism’s command (Matthew 28:19-20). Deshawn’s “wake-up call” was realizing this—Baptist teaching, while emphasizing grace, diverges by separating salvation from baptism. Respectfully, Baptists offer strong community and evangelism, but this separation contrasts with the New Testament’s integrated plan.

Why This Matters

Deshawn’s story shows the peace from aligning with Scripture. Study Acts 2 and Romans 6 to ensure your salvation follows the Bible way to be saved, not tradition. Obey the gospel for a “clear conscience,” as Deshawn found freedom. 

5. What the Bible Teaches about Salvation

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” challenges viewers to move beyond tradition, as Deshawn Clark realized his Baptist upbringing relied on the sinner’s prayer, but Scripture showed a different path. He states, “I saw over and over again that people heard the Gospel, believed it, repented, and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.” This echoes the question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The Bible way to be saved provides a clear New Testament plan of salvation, rooted in God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and requiring obedient steps: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, baptism, and faithful living. Below, we explore each step with practical, persuasive explanations, showing how they align with Deshawn’s “wake-up call” and lead to assurance.

Step 1: Hearing the Word

Salvation starts with hearing God’s message. Romans 10:17 states: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Without encountering the gospel—Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)—belief can’t form. Deshawn’s transformation began when he “started reading the Bible for himself,” discovering Acts 2:38 over traditions.

Practical and Persuasive Explanation: Incorporate hearing into daily life—read Scripture, listen to sermons, or join studies. It’s persuasive because hearing exposes errors, like the sinner’s prayer Deshawn couldn’t find. Imagine a churchgoer relying on preachers: hearing Acts 2:38 for themselves reveals baptism’s role, sparking faith. In the New Testament plan of salvation, hearing is the spark; start with John or Acts to grasp Jesus’ sacrifice, building a foundation for the Bible way to be saved. This step empowers you to question traditions, as Deshawn did, leading to true understanding.

Step 2: Believing in Jesus Christ

Hearing leads to belief, trusting Jesus as Savior. Mark 16:16 declares: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Belief accepts Jesus’ atonement (John 3:16) and resurrection. Hebrews 11:6 adds: “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”

Practical Insight: Study evidence like prophecies (Isaiah 53) or eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). Belief offers purpose amid doubt. Consider a skeptic like Deshawn, who believed but lacked peace: believing Acts’ pattern shifts focus from prayer to obedience. This step in the Bible way to be saved motivates action—pray for faith, read the Gospels, letting belief drive repentance, ensuring salvation’s promise. It’s persuasive: belief transforms lives, as Deshawn’s eyes opened to truth.

Step 3: Repentance from Sin

Belief demands repentance, turning from sin. Acts 2:38 commands: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Repentance is heart change leading to action (2 Corinthians 7:10). Luke 13:3 warns: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Persuasive Application: Reflect on sins through prayer (Psalm 139:23-24), commit to change with accountability. It’s convincing—repentance brings renewal (Acts 3:19). Picture someone following traditions: repenting, they seek biblical baptism, as Deshawn did. In the New Testament plan of salvation, repentance prepares for confession and baptism, aligning with the truth about baptism. This step frees from guilt, offering peace Deshawn lacked until obedience.

Step 4: Confession of Faith

Repentance includes confessing Jesus publicly. Romans 10:9-10 states: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This mirrors the eunuch’s declaration (Acts 8:37).

Practical Explanation: Confess in assemblies or conversations, affirming “Jesus is Lord.” It strengthens faith (Matthew 10:32). Imagine a timid believer: confessing builds community, as Deshawn’s story inspires. This bridges to baptism in the Bible way to be saved, solidifying commitment beyond the sinner’s prayer.

Step 5: Baptism for the Remission of Sins

Baptism is the moment of forgiveness, immersion uniting with Christ. Acts 2:38 links it to salvation: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” 1 Peter 3:21 affirms: “Baptism… now saves you… as an appeal to God for a good conscience.” Romans 6:3-4 explains: “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death… so we too might walk in newness of life.” Deshawn’s uninformed baptism at 10 contrasted with his believer’s baptism, “fully understanding.”

Practical and Persuasive: Seek immersion after faith in a Bible-teaching church. It’s compelling—baptism washes sins (Acts 22:16), granting the Spirit. Unlike the sinner’s prayer, it’s scriptural (Matthew 28:19-20). Picture an adult baptized: they emerge renewed. The truth about baptism counters traditions, fulfilling the New Testament plan of salvation. Deshawn’s peace came through this—don’t substitute prayer; obey for assurance.

Step 6: Living Faithfully Until Death

Salvation requires faithfulness. Revelation 2:10 promises: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This involves obedience, fruit-bearing (John 15:8), endurance (James 1:12). Acts 2:42 shows devotion to teaching and fellowship.

Persuasive Application: Engage in prayer, study, assembly (Hebrews 10:25). Faithfulness secures eternity. Like Deshawn’s “assurance,” it brings joy. Envision trials: faithfulness sustains. This completes the Bible way to be saved, transforming you (Romans 8:29).

Heartfelt Appeal: Deshawn found freedom by rejecting tradition for truth—now embrace the New Testament plan of salvation. Hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and live faithfully. Ask, “What must I do to be saved?” and act today. God’s grace awaits; obey for eternal peace. 

6. Background of the Denomination 

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” references Deshawn’s upbringing in the Greater Mount Hope Baptist Church, a Baptist congregation. The history of the Baptist Church provides context for his realization that traditions like the sinner’s prayer diverged from Scripture. Below is a factual overview, including origins and doctrines, with ties to salvation teachings.

Origins and Founders

The history of the Baptist Church begins in the early 17th century amid the Protestant Reformation. John Smyth founded the first Baptist group in 1609 in Amsterdam, baptizing believers by immersion. Thomas Helwys established the first Baptist church in England in 1612. Roger Williams founded the First Baptist Church in America in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1638, advocating religious liberty.

Core Doctrines

The origin of Baptist Church teachings emphasizes sola scriptura, believer’s baptism, and congregational autonomy. Salvation is by faith alone, often through the sinner’s prayer, with baptism as a symbolic ordinance (Baptist Faith and Message, 2000). The water baptism meaning is public testimony, not forgiveness.

Historical Events Tied to Salvation

The Anabaptist influence shaped Baptist rejection of infant baptism, focusing on faith alone. The 1689 London Confession affirmed salvation by grace through faith, impacting the sinner’s prayer. Deshawn’s experience reflects this—his baptism at 10 was symbolic, but he later sought biblical obedience.

Why It Matters: The history of the Baptist Church shows commitment to faith, but Deshawn found it lacked the truth about baptism. Study Acts to align with the New Testament plan of salvation. 

7. Key Bible Passages to Read and Study 

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” emphasizes Deshawn Clark’s discovery that the sinner’s prayer lacked biblical support, stating, “I couldn’t find the sinner’s prayer anywhere… Instead, I saw… people heard the Gospel, believed it, repented, and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.” This shift to the Bible way to be saved underscores the importance of studying Bible verses about salvation. Below are 10 Scriptures for eternal life, with explanations, to guide understanding of the New Testament plan of salvation and the truth about baptism.

1. Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Cited by Deshawn, this verse shows baptism’s role in forgiveness, central to salvation, unlike the sinner’s prayer.
2. Romans 6:3-4 – “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death… so we too might walk in newness of life.” Baptism is a burial, uniting believers with Christ’s death and resurrection, ensuring eternal life.
3. Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Belief and baptism are inseparable for salvation, countering traditions Deshawn rejected.
4. 1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism… now saves you… as an appeal to God for a good conscience.” Baptism is a saving act, aligning with Deshawn’s “clear conscience” after obeying the gospel.
5. Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Hearing the gospel, as Deshawn did by studying, initiates faith for salvation.
6. Acts 8:36-38 – “And as they were going along… he baptized him.” Immediate immersion after belief models the New Testament plan of salvation, unlike delayed or symbolic acts.
7. Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism unites believers with Christ, essential for eternal life.
8. John 3:5 – “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Water baptism is vital for entering God’s kingdom, supporting the truth about baptism.
9. Romans 10:9-10 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord… you will be saved.” Confession, paired with belief, is a step toward salvation, part of the biblical process.
10. Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Lifelong faithfulness ensures eternal life, completing the salvation process Deshawn embraced.

These Bible verses about salvation clarify the truth about baptism and the New Testament plan of salvation. Deshawn’s study of Acts, Gospels, and Romans led to assurance, not tradition. To follow his path, read these Scriptures for eternal life, starting with Acts 2:38, to ensure your salvation aligns with God’s Word, not human practices. This study can transform your faith, offering the peace Deshawn found through obedience. 

8. Common Misunderstandings about Salvation 

Deshawn’s journey in “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” reveals his shift from Baptist traditions, where he was taught to “say the sinner’s prayer” for salvation, to realizing “I had followed tradition, not truth.” This highlights misconceptions about grace and false teachings about salvation prevalent in many churches, particularly regarding the truth about baptism. Below, we address five common errors, correcting each with Scripture, while respectfully aligning with the New Testament plan of salvation.

Faith Alone Saves, Without Obedience

Baptist doctrine often teaches salvation by faith alone, achieved through the sinner’s prayer, as Deshawn experienced: “Just ask Jesus into your heart.” This misconception about grace cites Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” Yet, faith requires action. James 2:24 corrects: “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Deshawn’s realization that he “couldn’t find the sinner’s prayer anywhere” led to obedience. Hebrews 5:9 adds: “He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” Faith must include steps like baptism for the Bible way to be saved.

Baptism Is Optional or Symbolic

Many view baptism as a symbolic act, not essential for salvation. This false teaching about salvation is common in Baptist churches, where Deshawn was baptized at 10 without understanding. Acts 2:38 counters: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” The truth about baptism is its saving role, as 1 Peter 3:21 states: “Baptism… now saves you… as an appeal to God for a good conscience.” Deshawn’s believer’s baptism gave him assurance, aligning with the New Testament plan of salvation.

Salvation Occurs Before Baptism

Some claim salvation happens at belief, often via the sinner’s prayer, with baptism as a later step. This misconception about grace references the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43). However, the New Covenant began after Jesus’ death (Hebrews 9:16-17). Mark 16:16 declares: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Deshawn’s “wake-up call” came from finding baptism’s necessity in Acts, not prayer. Acts 22:16 reinforces: “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins.” Baptism is integral to salvation.

The Sinner’s Prayer Saves

The sinner’s prayer, as Deshawn was taught, is believed to secure salvation instantly. This false teaching about salvation lacks biblical precedent, as he noted: “not one example of someone being saved by saying a prayer.” Romans 10:9-10 emphasizes confession and belief, but within a process including baptism (Acts 2:38). The truth about baptism requires immersion for forgiveness, not a prayer, as seen in Acts 8:36-38. Deshawn’s study revealed this gap, leading to obedience.

Universalism—All Are Saved

Universalism teaches everyone is saved by God’s love, regardless of response. This misconception about grace ignores accountability. Matthew 7:13-14 warns: “Enter by the narrow gate… for the gate is wide… that leads to destruction.” Deshawn’s deliberate obedience, “just like they did in Acts,” shows salvation requires action. Romans 6:23 clarifies: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Salvation demands faith and obedience, not universal inclusion.

These corrections, rooted in Deshawn’s realization that he “followed tradition, not truth,” dispel misconceptions about grace and affirm the truth about baptism. Study Acts 2 and Romans 6 to align with the New Testament plan of salvation, ensuring your faith is grounded in Scripture, not human traditions, for eternal assurance. 

9. Real-Life Examples of Changed Lives

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” showcases Deshawn’s transformation from a tradition-based faith to a changed life through the gospel, stating, “I obeyed the gospel, just like they did in Acts… I don’t just have religion. I have assurance.” Below are two Christian testimony accounts of individuals who, like Deshawn, embraced the New Testament plan of salvation.

Testimony 1: Maria’s Journey to Truth

Maria, 32, grew up in a Baptist church, saying the sinner’s prayer at revivals, believing she was saved. Doubts lingered, mirroring Deshawn’s lack of peace. Studying Acts 2:38, she saw “repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins,” realizing her prayer wasn’t biblical. She repented, was immersed, and joined a Church of Christ. Her Christian testimony shines: “Baptism gave me true assurance.” Now, Maria leads women’s studies, her changed life through the gospel inspiring others to seek truth.

Testimony 2: Daniel’s Path to Assurance

Daniel, 45, followed Baptist traditions, assuming his childhood baptism sufficed. Reading Acts, he found no sinner’s prayer, only baptism for forgiveness. Like Deshawn, he “followed tradition, not truth.” Choosing obedience to the gospel, he was baptized as a believer, finding peace. His Christian testimony reflects: “Scripture set my heart free.” Daniel now mentors youth, sharing the Bible way to be saved, his life transformed by biblical obedience.

These stories echo Deshawn’s journey, moving from tradition to the truth about baptism. Maria and Daniel found assurance through the New Testament plan of salvation, just as Deshawn’s “eyes were opened.” You can experience this peace—open Acts, obey the gospel, and find a changed life through the gospel that mirrors Deshawn’s freedom from tradition. 

10. Why Urgency Matters in Responding to the Gospel 

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” underscores the urgency of salvation, as Deshawn Clark, after years of following the sinner’s prayer, realized he “followed tradition, not truth” and acted swiftly to obey the gospel, stating, “I made a decision. I obeyed the gospel, just like they did in Acts.” This led to “assurance” and a “clear conscience.” Salvation isn’t something to postpone—Scripture and Deshawn’s journey emphasize that today is the day to respond. Life’s unpredictability, God’s immediate call, and eternal consequences demand that you do not delay obeying the gospel. Below, we explore why acting now is critical, using biblical truths to urge alignment with the New Testament plan of salvation.

Life’s Fragility Demands Immediate Action

Life is fleeting, amplifying the urgency of salvation. James 4:14 warns: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” An unexpected event could close your opportunity to obey. Deshawn didn’t delay after discovering the sinner’s prayer wasn’t biblical—he studied Acts 2:38 and was baptized. Practically, this means opening your Bible today to Acts or Romans 6 and seeking a church for baptism. It’s persuasive: assuming you have years risks eternity unprepared. Imagine a young adult planning to address faith later, only to face a sudden crisis. Today is the day to secure your salvation through the Bible way to be saved, ensuring peace no matter what comes.

God’s Call Is Now

Scripture frames salvation as an immediate invitation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 declares: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Deshawn’s prompt obedience, “just like they did in Acts,” reflects this urgency, moving from tradition to truth. Hebrews 3:15 adds: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Delaying risks a hardened heart, less responsive to God’s call. Practically, start with a free Bible study on AreUSaved.com or read Acts 2:38 to understand baptism’s role. The urgency of salvation lies in God’s open door—hesitation could dull your spiritual sensitivity. Consider someone ignoring a warning sign; delaying the gospel is far riskier, as eternity hangs in the balance.

Eternal Consequences Are at Stake

The stakes of delay are eternal. Revelation 22:12 states: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me.” Deshawn’s “wake-up call” came from realizing the sinner’s prayer wasn’t in Scripture, prompting baptism for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). Acts 22:16 urges: “Why are you waiting? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins.” Matthew 25:46 contrasts “eternal punishment” with “eternal life” for the obedient. It’s persuasive: salvation determines your forever. Picture a person postponing obedience, unaware of Christ’s return. The New Testament plan of salvation, including the truth about baptism, requires action now, as Deshawn’s “assurance” shows. Don’t gamble with eternity—obey today to secure your soul.

Act Now for True Assurance

Deshawn’s appeal, “Open your Bible. Read what it actually says. Don’t base your soul on tradition or emotion,” is a call to do not delay obeying the gospel. His “clear conscience” came from aligning with Acts’ pattern—believe, repent, and be baptized (Mark 16:16). Start today: read Acts 2, contact AreUSaved.com, or find a Church of Christ for immersion. 2 Peter 3:9 shows God’s patience, but don’t test it. Imagine ignoring a fire alarm—delaying the gospel risks more. Today is the day to obey, ensuring eternal peace, as Deshawn found through scriptural obedience.

The urgency of salvation is clear: life is short, God’s call is now, and eternity awaits. Don’t let tradition, like the sinner’s prayer, delay you. Study Acts 2:38, obey the gospel, and find the assurance Deshawn gained. Your eternal destiny depends on acting now. 

11. Questions to Ask Yourself After Watching

The video “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” challenges viewers to examine their faith, as Deshawn Clark realized he “followed tradition, not truth” and found “assurance” through biblical obedience. This prompts reflection on your eternal destiny. Below are seven questions to help you assess whether your salvation aligns with the Bible truth about salvation, encouraging personal examination to ensure you are truly am I saved.

1. Am I saved according to Scripture? Does your salvation rest on the sinner’s prayer, like Deshawn’s, or the biblical pattern of baptism for forgiveness (Acts 2:38)? Compare your experience to the New Testament plan of salvation.
2. Does my church teach biblical salvation? Deshawn found “not one example of someone being saved by saying a prayer.” Does your church emphasize the truth about baptism or traditions like altar calls?
3. Am I relying on tradition or Scripture? Have you studied the Bible yourself, as Deshawn did, or followed what others taught without questioning, like his early sinner’s prayer?
4. Have I obeyed the full gospel? Have you heard, believed, repented, confessed, and been baptized, as Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 require, or stopped short at faith alone?
5. Why haven’t I acted on the truth? If your salvation doesn’t align with Scripture, what prevents you from obeying, like Deshawn, who was baptized “fully understanding”?
6. Do I have true assurance of salvation? Deshawn gained “assurance” through obedience. Do you have peace, or lingering doubts about your eternal destiny?
7. Is my eternal destiny secure? If Jesus returned today, would your obedience to the Bible way to be saved ensure salvation (Revelation 2:10)?

These questions, inspired by Deshawn’s “wake-up call,” urge you to seek the Bible truth about salvation. Don’t let traditions like the sinner’s prayer obscure God’s plan. Open Acts 2 and Romans 6 to confirm your faith aligns with Scripture, not assumptions. Deshawn’s journey from doubt to assurance shows the power of obedience—take time to reflect, ensuring your eternal destiny rests on the New Testament plan of salvation. Your soul’s security depends on answering these questions honestly and acting on the truth today.

12. Next Steps for Learning More 

Deshawn’s journey in “Just Ask JESUS into Your Heart” is a powerful call to learn how to be saved, as he urges: “Open your Bible. Read what it actually says. Don’t base your soul on tradition or emotion.” After realizing he “followed tradition, not truth,” he obeyed the gospel, finding “assurance” through baptism. To follow his path and align with the Bible way to be saved, take these actionable steps to deepen your understanding of the New Testament plan of salvation.

Join a Free Bible Study. Start with AreUSaved.com’s free Bible study resources, diving into Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” Study alone or with a group to grasp the truth about baptism, as Deshawn did by reading Acts, Gospels, and Romans. These studies clarify the biblical steps—belief, repentance, and baptism—offering clarity over traditions like the sinner’s prayer. A structured study can guide you to a Church of Christ, mirroring Deshawn’s choice for scriptural obedience.

Explore More Articles. AreUSaved.com provides articles on salvation, baptism, and the biblical church, expanding on Deshawn’s realization that “I couldn’t find the sinner’s prayer anywhere.” These resources break down Bible verses about salvation, like Romans 6:3-4, helping you understand why baptism is essential. Reading these can reinforce your commitment to the Bible way to be saved, moving beyond emotional traditions to scriptural truth.

Connect for Guidance. Have questions about salvation or the gospel? Use the AreUSaved.com chatbot or contact page for personalized, scriptural answers. Whether you’re unsure about baptism’s role or seeking a church like Deshawn’s, these tools offer support. Contacting a local Church of Christ can also connect you with believers who prioritize the New Testament plan of salvation, ensuring you follow God’s Word, not human teachings.

Act Now to Obey the Gospel. Deshawn’s “clear conscience” came from acting on truth—don’t delay. Study Mark 16:16, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized today. Visit AreUSaved.com to start your journey, as Deshawn did, moving from doubt to assurance. The truth about baptism awaits—take the first step to secure your eternal destiny through obedience to the gospel.

These steps echo Deshawn’s call to “read what it actually says.” Don’t let tradition cloud your path. By engaging with AreUSaved.com’s resources, you can learn how to be saved, find peace, and build a faith grounded in Scripture, just as Deshawn found true assurance through the New Testament plan of salvation. 

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