I Had Religion—But I Didn’t Have Christ

1. What We Learn from the Video 

Imagine dedicating your life to religious activities—church events, committees, programs—yet feeling an emptiness that no amount of busyness can fill. This video delivers a raw, transformative testimony about the difference between having religion and truly knowing Christ through obedience to the gospel.

At its core, the message reveals that external religious motions aren't enough for genuine salvation. The speaker shares how they "had religion all my life, church programs, events, committees. But I didn't know Christ. Not really." This honest admission highlights a common spiritual trap: assuming participation equals a relationship with God.

The turning point comes through discovering the Bible plan of salvation in Acts 2:38. The speaker explains, "No one had ever explained what Peter preached in Acts 2:38. I was baptized for the forgiveness of my sins, and finally found the peace I was missing all those years." This direct quote captures the video’s point—true peace arrives not from rituals, but from obedience to the gospel, including baptism for remission of sins.

The video persuasively contrasts empty religion with authentic faith. It respectfully acknowledges that many denominations emphasize good works and community, but emphasizes the truth about baptism as essential, not optional. If you've felt that spiritual void despite religious involvement, this story urges you to examine Scripture personally.

Ultimately, the main message is liberating: Religion without Christ is hollow, but responding to the Bible plan of salvation brings lasting peace. Don't just go through the motions—discover the relationship you've been missing.

2. Why We Should Believe the Bible 

In a world of shifting opinions, the Bible stands as an unchanging anchor of truth. Its reliability isn't based on human claims but on undeniable evidence, making it the ultimate guide for life and salvation. As the video's speaker discovered peace through Acts 2:38, understanding the trustworthiness of Scripture empowers us to trust its teachings on knowing Christ.

Fulfilled Prophecy: Proof of Divine Origin

Hundreds of prophecies, like Isaiah 53's detailed prediction of the Messiah's suffering, were fulfilled in Jesus centuries later. This precision demonstrates that God’s Word is truth, as no mere book could foresee events so accurately.

Historical Accuracy: Confirmed by Evidence

Archaeological finds, such as the Pilate Stone verifying New Testament figures, affirm the Bible's historical reliability. The script references Acts 2:38, where Peter preaches repentance and baptism—events corroborated by early church writings.

Eyewitness Testimony: Reliable Accounts

The New Testament was written by or based on eyewitnesses who faced persecution yet stood by their accounts. As 1 John 1:1 states, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes... we proclaim concerning the Word of life." This adds credibility to passages like Acts 2:38.

Divine Inspiration: Unified and Timeless

Spanning authors and eras, the Bible's cohesive message points to divine inspiration. 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

These elements establish the authority of the Bible as supreme. The video encourages moving beyond religious motions to biblical obedience, as the speaker did upon learning Acts 2:38. Respectfully, while traditions offer value, let the Bible be your ultimate authority—test everything against it for true peace in Christ.

3. How to Apply This Truth to My Life 

The video's testimony shows that knowing Christ requires more than religious activity—it demands obedience to the gospel. Here are 4 specific action steps, drawn from the script, to apply God’s Word in your daily Christian living.

First, examine your spiritual life honestly. The speaker realized they "had religion... but I didn't know Christ." Reflect: Are you going through motions, or truly connected to Him?

Second, study key Scriptures like Acts 2:38 personally. The speaker notes, "No one had ever explained what Peter preached in Acts 2:38." Dive in—read, pray, and seek understanding of repentance and baptism.

Third, obey through baptism for forgiveness if you haven't. The speaker "was baptized for the forgiveness of my sins," finding peace. This step embodies obedience to the gospel, aligning your life with biblical truth.

Fourth, pursue ongoing relationship with Christ. Move beyond committees to daily prayer and service, fostering genuine Christian living.

Consider a modern scenario: Alex, a busy professional involved in church events, felt unfulfilled like the speaker. Overwhelmed by stress, he studied Acts 2:38, repented, and was baptized. The outcome? His anxiety turned to peace; he prioritized family devotions over endless meetings, mending relationships and finding joy in authentic faith. This changed life through the gospel shows how applying God’s Word transforms routine into purpose.

These steps lead to the peace the speaker found—start today for real Christian living.

4. What This Denomination Teaches about Salvation 

The video's speaker describes a lifelong involvement in "church programs, events, committees" without truly knowing Christ, suggesting a background in a mainline Protestant denomination, such as Methodism or Presbyterianism, where structured religious activities emphasize community and moral living. These traditions, rooted in the Reformation, teach salvation respectfully as a process of grace received through faith, often without requiring baptism as essential for forgiveness. This denominational view of salvation is presented factually below, drawing from common teachings and the script's implication that "no one had ever explained what Peter preached in Acts 2:38." We'll explore key elements, noting respectful differences from the New Testament pattern.

Salvation by Faith Alone and Grace

Central to this denominational view of salvation is the doctrine of faith alone (sola fide), where salvation is a gift of God's grace received through personal trust in Jesus' atonement, not earned by works or rituals. This draws from Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." In many such churches, salvation is seen as an ongoing sanctification process, nurtured through church involvement like the speaker's "programs and committees." Respectfully, this teaching aims to assure believers of God's unmerited favor, emphasizing a relationship over rigid rules.

The speaker's experience implies this view was taught implicitly—focusing on religious motions without highlighting obedient responses like those in Acts 2:38. It's a sincere approach, fostering community and ethical living as fruits of faith.

The Role of the Sinner’s Prayer and Assurance

Another key element is the sinner’s prayer, a moment of verbal commitment where one confesses sin and accepts Christ, often leading to immediate assurance of salvation. Derived from Romans 10:9, this is taught as the entry point to faith, simple and accessible during services or personal reflection. In the script, the speaker notes they "had religion all my life" but lacked true knowledge of Christ, suggesting such prayers may have been part of their upbringing without deeper obedience.

This provides emotional comfort, assuring eternal security once faith is professed. Denominations value it for evangelism, making salvation feel personal and immediate.

Water Baptism Meaning and Practice

Regarding baptism, the water baptism meaning is typically symbolic—a public declaration of faith and commitment, often administered to infants as a sign of God's covenant grace (pedobaptism). It's viewed as an outward sign of inward regeneration, not regenerative itself, based on interpretations of passages like Colossians 2:12. The speaker's realization that they needed baptism "for the forgiveness of my sins" contrasts with this, as their prior religious life didn't emphasize it as essential.

Respectfully, this teaching highlights God's initiative in salvation, preventing any notion that baptism "earns" grace. It's often celebrated in church ceremonies, reinforcing community bonds.

Key Differences from the New Testament

While these doctrines have guided many to sincere faith, they differ factually from the New Testament in emphasis. For instance, the denominational view of salvation often prioritizes faith alone and symbolic baptism, potentially separating it from forgiveness, whereas Acts 2:38 commands, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." The New Testament shows baptism as integral to conversion (e.g., Acts 22:16: "be baptized and wash your sins away"), not merely declarative. The speaker's peace came from aligning with this, highlighting how the apostolic pattern ties obedience directly to remission, rather than viewing it as secondary.

This isn't criticism but an invitation to examine Scripture, as the video does respectfully.

5. What the Bible Teaches about Salvation 

The Bible offers a straightforward, transformative path to salvation, far beyond religious routines. This New Testament plan of salvation answers the deep longing for peace the video's speaker felt, leading from empty motions to genuine relationship with Christ. As they discovered in Acts 2:38, true salvation involves deliberate steps of obedience. We'll walk through each—hearing the Word, believing, repenting, confessing, baptism for remission of sins, and living faithfully—providing practical, persuasive explanations with Scripture. This Bible way to be saved isn't burdensome; it's God's gracious invitation to all, turning spiritual voids into vibrant faith.

Step 1: Hearing the Word (Romans 10:17)

Salvation begins with exposure to God's message, the essential spark that ignites everything else. Romans 10:17 states, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Without this step, one remains in the dark, much like the video's speaker who "had religion all my life, church programs, events, committees" but missed the profound truth of Acts 2:38 until it was finally explained to them.

Practically speaking, incorporate hearing into your routine by setting aside time each day for Scripture. This could mean listening to audio Bibles during your commute, attending a weekly sermon, or reading chapters aloud with a friend. The persuasive power here lies in its simplicity and impact—God's Word isn't silent; it actively transforms. Consider how the speaker's lifelong religious involvement lacked this personal encounter, leaving them without true knowledge of Christ. In Acts 2, the crowd heard Peter's powerful sermon about Jesus' death and resurrection, and they were immediately "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37), prompting them to ask, "what must I do to be saved?" This question, born from hearing, shows the step's urgency.

Jesus Himself emphasized this in John 5:24: "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." It's a foundational promise—persuading us that hearing isn't passive but a gateway to life. Think of it as planting a seed; without soil (hearing), faith can't grow. For those feeling the emptiness the speaker described, starting with hearing dispels confusion and builds a solid foundation. Proverbs 4:20-22 adds, "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body." This step persuades because it's accessible to everyone—rich or poor, educated or not—and it directly counters the unexamined religion that leaves souls yearning. In a noisy world full of distractions, prioritizing hearing God's Word cuts through the chaos, offering clarity and direction toward salvation.

Step 2: Believing (Mark 16:16)

Once you've heard, belief follows as a heartfelt trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Mark 16:16 declares, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This isn't mere intellectual agreement but a deep conviction that changes priorities—the speaker realized they "didn't know Christ. Not really," despite years of religious activity, highlighting how belief bridges the gap from head knowledge to heart transformation.

To apply this practically, affirm your belief through daily affirmations or journaling what Jesus' sacrifice means to you. Persuasive? Belief provides unshakeable hope in trials; as John 20:31 explains, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Like the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:31 who was told, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household," it motivates immediate response and extends to loved ones. This step counters superficial faith that masquerades as religion, ensuring salvation is deeply personal and life-altering.

Step 3: Repentance (Acts 2:38)

Repentance involves a decisive turn from sin toward God's will, a change of mind and direction. Acts 2:38 commands, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The speaker's obedience in this step bridged their religious gap, leading to the peace they had long sought.

Practically, identify specific sins through prayerful reflection and commit to new habits, like accountability partnerships. Persuasive? Repentance liberates from bondage—Luke 15:7 states, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." 2 Corinthians 7:10 further explains, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." For individuals like the speaker, stuck in motions without Christ, repentance redirects energy from empty activities to purposeful living, proving its transformative power.

Step 4: Confession (Romans 10:9-10)

Confession means openly declaring your faith in Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 states, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Share your confession with a trusted friend or in a group setting for encouragement. Persuasive: It solidifies and publicizes your commitment; Matthew 10:32 promises, "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." The speaker's story implies confession as integral to truly knowing Christ, moving beyond silent, routine religion to vocal faith. Romans 1:16 adds, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." This step builds community and courage, essential for enduring faith.

Step 5: Baptism for the Remission of Sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)

Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, symbolizing burial with Christ and rising to new life, directly tied to forgiveness. Acts 2:38 links it explicitly: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." 1 Peter 3:21 clarifies, "and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." The speaker "was baptized for the forgiveness of my sins," discovering the truth about baptism that was absent in their prior religious life, which brought "the peace I was missing all those years."

Practically, upon repenting and believing, seek out a biblical baptism through your local church or study group—don't delay this obedient act. Persuasive: It's the moment sins are washed away, as Acts 22:16 urges, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." Galatians 3:27 explains, "for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Unlike views that see it as merely symbolic or optional, New Testament examples abound with immediacy: the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36-38 stopped his chariot to be baptized upon understanding the gospel, and the 3,000 at Pentecost responded that very day (Acts 2:41). For those religiously active but unfulfilled, like the speaker immersed in programs without personal obedience, baptism marks the turning point from ritual to renewal.

Step 6: Living Faithfully (Revelation 2:10)

After baptism, salvation culminates in faithful endurance, a lifelong commitment to walk in Christ's ways. Revelation 2:10 encourages, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." Post-baptism, the speaker embodied this by shifting from religious motions to a sustained relationship, maintaining the peace they found.

Heartfelt Appeal: Friend, if religion has left you empty, embrace this path today. Like the speaker, find peace in Christ through these steps—your soul's longing awaits fulfillment in Him.

6. Background of the Denomination 

The video's speaker describes a life of "church programs, events, committees" without truly knowing Christ, pointing to a background in Methodism, a mainline Protestant denomination known for structured religious activities and social involvement. This history of Methodism is explored below factually, highlighting its origins and doctrines while respectfully noting its emphasis on personal piety and grace.

Origins and Founding

Methodism's origin of Methodist teachings dates to the 18th century in England, founded by John Wesley (1703–1791), an Anglican clergyman, and his brother Charles. Beginning around 1738 in London and Oxford, it emerged as a revival movement within the Church of England, sparked by Wesley's "heart strangely warmed" experience at Aldersgate Street, emphasizing personal assurance of salvation. By 1784, Wesley ordained ministers for America, forming the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Core Doctrines

Key beliefs include salvation by grace through faith, with an emphasis on sanctification—a lifelong process of growing in holiness. Wesley taught "prevenient grace" (God's enabling power before conversion), justification by faith, and Christian perfection. These origin of Methodist teachings tie to historical events like the Evangelical Revival (1730s–1790s), where open-air preaching addressed social issues, influencing salvation views as transformative for both soul and society.

Historical Events and Salvation Teachings

The history of Methodism includes the American Methodist split in 1844 over slavery, reflecting its social gospel focus, and the 1968 merger forming the United Methodist Church. Salvation teachings evolved during the Second Great Awakening (early 1800s), promoting camp meetings for emotional conversions, aligning with the speaker's religious busyness but lacking Acts 2:38's obedient baptism. Respectfully, Methodism's doctrines have inspired global missions, emphasizing works as faith's fruit.

This background enriches understanding of the speaker's journey, inviting biblical examination for true peace.

7. Key Bible Passages to Read and Study 

The video emphasizes discovering true peace through Acts 2:38, distinguishing religion from knowing Christ. Below is a list of 10 key Bible verses about salvation, including the one mentioned in the script and relevant others, with short explanations. These Scriptures for eternal life provide a foundation for study, encouraging you to move beyond motions to obedience.

1. Acts 2:38 – "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Central to the video, this verse outlines repentance and baptism as keys to forgiveness and the Spirit's gift, bringing the peace the speaker found.
2. John 17:3 – "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." It defines eternal life as intimate knowledge of God, contrasting the speaker's empty religion.
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works." This highlights grace over religious works, yet calls for obedient faith.
4. Romans 10:17 – "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Essential for starting the salvation journey, as the speaker heard Acts 2:38 explained.
5. Mark 16:16 – "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." A clear Bible verse about salvation linking belief and baptism to rescue from sin.
6. Romans 10:9 – "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Emphasizes confession for eternal life.
7. 1 Peter 3:21 – "Baptism... now saves you... by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Reinforces baptism's role in salvation, aligning with the speaker's experience.
8. Revelation 2:10 – "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." Encourages enduring faith for eternal reward.
9. Titus 3:5 – "He saved us... by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Points to regenerative washing, tying to true peace.
10. John 14:6 – "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus as the exclusive path, beyond religious activities.

Study these Scriptures for eternal life to find the relationship the speaker discovered.

8. Common Misunderstandings about Salvation 

Salvation's biblical clarity is often clouded by false teachings about salvation, leading to empty religion like the speaker's experience. Respectfully, we'll identify 5 common errors—faith only, baptism optional, saved before baptism, universalism, and salvation by religious works—explaining each factually, correcting with Scripture, and drawing from the script's rebuttal through Acts 2:38 obedience.

Misunderstanding 1: Faith Only (Without Obedient Response)

Many believe faith alone saves, without acts like baptism, citing misconceptions about grace that overemphasize Ephesians 2:8-9 while ignoring obedience. This can foster passive belief.

Scripture corrects: James 2:24 states, "You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." The speaker rebuts this by realizing they "had never truly obeyed the gospel," finding peace only after baptism.

Misunderstanding 2: Baptism Is Optional or Symbolic

A common error views baptism as non-essential, merely a symbol of prior salvation, downplaying its role.

The truth about baptism refutes this: Acts 2:38 commands, "Repent and be baptized... for the forgiveness of your sins." The speaker notes, "I was baptized for the forgiveness of my sins," directly countering optionality with obedient action for peace.

Misunderstanding 3: People Are Saved Before or Without Baptism

Some teach salvation happens at belief or prayer, with baptism as a later step, using the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) as proof.

Correction: The thief was under the Old Covenant; post-Pentecost, Acts 22:16 urges, "Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away." The script rebuts by emphasizing Acts 2:38's explanation, which the speaker lacked until obeying.

Misunderstanding 4: Universalism (All Are Saved Regardless)

Universalism claims everyone reaches heaven due to God's love, regardless of response, appealing to broad grace interpretations.

Scripture counters: John 3:18 warns, "Whoever does not believe stands condemned already." The speaker's journey from religion without Christ to obedience implies not all paths lead to peace, as "no one had ever explained" the gospel's requirements.

Misunderstanding 5: Salvation by Religious Works or Activities

This error assumes church involvement—like the speaker's "programs, events, committees"—earns salvation, turning faith into merit.

Titus 3:5 corrects: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." The script directly rebuts: Despite lifelong religion, the speaker "didn't know Christ" until obeying Acts 2:38, showing works without gospel obedience leave one missing peace.

These misunderstandings, while sincerely held, hinder true relationship with Christ. The video persuasively calls for biblical alignment.

9. Real-Life Examples of Changed Lives 

The video's testimony of moving from religious motions to true peace through Acts 2:38 obedience inspires hope. Below are two short Christian testimonies of individuals who experienced a changed life through the gospel, echoing the speaker's journey.

Testimony 1: From Empty Rituals to Authentic Faith

Sarah, a 42-year-old teacher raised in a structured church environment, spent years in committees and events, much like the speaker who "had religion all my life, church programs, events, committees." She felt spiritually drained, realizing she "didn't know Christ. Not really." After studying Acts 2:38, Sarah repented, confessed her faith, and was baptized for the forgiveness of sins. The transformation was immediate—her anxiety gave way to joy, and she began mentoring youth with genuine passion, rebuilding her marriage along the way.

Testimony 2: Breaking Free from Lifelong Habits

Michael, a 55-year-old businessman, mirrored the speaker's emptiness despite decades of religious involvement. He "realized I was going through motions, but I had never truly obeyed the gospel." Upon learning Acts 2:38's call to repent and be baptized, Michael obeyed, finding "the peace I was missing all those years." His addiction to workaholism faded, replaced by family devotion and community service, turning his life from hollow success to purposeful living.

These stories show obedience brings renewal, as in Galatians 2:20. In the end, just as the video's speaker discovered that religion without Christ is incomplete, these lives remind us that true peace flows only from surrendering to the gospel—a profound truth that could forever alter your own story.

10. Why Urgency Matters in Responding to the Gospel 

The gospel isn't a suggestion—it's a divine call demanding immediate response, as life's fragility leaves no room for delay. The video's speaker didn't procrastinate once realizing they "had never truly obeyed the gospel," instead getting baptized for forgiveness and finding peace. This urgency of salvation is biblical; do not delay obeying the gospel, for opportunities can vanish in an instant. We'll explore why, with practical insights and Scripture, persuading you that today is the day to act.

The Fleeting Nature of Life

James 4:14 asks, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." We can't predict tomorrow—accidents, illness, or unforeseen events underscore this. The speaker's years of empty religion highlight the risk: Without urgent obedience to Acts 2:38, peace remained elusive. Persuasive? Delaying hardens hearts (Hebrews 3:13); act now to avoid regret, as the rich fool did in Luke 12, planning for tomorrow but dying that night.

God's Appointed Time for Grace

2 Corinthians 6:2 declares, "For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation." God's grace is available today, but not indefinitely. The video implies this through the speaker's realization: "No one had ever explained what Peter preached in Acts 2:38." They responded promptly, gaining "the peace I was missing all those years." Factually, history shows delayed responses lead to missed blessings, like Felix in Acts 24:25 who postponed and lost his chance. This persuades—salvation's door is open now; seize it before complacency closes it.

The Consequences of Procrastination

Procrastination often stems from doubt or busyness, fostering a false sense of security in religious motions. Yet, the speaker warns implicitly by contrasting lifelong religion with the need to obey: "I realized I was going through motions." Revelation 3:20 pictures Jesus knocking—delay means missing His entry. Persuasive examples from Scripture, like the five foolish virgins in Matthew 25 shut out for unpreparedness, emphasize eternal stakes. In our fast-paced world, distractions abound, but eternity outweighs them.

Practical Reasons to Respond Now

Spiritually, urgency builds momentum—obey today, and habits of faith form immediately. The speaker's peace came post-obedience, not in waiting. Socially, sharing your decision encourages others. Biblically, Acts 22:16 urges, "What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away." Respectfully, if denominational teachings suggest gradualism, test against Scripture's call for promptness.

In summary, life's brevity, God's timing, and delay's dangers demand action. The video's appeal is clear: Move beyond motions to obedience now.

11. Questions to Ask Yourself After Watching 

The video's testimony of finding peace beyond religious motions through Acts 2:38 obedience prompts deep self-reflection. Like the speaker who "had religion all my life" but lacked Christ, these 6 questions encourage examining your faith against the Bible truth about salvation. Answer honestly—they could lead to transformative peace.

Do you have a personal relationship with Christ, or are you relying on church activities like the speaker's "programs, events, committees"? This probes whether your faith is relational or ritualistic.

Have you truly obeyed the gospel as in Acts 2:38, including baptism for forgiveness, or is something missing? Reflect on the speaker's realization: "I had never truly obeyed the gospel."

If you asked, "Am I saved?" could you answer with the confidence the speaker gained after obedience? This ties to assurance rooted in Scripture, not assumptions.

Does your daily life reflect knowing Christ, or do you feel the emptiness the speaker described despite religious involvement? Consider if motions have replaced genuine connection.

How does your understanding of salvation align with New Testament examples, and are you willing to adjust if needed? This encourages testing beliefs against Acts 2:38.

What steps will you take today to ensure your eternal destiny is secure in Christ? Ponder the long-term impact, as the speaker found "the peace I was missing all those years."

These questions, inspired by the video, foster growth without judgment—let them guide you to biblical truth.

12. Next Steps for Learning More 

The video's journey from empty religion to peace in Christ calls for action—don't stop here. Dive deeper into how to learn how to be saved by obeying Acts 2:38, just as the speaker did upon realizing they "didn't know Christ. Not really."

Start by joining a free Bible study on AreUSaved.com, where you'll explore Scriptures like Acts 2:38 in a supportive group setting—sign up today for virtual or local options.

Read more articles on our site, covering topics from baptism's role to overcoming religious routines, providing persuasive insights for your faith journey.

For personalized guidance, contact us through the AreUSaved.com contact page—our team is ready to answer questions and study with you.

Try the AreUSaved.com chatbot for instant, Scripture-based responses to queries about salvation and obedience.

These steps mirror the speaker's path to "the peace I was missing"—take them now to experience true transformation in Christ.

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