What Must I Do to be Saved?
Acts 16:26-32 (NIV) 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved —you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
Believe and you will be saved. Was there ever a sweeter promise? In the midst of physical pain, Paul and Silas found a way to have a prayer meeting and share the pathway to salvation with nonbelievers. And the jailer, just seconds before taking his own life, found instead eternal life.
We know that we are each under the bondage of original sin until we accept the redemption paid for by Jesus. At first glance, it might appear that Paul is promising the jailer that his personal salvation would be extended to everyone living under his roof. But read further. Verse 32 says, “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.” The gospel was shared with the jailer AND everyone in his house.
Just as we are not responsible for anyone’s sin but our own, we can not effectuate another’s salvation. When we hear the revelation of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, when we know, believe and understand that Jesus was the lamb for sinners slain, then we are reconciled to God the Father. Will a person’s salvation spread through their household? Certainly a life changed by Jesus will be noticed by others, but it is incumbent upon each of us to stand before the judgment.
May the lives we live be a testament to the faith we have in Christ, and may our willingness to love and forgive be an example to all.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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