Jared Knoll
Nary a day goes by in which we fail to ask a question in some form. We may ask a question audibly or non-audibly. We may ask a question of ourselves or of others. We may even ask a question visibly (“written all over our face”). Some questions are merely conversational pieces others demand answers critical to our existence. Sometimes we may even feel like there are too many questions and not enough answers. Interrogatives are simply a part of life, a necessary part.
While we may debate the importance of any given question, we should not debate the importance of the one question presented by the Jailor in Philippi (Acts 16:30). He said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The singing and praying of Paul and Silas, the earthquake, the opening of the prison doors and the remaining presence of Paul and Silas led this man to ask the question (Acts 16:25-30). There is no question as great as this question. It implies the possibility of being lost. Thus you are either saved or lost. In the context of the Bible, this is a question that everyone must ask (Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10; Rom. 6:23). Since Jesus is the “author of eternal salvation,” He is the only one who can answer the question and only His answer will suffice (Acts 4: 12; Heb. 5:15). We do well to analyze and answer the question.
First let us understand the question. The word, what is an interrogative pronoun. It presents the question and suggests that there is something required of man. Some deny this as though God has done/does it all. Yet the question implies man’s part. The next word, must is an auxiliary or helping verb in connection with the word do and indicates that which is done is of absolute necessity. This is not an optional issue. The third word, I is a pronoun used as the subject of the sentence. Its antecedent would be the one asking the question. In the context of Acts 16 the antecedent would be the Jailor. It shows that he had something to do. God has done His part (John 3:16). Jesus has done his part (Rom. 5:8). The Holy Spirit has done His part (1 Pet. 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 1 Cor. 2:9·13). It was not for mothers and fathers to do for their children (Ezek. 18:20). It is the responsibility of the individual asking the question. The primary verb do is an action verb indicating necessary action on the part of the individual. It is not a matter of merely thinking, feeling, believing or something you get. You must do (Jas. 2:14-24). The final phrase “To Be Saved” is a prepositional phrase used as an adverb to modify do. It denotes the importance of the question because it gives the purpose of doing what you must do. By analyzing the question we emphasize the importance of the answer. It involves you, personally. It involves your eternal salvation or condemnation. It involves essential directives for you. Thus we need the answer!
As we observe the answer to the question as it is asked throughout the New Testament, someone might say that it is answered differently; however, you must realize that the answer is given from the standpoint of the hearer. On Pentecost (Acts 2:37), the question, “What must we do” arose from a conviction that they had crucified the Son of God, the Messiah (Acts 2:22-36). They already believed so Peter added to belief “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38), yet to a man who knew not Jesus, Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus…” (Acts 16:31). At this point, the Philippian jailor was not ready to repent and be baptized because he had not heard the Gospel hence could not have believed (Rom. 10:13-17). So the Bible tells us that Paul and Silas “spake unto him the word of the Lord” (Acts 16:32). Then he washed their stripes (act of penitence) and was then baptized (Acts 16:33). For such action to take place Paul must have included repentance and baptism when he “spake the word of the Lord.” Having believed the word he heard he repented and was baptized. Now, when we observe the scriptures in totality and with a “good and honest heart” (Luke 8:15) we must realize that with regard to a non Christian hearing the word of the Lord is part of the answer. We can also see that believing is essential (John 8:24). Let us not overlook that repentance is given as part of the answer (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38). We can gather from the Eunuch taught by Philip that confession of Christ with the mouth is part of the answer (Acts 8:36, 37; Rom. 10:9, 10). Yet, let us not overlook that in every account of conversion to Christ in the book of Acts, baptism was part of the answer. When the people on Pentecost asked the question Peter said, “Repent and be baptized.” Based on Peter’s words, if baptism is not essential then neither is repentance. So who is right, Jesus and Peter or the denominational preacher who tells you baptism is not a part of the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” Let God be true and every man a liar (Rom. 3:4).
The question can also be addressed to the Christian. Your salvation is dependent upon what you do once you have heard, believed, repented, confessed and been baptized. Dear Christian, 22 of the 27 New Testament books are written to you. They tell you to “fight the good fight, keep the faith and finish the course” to gain a crown of life (2 Tim. 4:6-8). They tell you to “confess your faults” and He will forgive (Jas. 5:16; 1 John 1:9). They tell us to remove sin run the race with patience lest we become beset by sin (Heb. 12:1, 2). They tell us to add to our faith the fruit of the spirit so that we can enter into the eternal kingdom (2 Pet. 1:5-11). So the Bible answers the question about how to become saved and how to stay saved. It is now upon the individual to apply the answer. And the purpose of the question instills urgency into the matter. You need to apply the answer today, obey today (2 Cor.6:2). Don’t wait till tomorrow; it may not come (Prov. 27:1). Jesus has answered the question, will you now be saved?
