Author: Ian Rice

  • The Philippian Jailer & Faith Only

    Those who teach salvation by faith alone often appeal to the conversion of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16. When he asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” they answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30–31).

    Does this mean that belief is the only thing necessary for salvation? We need to consider the entire account, not simply one verse.

    What Must I Do to Be Saved?

    The jailer’s question came under extraordinary circumstances. Paul and Silas had been imprisoned in Philippi, yet at midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, opening its doors and loosening the prisoners’ chains.

    Assuming the prisoners had escaped, the jailer was about to take his own life when Paul cried out, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here” (Acts 16:28).

    Trembling, the jailer fell before Paul and Silas and asked what he must do to be saved.

    Their answer was straightforward: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 31). But what did that belief involve? And what happened next?

    What Happened After the Jailer Was Told to Believe?

    Notice the sequence of events recorded by Luke:

    First, Paul and Silas preached the word of the Lord. Acts 16:32 says, “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.” The jailer needed to hear the gospel in order to believe it (Rom. 10:17).

    Second, the jailer responded to what he heard. That same night, he washed the wounds of Paul and Silas. His actions demonstrated a change in attitude toward the very men who had been placed in his custody.

    Third, he and his household were baptized immediately. Luke records, “And immediately he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:33).

    Why was baptism so urgent? Why did they not wait until morning?

    The answer becomes clearer when we consider what the apostles taught elsewhere. Peter commanded his hearers to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus likewise connected belief and baptism in Mark 16:16.

    Finally, Acts 16:34 tells us that the jailer rejoiced, “having believed in God with all his household.”

    Notice that Luke describes the jailer’s belief after recording his response to the gospel, including his baptism. The account does not present belief as an isolated mental acknowledgment, but as faith that responded to God’s word.

    Does Faith Exclude Obedience?

    The Bible certainly teaches the necessity of faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). But does the necessity of faith mean that repentance, confession, and baptism can be excluded?

    Jesus taught the necessity of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5). He also spoke of confessing Him before men (Matt. 10:32–33). Paul connected confession with salvation in Romans 10:9–10, and Peter commanded baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

    These teachings do not contradict the command to believe. Rather, they help us understand what responding to the gospel involves.

    James makes an important distinction when he writes, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). He concludes, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (v. 26).

    James is not teaching that sinners earn salvation through their own merit. His point is that genuine faith is not inactive. It responds to what God has said.

    We should not confuse obedient faith with an attempt to earn salvation. Nor should we separate faith from the obedience God requires.

    Consider the Whole Account

    The Philippian jailer was told to believe in Jesus Christ. He then heard the word of the Lord, responded to what he heard, and was baptized that very night. Only then does Luke conclude the account by describing his rejoicing as one who had believed in God.

    It is a mistake to stop reading at Acts 16:31 and overlook what follows.

    The question is not whether faith is necessary for salvation. It most certainly is. The question is whether saving faith can be separated from obedience to the gospel.

    The conversion of the Philippian jailer gives us good reason to consider the whole counsel of God rather than build a doctrine upon one verse.

    For further study:

    What Must One Do to Become a Christian? · Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ · Looking for Jesus?

  • How Does One Get into Christ?

    The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Paul writes that God has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). He also declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).

    But this raises an important question: How does one get into Christ?

    There is considerable disagreement about the place of baptism in salvation. Some regard baptism as an outward expression of salvation already received, while others understand it to be part of the response God requires of those seeking forgiveness.

    Rather than begin with what people teach, let us consider what the Scriptures say.

    Baptized into Christ

    Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:3–4

    Notice Paul’s language. He describes believers as having been baptized into Christ Jesus and into His death. Through baptism, they were buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.

    Paul is addressing Christians who had already obeyed the gospel. His immediate purpose was to remind them that they could not continue living in sin. Their baptism signified a decisive break with their former manner of life.

    But in making that argument, Paul also tells us something important about their conversion: they had been baptized into Christ.

    Sons of God Through Faith

    For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. — Galatians 3:26–27

    Here, faith and baptism are not presented as competing ideas.

    Paul says that these Christians were sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. He then explains that those who were baptized into Christ had put on Christ.

    We should not overlook either statement.

    Salvation is not earned through human effort. It is made possible through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet the faith described in Scripture is not merely an acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God. It is faith that responds to His word.

    The question, then, is not whether faith is necessary. It certainly is. The question is whether we may separate faith from the response God has commanded.

    Baptism and the Resurrection of Christ

    There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 3:21

    Peter is careful to explain that baptism is not simply the washing of the body. Its significance is spiritual, and its saving power rests in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    The water itself does not possess some special power to remove sin. Forgiveness comes through Christ.

    Nevertheless, Peter plainly connects baptism with salvation. We should be careful not to dismiss what he affirms.

    This agrees with the instruction given by Peter on Pentecost, when those convicted of their sins asked what they should do. He answered, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

    Jesus likewise commanded His apostles to preach the gospel throughout the world, declaring, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

    These passages deserve careful consideration together.

    The Question Before Us

    If the New Testament speaks of being baptized into Christ, we ought to take that language seriously.

    Baptism does not earn salvation. Forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ. Yet the Scriptures consistently connect baptism with the believer’s response to the gospel.

    We must not diminish the necessity of faith, nor should we dismiss what the Lord has commanded. Our responsibility is to hear His word and respond in faith and obedience.

    A Prayer

    Holy Father, we thank You for the salvation made possible through Your Son. Give us honest hearts to receive Your word, the humility to obey it, and the courage to teach it faithfully. May we never place our own understanding above what You have revealed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    If you are studying this question for yourself, you may also want to read What Must One Do to Become a Christian? and Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ. If you are looking for a place to begin with Jesus and salvation, visit Looking for Jesus?.

  • Delivered to Conquer

    When God rescued the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, He performed mighty wonders such as the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. However, His intention was not for them to return to Egypt after their deliverance. Throughout their journey, God provided for the Israelites by leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, giving them water and miraculous manna from heaven, and His presence was continually known among the people. 

    During the Exodus period, the Israelites faced hardships to teach them the importance of relying on God. While some learned these valuable lessons, others longed to return to Egypt and even complained against God for their suffering. Despite the freedom granted to them by God, they needed to understand that walking in victory required faith, effort, and discipline.

    God’s plan for Israel went beyond saving them from Egyptian bondage. When they reached the Promised Land, they had to FIGHT to take possession of Canaan. They only possessed what they FOUGHT for, not for what they simply wished and hoped to obtain. 

    This truth applies to us today as well. God delivers us from the bondage of sin, but expects us to CONQUER the spiritual enemies that threaten our prosperity. Enjoying the fruit of the Promised Land requires taking dominion, and through Christ, we can overcome all spiritual threats just as the faithful Israelites learned to do.

    26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

    27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

    ~ 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

    12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

    ~ 1 Timothy 6:12

    Holy God and Father in heaven. I thank You for saving me from my sins through the blood of Jesus. There are times in my life that seem mundane or even difficult, and f I am not thinking correctly, I may let my guard down. Even worse, there have been times when I slipped back into my old ways of thinking. Though You are a gracious and forgiving Father, I know You do not want me to look back on my old ways with fondness, nor do You want me to be stagnant in my service to You in this life. Instead, You want me to fight for what is worth fighting for! Grant me a stronger faith! May I give You my best efforts today, and may I grow in self-discipline! Where I am falling short, guide and guard my steps to grow, O Lord!! It is in Christ’s name I pray, amen. 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 3)

    Though the language is symbolic, God foretold the humiliation of Babylon with vivid imagery (Isa. 47:1-3). Within this context, God is using very vivid imagery to speak about how He will bring Babylon to an open shame. 

    1 “Come down and sit in the dust,

    O virgin daughter of Babylon;

    Sit on the ground without a throne,

    O daughter of the Chaldeans!

    For you shall no more be called

    Tender and delicate.

    2 Take the millstones and grind meal.

    Remove your veil,

    Take off the skirt,

    Uncover the thigh,

    Pass through the rivers.

    3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered,

    Yes, your shame will be seen;

    I will take vengeance,

    And I will not arbitrate with a man.”

    ~ Isaiah 47:1-3

    Let us not negate the value of looking to such passages in our thinking (because the language is symbolic) upon the matter of nakedness, clothing, and modesty. The fact remains, that God is making emphatic points concerning the shame of Babylon’s sins, and how they will, indeed, be exposed. 

    And about symbolism, can the tenderhearted truly remain unconvinced that certain imagery is meant to correlate with standards of propriety (See Ezek. 23:1-49; Prov. 7:10?)?

    While such sins were trying to be covered, God says that when His judgment comes, they will be exposed. And they will be exposed in such a way that will bring shame to those people. After reading such passages, I certainly would not want to inch my way closer to revealing such things in a way that can bring about shame (Cf. Jer. 6:15). 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 2)

    Let us look to the Bible, considering passages that deal with nakedness, clothing, & modesty. Is there a verifiable biblical pattern of public modesty requirements for both men & women alike, regardless of custom or setting?  

    When Noah got drunk, he became uncovered in his tent, and Ham saw the nakedness of his father (Gen. 9:20-27). We may question what more Ham “had done” to Noah (that he looked upon Noah’s nakedness and told his brothers; was he scoffing, etc., ?), but Ham observing Noah naked (even in Noah’s tent), did not bring about a good result! Contrast that with how the other two brothers (Shem & Japheth) were very careful not to look upon their own father’s nakedness. Are there any applications we can make from here? What of bathing in front of children, at home? What about swimming with scant clothing in front of family and friends (e.g., revealing/formfitting bathing suits/swim trunks)? 

    When the Law of Moses was granted to the Israelites, priestly garments are said to have covered their nakedness (See Exod. 28:40-43; Cf. 20:25-26). Notice that their undergarments were to be from the waist to the thighs. First, we want to acknowledge that this was a specific requirement for priests… But we also want to acknowledge – the reason – was to have their nakedness (bare flesh) covered. Certainly, God can see anyone’s nakedness, anytime (Heb. 4:13). But the matter of approaching Him in spiritual service of worship was regulated by God in the OT, and He is the one who defines what was considered “nakedness.” I wonder if the Israelites ever dealt with controversy determining what God meant when He said, “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.” (28:42). This passage is often referenced to make the case for shorts/skirts reaching to the knee to be a suitable covering. 

    Perhaps that is a good practice, as well as the matter of being mindful of what my clothing may reveal in certain positions (I.e., sitting, bending over, etc.). It is not too difficult of a thing to think through if our number one priority is to honor God – even in the way I choose to dress. 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty

    We will be looking to the Bible (this week), considering passages that deal with nakedness, clothing, & modesty. Is there a verifiable biblical pattern of public modesty requirements, for both men & women alike, regardless of custom or setting?   

    When God created Adam & Eve, they were naked and not ashamed (Gen. 2:25). But something concerning their shame changed drastically immediately after their first sin (See Gen. 3:7). Therefore, Adam & Eve made themselves coverings (3:7). But those coverings were not enough to cover them to the extent that they felt comfortable in the sight of God; as when the LORD God called for them in the garden, both Adam and Eve hid (3:8). And, when Adam told God that they were hiding because they were naked, notice that God did not disagree with Adam. Instead, God addressed their sin against Him (first), then, “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” (Gen. 3:21). Whatever Adam and Eve thought was covering them, God seems to have clothed them further. Think of that when you consider the culture we’ve grown up with. Our culture deems it acceptable for men to have their bare chests & thighs uncovered. Our culture deems it acceptable for women to have much of their breasts, buttocks, and thighs uncovered, also. Where this used to be acceptable only in certain areas (like at the beach, etc.), it is now becoming more commonplace to see such everywhere in public.  

    To my God and Father in Heaven: Some coverings men and women make are insufficient to cover their nakedness. May I honor You (and my friends and neighbors) by the way I choose to dress.  

  • He Is Able to Aid Those Who Are Tempted

    Jesus chose to become a human, and He humbled Himself even lower than the angels. He did this so that He could die for our sins and then be exalted. Through the experience of suffering, He became complete. By doing so, He also became our brother! Through His death, He made the devil powerless!! His humanity also served another purpose: to fully understand our struggles and be our compassionate and trustworthy high priest. He suffered temptation, which allowed Him to relate to our struggles and provide help when we are tempted… In this way, He accomplished God’s plan for the ages!!! 

    14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 

    15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

    16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

    17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

    18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

    ~ Hebrews 2:14-18

    Holy God and Father, it is truly a deep matter for me to meditate upon concerning the deity of Christ. For Him to lower Himself, and be obedient to the point of death, all because of His willingness to provide atonement for my sins – is truly humbling. Because of His death, I now have hope to live again, even after I die! Moreover, I see His example of suffering, and it makes me aware of the need for some overcoming I must accomplish in this body. I thank You for Your plan of salvation and ask for strength to overcome every trial and temptation, this very day!! Please grant me spiritual strength through Your Son!!! Amen. 

  • Stir Up the Gift of God 

    Paul laid his hands on Timothy to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit, but we don’t know the specifics. Timothy would need the Spirit’s guidance as he confronted the challenges that lay ahead. Paul is reminding Timothy of the invaluable blessing he possesses. It’s easy to overlook our most significant blessings when we need them the most!

    1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

    2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 

    4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 

    5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 

    6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 

    7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

    ~ 2 Timothy 1:1-7

    Holy God and Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. I am extremely blessed to have obtained my faith in Jesus, and the cleansing power of His blood. I therefore seek to use the knowledge gained from Your word for the greater good, honoring You in all things. Life can be challenging, but with strong faith and guidance from You, I know that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. May all of Your people remain steadfast in our devotion to You, no matter what challenges we may face! Amen.

  • A Plea for Purity

    Though some grasp for the sensational things in religion, Paul often encouraged others to simply CONTINUE following the instructions they had already received on how to walk and please God (in other words, preaching isn’t all about telling people something they’ve never heard before as much as it entails exhorting folks to continue in the things that they already know to be true).

    Moreover, some are content to stay within their comfort zones and not strive for personal growth, while others look outside themselves for motivation to get to “the next level.” However, according to God, Christians should continually INCREASE their EFFORTS and STRIVE for spiritual growth (while looking to Christ).  

    In addition, it is common for people to justify their sinning by saying that “no one is perfect,” but God calls us to LIVE A SPECIAL LIFE by avoiding sexual immorality and refraining from taking advantage of or cheating our brothers and sisters. THE LORD WILL JUDGE all wrongs, and we should strive to live holy lives!

    And while it is good to SHOW LOVE towards our brethren, we should aim to do it EVEN MORE! 

    We may live in an age where celebrity worship, gossip, slander, and government handouts are prevalent… But God calls us to LEAD peaceful lives and FOCUS on our own affairs, WORKING honestly with our hands, so that we may walk PROPERLY before those who are not yet in Christ.

    The summary & applications above are meant to provide some modern applications, but by way of principles for meditation, GOD SAYS IT MUCH BETTER: 

    1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 

    2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

    3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 

    4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

    5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 

    6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 

    7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 

    8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

    9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 

    10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 

    11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 

    12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

    ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

  • Following Good Examples 

    In the following passage, Paul highlights the importance of imitation. He explains that the Thessalonians had faced affliction during their conversion, just as he had, as well as other saints who had converted elsewhere, and even the Lord Himself had faced affliction. Therefore, they were imitators of those who had chosen to serve God despite severe opposition. This was a way of letting them know that they were not alone in their suffering!

    2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

    3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 

    4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 

    5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

    6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 

    7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 

    8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 

    9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 

    10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

    ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

    Holy God in heaven, You alone, are wise and all powerful. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and peace through Christ Jesus. Lord, I desire to be strong in my faith, just like the Apostle Paul was. He, the new converts of Thessalonica, and even Jesus faced opposition for standing firm in Your truth. Sometimes I forget this during my own trials and have fallen into a victim’s mentality, wondering why I have had to face certain hardships. I repent, resolving to look unto You for strength in doing the right thing within every circumstance! Help me to note such faithful examples around me today, imitate them, and enable me to be a better example of service to You for others to follow. It is in Christ’s holy name that I pray, amen.