A Teen Salvation Primer

By JERRY FIGUEROA

This is another lesson on one of the topics we concentrate a lot on in the Youth Bible Lessons section, salvation. As young kids growing up in the church and as new Christians, it’s important to understand what salvation is for yourself, and to share with a friend. And, one of the best tools you can use in witnessing to a friend is your own testimony, so know it! Let’s get started.

How Can You Be Saved?
One of the most important verses you should know is found in the book of Acts - chapter 2, and specifically, verse 38; it says:

"Peter replied, ?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 Ghost."

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The Apostle Peter was explaining to a crowd of people what was necessary for salvation. Let’s break down this all important verse to see what it means for us.

First Point: Repentance
The word repentance means a change of heart and mind. King David knew a little bit about being sorry after being caught after having an affair. In Psalms 51:17 David tells us what condition our heart should be in to truly show repentance:

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart"

Have you ever felt broken emotionally? Perhaps when you studied for an exam all month and still got a D? All that work and yet nothing. That’s kind of how our relationship evolves with the Lord; we try to live life the way we see fit, but one day the Lord helps us to realize, uugh, I’ve been doing this all wrong! That feeling of despair and utter hopelessness is what helps us to put our complete dependence on God. Sometimes, this helps us to see whats really important in life.

Second Point: Baptism
The Bible explains that in order to see the kingdom of God, you need to be born again. Now, this doesn’t mean born again out of your mom, but born again of water; let’s look at some verses in the Bible that tell us about baptism:

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" – Mark 16:16

"Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." – John 3:5

The New Testament teaches that all things should be done in the name of Jesus Christ, including being baptized:

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus" – Colossians 4:18

"Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized unto Christ Jesus were baptized unto death?" - Romans 6:3

Third Point: The Holy Spirit
The third part of Acts 2:38 tells of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit was something that all believers could receive and that was physically evident. Let’s look at some more verses from the book of Acts:

"They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." - Acts 2:3,4

This was the occasion known as Pentecost when the Holy Ghost came down on a group of people who were praying and seeking God. Acts chapter 2 goes on to tell us that there happened to be travelers in the city from various parts of the world. As they heard the commotion from this group they were amazed because they each heard the wonders of God in their own language.

Remember John 3:5 back in point two?:

"Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit."

This Spirit that Jesus was talking about is the Holy Spirit. It's totally available to you today and able to help you live a fuller life for God.

And finally, Luke 11:13:

"How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

Closing It Up
The Bible is pretty clear on what we need to do in order to see the Lord on that glorious day – Acts 2:38 is really a call to action. The Lord is also very clear on what we risk if we decide not to obey his instructions:

"He will punish those who do not obey God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power." - 2nd Thessalonians 1:8, 9

Are you ready to take that step of faith and believe that Jesus is your key to heaven?

Find An Apostolic Church
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out our Churches page and get in touch with a Pastor to learn more.

Either way shoot us some mail, we’re here to help you or your friends find a real friendship with Jesus and have the salvation that only He can provide.

Jerry Figueroa is co-executive producer of Inspired Christian.org. Have a comment for Jerry? Send email right now!

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