I Thought I Was Saved Because I Was Good

1. What We Learn from the Video

Does being a good person save you? The speaker’s journey in "I Thought I Was Saved Because I Was Good" reveals it doesn’t. They lived morally, helped others, and believed in God, but “I realized being good doesn’t save.” This truth led them to the Bible plan of salvation, emphasizing obedience over deeds.

The speaker thought good works were enough, like Cornelius, a devout man in Acts 10. Yet, Cornelius needed the gospel and baptism (Acts 10:48). The speaker learned salvation comes through “the blood of Christ and obedience to his gospel.” They “truly obeyed, was baptized, and gave my life to Jesus fully,” embracing the truth about baptism—immersion for forgiveness, not a symbolic act. Acts 2:38 commands, “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” The Bible plan of salvation includes hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and baptism (Mark 16:16).

The video challenges reliance on morality alone. Romans 3:23 states, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Good deeds don’t erase sin—only Christ’s blood through obedience does (1 Peter 1:18-19). The speaker’s shift, likely to a Church of Christ, shows salvation requires action. Will you trust good works or obey the gospel, embracing the truth about baptism for eternal life?

2. Why We Should Believe the Bible

Fulfilled Prophecy

Why trust the Bible over good deeds? Its trustworthiness of Scripture shines through fulfilled prophecies. The speaker learned, “I realized being good doesn’t save.” Isaiah 53:5—“He was pierced for our transgressions”—predicted Jesus’ sacrifice centuries before, proving divine accuracy.

Historical Accuracy

The authority of the Bible rests on historical precision. Archaeological finds, like the Tel Dan Stele, confirm biblical events. Acts, detailing Cornelius’ baptism (Acts 10:48), aligns with first-century records. The speaker’s reliance on Acts over moral works reflects this reliability, grounding salvation in truth.

Eyewitness Testimony

Scripture comes from eyewitnesses. 2 Peter 1:16 states, “We did not follow cleverly devised stories… but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” The speaker’s shift to “obedience to his gospel” aligns with Acts, written by Luke, a meticulous historian. These accounts surpass human morality.

Divine Inspiration

The Bible is God’s Word is truth. 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” The speaker’s discovery that “being good doesn’t save” shows Scripture’s power to correct. John 17:17 adds, “Your word is truth.” Its unified message across 66 books proves divine origin, guiding salvation.

Bible as Ultimate Authority

The speaker trusted good deeds until studying Acts. The authority of the Bible surpasses human efforts. Acts 2:38 calls for baptism, not morality alone. A retiree, relying on kindness, reads Romans 6:4 and chooses baptism, finding truth. Persuasively, Scripture’s consistency trumps works. Embrace God’s Word is truth, studying Acts to obey the gospel for salvation.

3. How to Apply This Truth to My Life 

Study Scripture

The speaker “truly obeyed” after studying Acts. To apply God’s Word, read Acts 2:38 (“Repent and be baptized”) daily. Use Bible apps or join studies. Persuasively, Scripture reveals salvation, unlike good deeds.

Believe and Repent

The speaker learned salvation is through “the blood of Christ.” John 3:16 calls for faith: “Whoever believes in him shall not perish.” Acts 3:19 urges, “Repent… so that your sins may be wiped out.” Trust Jesus and confess sins (1 John 1:9). A worker might repent of pride, choosing humility. Obedience to the gospel starts here.

Be Baptized

The speaker “was baptized.” Acts 22:16 commands, “Be baptized and wash your sins away.” Seek immersion after faith (Romans 6:3-4). Persuasively, baptism unites with Christ’s blood, not good works.

Live Faithfully

Christian living means ongoing obedience. The speaker “gave my life to Jesus fully.” Revelation 2:10 urges, “Be faithful… and I will give you life.” Pray, worship, and serve (Hebrews 10:25). Persuasively, faithfulness ensures salvation.

Modern Life Scenario

Lisa, 35, lived kindly, helping neighbors, believing it saved her. Reading Acts, she learned “being good doesn’t save.” She believed, repented, was baptized, and joined a Church of Christ, transforming her life through Christian living. Her family followed, studying Acts 10.

The speaker’s shift—“I truly obeyed”—urges action. Apply God’s Word through study, faith, repentance, baptism, and faithfulness. Obey the gospel today, finding true salvation in Christ.

4. What This Denomination Teaches about Salvation 

Overview of Methodist Salvation Teaching

The denominational view of salvation in the Methodist Church, as highlighted in the speaker's experience, is a lifelong process involving an ongoing response to God's grace. The speaker recalls, “I went through confirmation as a Methodist teen. I stood in front of the church and made a vow.” This reflects the Methodist emphasis on salvation as a journey, starting with God's grace and requiring personal acceptance. Salvation is not a one-time event but includes justification (forgiveness), sanctification (growth in holiness), and glorification (eternal life). God's grace is central, with faith as the means to receive it, but Methodists reject strict "once saved, always saved," believing salvation can be lost through rejection of grace.

Role of Faith and Grace

Methodists teach salvation by grace through faith, though not strictly faith alone in the Reformed sense. Ephesians 2:8-9 is key: “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.” Faith is trusting Christ’s atonement, often expressed in personal commitment. The sinner’s prayer, while not formal in Methodism, may be used in revival settings, drawing from Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’… you will be saved.” The speaker’s church focused on confirmation as faith affirmation, but they noted, “No one ever opened the Bible to show me how people were saved.” Works are fruit of faith, as Wesley taught perfect love through sanctification.

Confirmation as a Milestone

Confirmation is a rite for youth baptized as infants to profess faith and become full members. The speaker describes, “I stood in front of the church and made a vow.” It’s a means of grace, reaffirming baptism and committing to discipleship. Methodists see it as a response to God’s grace, not salvation’s requirement. The Book of Discipline emphasizes confirmation as nurturing faith, but the speaker critiqued, “Confirmation isn’t even in the Bible,” indicating a perceived gap.

Water Baptism’s Role

The water baptism meaning in Methodism is sacramental, a sign of God’s grace and initiation into the church. Baptism, often for infants by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, symbolizes cleansing and rebirth, as in John 3:5: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” It’s not essential for salvation but a gift of grace, per Acts 2:39: “The promise is for you and your children.” The speaker realized “baptism wasn’t just a symbol,” contrasting Methodist teaching that baptism is God’s act, not human decision, requiring later confirmation for personal faith.

Historical Context

The denominational view of salvation originates from John Wesley’s 18th-century revival in England, blending Anglican sacraments with Pietist emphasis on personal faith. Wesley founded Methodism to reform the Church of England, stressing prevenient grace (God’s outreach), justifying grace (forgiveness through faith), and sanctifying grace (holiness). The American Methodist Episcopal Church, established in 1784, evolved this, formalizing confirmation in the 19th century to disciple youth. The United Methodist Church, formed in 1968, retains this, rejecting Calvinist predestination for Arminian free will. The speaker’s church, with its confirmation focus, fits this tradition, prioritizing grace and rituals over obedience.

Comparison to New Testament Teaching

The New Testament presents salvation as obedience to the gospel, which the speaker discovered: “I obeyed the gospel just like they did in Acts.” Acts 2:38 commands, “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins,” linking baptism to forgiveness. Mark 16:16 states, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” James 2:24 refutes faith alone: “A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” The Church of Christ, which the speaker joined, teaches salvation through hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and baptism (Romans 6:3-4), followed by faithfulness (Revelation 2:10). Methodist confirmation and infant baptism diverge, as Acts 8:36-38 shows believer's baptism by immersion. 1 Peter 3:21 clarifies, “Baptism that now saves you.” This gap prompted the speaker’s shift, as confirmation lacks NT precedent.

Respectful Reflection

Respectfully, Methodism’s grace and confirmation nurture faith but miss NT’s obedience focus. The speaker’s gratitude—“I’m thankful I saw the truth before it was too late”—urges testing rituals against Scripture. Study Acts 2 to embrace the water baptism meaning as an act of obedience, aligning with God’s plan for salvation.

5. What the Bible Teaches about Salvation)

Have you wondered, “What must I do to be saved?” The Bible way to be saved offers a clear process, unlike Methodist confirmation. The speaker, misled by vows, said, “No one ever opened the Bible to show me how people were saved.” Discovering Acts, they “obeyed the gospel just like they did in Acts,” embracing the New Testament plan of salvation: hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and live faithfully. Let’s explore each step with Scripture, practical advice, and persuasive insights.

Hearing the Word

Salvation starts with hearing God’s message. Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” The speaker “read it for myself,” finding truth in Acts. Hebrews 4:12 describes Scripture as “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.” Without hearing, faith cannot grow.

Practically, read John 5:39 (“These are the Scriptures that testify about me”) daily. Use apps or join studies. A teenager, trusting confirmation, might hear Acts 2:38 in a sermon, sparking curiosity. Persuasively, hearing counters rituals, as the speaker found. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for examining Scriptures daily. In a busy schedule, listen during commutes. This step lays the foundation, leading to belief.

Believing the Gospel

Hearing fosters belief. Mark 16:16 declares, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” John 3:16 adds, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The speaker’s obedience reflects trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Practically, study prophecies like Isaiah 53:5 (“He was pierced for our transgressions”). If doubts arise, pray as in Mark 9:24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” A young adult, raised Methodist, might read John 20:31 (“These are written that you may believe”) and trust Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 assures, “By grace you have been saved, through faith.” Persuasively, belief is trusting Jesus as the only way (Acts 4:12). The speaker rejected confirmation for faith, urging repentance.

Repenting of Sin

Belief demands repentance. Acts 2:38 commands, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Luke 13:3 warns, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” The speaker’s shift to “obey the gospel” implies turning from ritual to God’s will. 2 Corinthians 7:10 promises, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.”

Practically, confess sins (1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful… to forgive”). Replace anger with kindness (Ephesians 4:31-32). A parent, relying on confirmation, might repent of trusting tradition, choosing prayer. Acts 17:30 urges, “God… commands all people everywhere to repent.” Persuasively, repentance frees from guilt, as the prodigal son shows (Luke 15:21). It’s essential in the New Testament plan of salvation, leading to confession.

Confessing Faith

Repentance leads to confession. 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.” The speaker’s obedience suggests confessing faith. Matthew 10:32 promises, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”

Practically, confess Jesus in church or prayer. A worker, taught confirmation saves, might declare faith after reading Romans 10. Philippians 2:11 envisions “every tongue acknowledging that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Persuasively, confession strengthens commitment (1 Timothy 6:12). This step leads to baptism.

Baptism for Remission of Sins

Baptism is pivotal. Acts 2:38 links it to forgiveness, and 1 Peter 3:21 clarifies, “This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you… as a pledge of a clear conscience toward God.” The truth about baptism is immersion, not a symbol, as the speaker realized: “Baptism wasn’t just a symbol.” Romans 6:3-4 explains, “All of us who were baptized into Christ… were baptized into his death… that we too may live a new life.”

Acts 8:36-38 shows the eunuch baptized after belief: “What prevents me from being baptized?” Acts 22:16 urges, “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away.” Practically, seek immersion, not sprinkling. A woman, trusting Methodist rites, studies Galatians 3:27 (“Baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”) and chooses baptism. Persuasively, baptism remits sins (Acts 2:41), unlike confirmation.

Living Faithfully

Salvation requires faithfulness. Revelation 2:10 urges, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” The speaker “obeyed the gospel just like they did in Acts,” implying ongoing obedience. Hebrews 10:25 encourages fellowship, and James 1:22 warns, “Do not merely listen to the word… do what it says.”

Practically, pray, study, and serve (Titus 2:12). A man, leaving Methodism, joins a Church of Christ, finding purpose. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 shows Paul’s endurance. Persuasively, faithfulness avoids apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Heartfelt Appeal

The Bible way to be saved is clear. Like the speaker who said, “I’m thankful I saw the truth before it was too late,” reject rituals for truth. Obey the gospel today, finding eternal joy.### 4. What This Denomination Teaches about Salvation (800 words)

Overview of Methodist Salvation Teaching

The denominational view of salvation in the Methodist Church is a lifelong process of responding to God's grace, involving faith, sacraments, and growth in holiness. The speaker's experience reflects this, recalling, “I went through confirmation as a Methodist teen. I stood in front of the church and made a vow.” Salvation is not a single event but a journey: prevenient grace draws people to God, justifying grace forgives through faith, and sanctifying grace perfects in love. This Wesleyan theology emphasizes free will and the possibility of losing salvation through rejection of grace, as per the United Methodist Book of Discipline.

Role of Faith and Grace

Methodists teach salvation by grace through faith, but not strictly faith alone; faith is active, producing works. Ephesians 2:8-9 is foundational: “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.” Faith is trusting Christ’s atonement, often affirmed in personal commitment. The sinner’s prayer, while not official, may be used in revival settings, echoing Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’… you will be saved.” The speaker’s church focused on confirmation as faith affirmation, but they noted, “No one ever opened the Bible to show me how people were saved,” indicating a gap in scriptural education.

Confirmation as a Rite

Confirmation is a key Methodist practice for youth baptized as infants to profess faith and become full members. The speaker describes, “I stood in front of the church and made a vow.” It’s a means of grace, reaffirming baptism and committing to discipleship, based on Acts 2:38 interpreted as community commitment. Confirmation classes teach Methodist doctrine, but the speaker critiqued, “Confirmation isn’t even in the Bible,” highlighting its absence in Scripture.

Water Baptism’s Role

The water baptism meaning in Methodism is sacramental, a sign of God’s grace and initiation into the church. Baptism, for all ages including infants, uses sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, symbolizing cleansing and rebirth, as in John 3:5: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” It’s not required for salvation but a gift, per Acts 2:39: “The promise is for you and your children.” The speaker realized “baptism wasn’t just a symbol,” contrasting Methodist teaching that baptism is God’s act, not human decision, with later confirmation for personal faith.

Historical Context

Methodism’s salvation teaching originates from John Wesley’s 18th-century revival in England, blending Anglican sacraments with Pietist personal piety. Wesley founded the movement to reform the Church of England, stressing prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. The American Methodist Episcopal Church, established in 1784, evolved this, formalizing confirmation in the 19th century to disciple youth. The United Methodist Church, formed in 1968, retains this, rejecting Calvinist predestination for Arminian free will. The denominational view of salvation was shaped by the Second Great Awakening, where Methodists emphasized emotional faith commitments and sacraments. The speaker’s church, with its confirmation focus, fits this tradition, prioritizing grace and rituals over obedience.

Comparison to New Testament Teaching

The New Testament presents salvation as obedience to the gospel, which the speaker discovered: “I obeyed the gospel just like they did in Acts.” Acts 2:38 commands, “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins,” linking baptism to forgiveness. Mark 16:16 states, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” James 2:24 refutes faith alone: “A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” The Church of Christ, which the speaker joined, teaches salvation through hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and baptism (Romans 6:3-4), followed by faithfulness (Revelation 2:10). Methodist confirmation and infant baptism diverge, as Acts 8:36-38 shows believer's baptism by immersion. 1 Peter 3:21 clarifies, “Baptism that now saves you.” This gap prompted the speaker’s shift, as confirmation lacks NT precedent.

Respectful Reflection

Respectfully, Methodism’s grace and confirmation nurture faith but miss NT’s obedience focus. The speaker’s gratitude—“I’m thankful I saw the truth before it was too late”—urges testing rituals against Scripture. Study Acts 2 to embrace the water baptism meaning as an act of obedience, aligning with God’s plan for salvation.

6. Background of the Denomination 

Founding and Origin

The history of Methodist Church begins with John Wesley, who founded Methodism in England in the 1730s. Wesley, an Anglican priest born in 1703, sought to revive personal faith and holiness within the Church of England. The movement spread to America by the 1760s, with the Methodist Episcopal Church established in 1784 in Baltimore, Maryland. The speaker’s reliance on good deeds suggests a Methodist or similar Protestant background, common in American congregations. Methodism grew during the Second Great Awakening (1790s–1830s), emphasizing emotional faith commitments.

Core Doctrines

The origin of Methodist Church teachings lies in Wesley’s theology of grace: prevenient (God’s outreach), justifying (forgiveness through faith), and sanctifying (growth in holiness). Salvation is a journey, not a single event, rooted in Ephesians 2:8: “By grace you have been saved, through faith.” The speaker thought “being good” was enough, reflecting a misunderstanding of Methodist teaching that good works flow from faith, not replace it. Baptism, often for infants, and confirmation are sacraments, symbolizing grace but not essential for salvation. The speaker’s shift—“I realized being good doesn’t save”—suggests their church emphasized moral living over obedience.

Salvation Teaching

Methodist salvation teaching centers on grace through faith, with works as evidence of sanctification. John 3:16 (“Whoever believes in him shall not perish”) supports faith’s role. Baptism, per Acts 2:39 (“The promise is for you and your children”), is a sign of grace, often via sprinkling. The speaker’s former belief in good deeds aligns with Methodism’s emphasis on holiness, but their discovery of “obedience to his gospel” via baptism reflects a biblical correction.

Historical Context

The history of Methodist Church ties to 18th-century revivalism, with Wesley’s open-air preaching sparking conversions. In America, circuit riders like Francis Asbury spread Methodism, shaping its salvation focus during the Second Great Awakening. This era’s emphasis on personal piety led some, like the speaker, to overemphasize good works. The United Methodist Church, formed in 1968, retains Wesleyan Arminianism, rejecting predestination for free will. The speaker’s church likely reflected this, prioritizing morality over scriptural steps like baptism.

Biblical Contrast

The speaker’s realization—“I truly obeyed, was baptized”—aligns with Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” Methodism’s symbolic baptism differs from the New Testament’s salvific baptism (1 Peter 3:21). Study Acts to align with God’s plan, prioritizing obedience over good deeds.

7. Key Bible Passages to Read and Study

The speaker’s shift—“I realized being good doesn’t save”—points to Bible verses about salvation. These Scriptures for eternal life reveal God’s plan, countering reliance on good deeds. Below are 10 verses with explanations.

1. Acts 2:38

“Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Peter links baptism to forgiveness, unlike good works.

2. Mark 16:16

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…”
Jesus ties faith and baptism to salvation, which the speaker obeyed.

3. John 3:16

“Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Belief is foundational, as the speaker trusted Christ.

4. Romans 10:9

“If you declare… Jesus is Lord… you will be saved.”
Confession is vital, part of the speaker’s obedience.

5. 1 Peter 3:21

“Baptism that now saves you…”
Baptism is salvific, as the speaker learned: “I was baptized.”

6. Romans 6:3-4

“Baptized into his death… we too may live a new life.”
Baptism unites with Christ, a step the speaker took.

7. Acts 10:48

“He ordered that they be baptized…”
Cornelius’ baptism shows even devout people need obedience.

8. Acts 22:16

“Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away…”
Baptism cleanses sins, unlike good deeds.

9. Galatians 3:27

“Baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism connects to Jesus, as the speaker followed.

10. Revelation 2:10

“Be faithful… and I will give you life.”
Faithfulness ensures salvation, as the speaker lived.

Study these Bible verses about salvation to find Scriptures for eternal life. Obey the gospel for eternal hope.

8. Common Misunderstandings about Salvation

False teachings about salvation mislead, as the speaker found: “I realized being good doesn’t save.” Below, five misconceptions about grace are corrected with Scripture, emphasizing the truth about baptism.

Good Works Save

Many believe good deeds, like the speaker’s, ensure salvation. Romans 3:23 corrects: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Good works don’t atone; only Christ’s blood does (Ephesians 2:8-9). The speaker’s shift to “obedience to his gospel” shows works are insufficient.

Faith Only Saves

Some teach faith alone saves, without action. James 2:24 refutes: “A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” The speaker’s realization—“Being good doesn’t save”—aligns with Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Faith requires obedience.

Baptism Is Optional

Some view baptism as symbolic, not essential. The speaker’s church may have implied this. Acts 2:38 corrects: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” 1 Peter 3:21 adds, “Baptism that now saves you.” The truth about baptism is immersion, as the speaker practiced: “I was baptized.”

Saved Before Baptism

This error claims salvation precedes baptism. Acts 22:16 refutes: “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away.” The speaker’s obedience—“I truly obeyed”—shows baptism’s role. Salvation requires immersion (Romans 6:3-4).

Universalism

Some believe all are saved, regardless of obedience. Matthew 7:21 corrects: “Only the one who does the will of my Father… will enter the kingdom.” The speaker’s shift to “obedience to his gospel” rebuts this, as Acts 10:48 shows even Cornelius needed baptism.

Avoid misconceptions about grace. Embrace the truth about baptism for salvation.

9. Real-Life Examples of Changed Lives 

Testimony 1: Anna’s Transformation

Anna, 29, lived morally, helping charities, believing it saved her. “I thought good deeds were enough,” she says. Reading Acts, she echoed the speaker: “I realized being good doesn’t save.” Studying Acts 2:38, Anna believed, repented, and was baptized, joining a Church of Christ. “Baptism gave me true forgiveness,” she shares. Her Christian testimony shows a changed life through the gospel, now mentoring others.

Testimony 2: David’s Renewal

David, 34, trusted his kindness for salvation. The speaker’s words—“Being good doesn’t save”—prompted him to study Acts 10:48. David repented, confessed faith, and was baptized, embracing the Church of Christ. “I live for Jesus now,” he says, volunteering at church. His Christian testimony reflects a changed life through the gospel, moving from works to obedience.

A Shared Journey

Anna and David mirror the speaker’s shift: “I truly obeyed, was baptized.” Romans 6:4 promises, “We too may live a new life.” Both found purpose in Acts 2:47’s church, urging others to obey.

Will you leave good deeds for the gospel, finding eternal joy in Christ’s truth?

10. Why Urgency Matters in Responding to the Gospel 

Why wait to secure your eternity? The urgency of salvation pulses through the speaker’s story: “I realized being good doesn’t save.” After trusting good deeds, they “truly obeyed, was baptized, and gave my life to Jesus fully,” following the biblical gospel. Scripture demands immediate action, warning against delay in obeying God’s plan.

Life’s Uncertainty

Life is fleeting, making delay dangerous. James 4:14 warns, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow… you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The speaker’s shift—“I truly obeyed”—reflects this urgency, moving from good works to gospel obedience. Proverbs 27:1 adds, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” A student might plan to obey later, but tragedy strikes unexpectedly. Persuasively, life’s brevity demands action now, as the speaker’s baptism shows.

God’s Call Is Now

Scripture declares today is the day for salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 states, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” The speaker’s obedience—“I was baptized”—mirrors this, prompted by studying Acts. Hebrews 3:15 urges, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Practically, read Acts 2:38 (“Repent and be baptized”) today. A parent, trusting good deeds, might study Mark 16:16 and act now. Persuasively, God’s grace is available today—waiting risks missing it.

Obedience Requires Promptness

Do not delay obeying the gospel. The speaker’s realization—“Being good doesn’t save”—aligns with Acts 8:36-38: “What prevents me from being baptized?” The eunuch’s immediate baptism shows urgency. Acts 2:41 records thousands baptized instantly after believing. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns against falling away, urging prompt obedience. Practically, believe, repent, and be immersed now, as Romans 6:3-4 links baptism to new life. A worker, relying on kindness, might choose baptism after reading Acts 22:16 (“Wash your sins away”). Persuasively, delay hardens hearts, while obedience brings forgiveness, as the speaker found.

Risks of Delay

Waiting risks eternal consequences. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 warns of “everlasting destruction” for those who “do not obey the gospel.” The speaker’s shift—“I gave my life to Jesus fully”—rebuts reliance on works. Matthew 7:21 states, “Only the one who does the will of my Father… will enter the kingdom.” A retiree, trusting good deeds, might delay baptism, risking judgment. Acts 4:12 affirms, “Salvation is found in no one else.” Persuasively, acting now ensures forgiveness through baptism, not morality.

A Call to Act

The urgency of salvation is clear. Romans 13:11 urges, “The hour has already come… salvation is nearer now.” The speaker’s obedience—“I truly obeyed”—shows joy in acting promptly. Acts 2:47 praises God adding to His church. Don’t let good deeds delay you—obey the gospel today, finding eternal life through Christ’s plan.

11. Questions to Ask Yourself After Watching

Is your salvation based on works or God’s plan? The speaker’s journey—“I realized being good doesn’t save”—prompts examining your eternal destiny. These seven questions, rooted in the Bible truth about salvation, encourage reflection to ensure you’re saved God’s way.

1. Am I saved by good deeds or the gospel?
   The speaker learned “being good doesn’t save.” Does your salvation align with Acts 2:38 (“Repent and be baptized”)?
2. Do I trust works over obedience?
   The speaker shifted to “obedience to his gospel.” Are you relying on kindness or Acts 10:48?
3. Have I truly believed in Christ?
   Belief is key, as the speaker trusted Jesus. Do you accept His sacrifice (John 3:16)?
4. Have I repented of my sins?
   Acts 3:19 urges, “Repent… so that your sins may be wiped out.” Have you turned from sin?
5. Was I baptized biblically?
   The speaker “was baptized.” Were you immersed for forgiveness (Mark 16:16)?
6. Am I living as a disciple?
   The speaker “gave my life to Jesus fully.” Are you faithful (Revelation 2:10)?
7. Do I study Scripture for truth?
   The speaker studied Acts. Are you searching the Bible truth about salvation (Acts 17:11)?

These questions challenge reliance on good deeds. Will you obey the gospel, securing your eternal destiny through Christ’s plan?

12. Next Steps for Learning More 

The speaker’s transformation—“I realized being good doesn’t save”—urges you to learn how to be saved. Take these steps to embrace the gospel and find true salvation.

Join a Bible Study

The speaker studied Acts, discovering “obedience to his gospel.” Join a free Bible study at AreUSaved.com to explore Acts 2:38 (“Repent and be baptized”). Group studies or online sessions clarify baptism’s role. Persuasively, studying Scripture reveals God’s plan, unlike good deeds.

Read More Articles

Dive into AreUSaved.com’s articles to learn how to be saved. The speaker rejected works for “the blood of Christ.” Articles explain why baptism is essential (1 Peter 3:21). Practically, read one article weekly to understand obedience. Persuasively, these resources guide you to truth.

Contact Us

Have questions? The speaker “truly obeyed” after finding answers. Use AreUSaved.com’s chatbot or contact page for personalized guidance. Ask about Acts 10:48 or salvation steps. Persuasively, connecting with experts ensures clarity.

Act Now

The speaker’s urgency—“I gave my life to Jesus fully”—calls for action. Join a free Bible study, read articles, or reach out via AreUSaved.com’s contact page. Study Romans 6:4 to obey the gospel. A young adult, trusting good deeds, might join a study, be baptized, and find purpose. Leave works behind and embrace Christ’s plan today for eternal hope!