The Word of God must be heard. Peter said, "...God chose among us, that by my mouth the
Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe." (Acts 15:7). John showed that the
written word produces the faith that brings life in the name of Jesus (John 20:30-31). Thus,
before one can become a member of the church or kingdom, he must hear with open mind the
gospel which is God's power to save.
A living faith must be produced. We must not only believe that God is, but also that he is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). In all the cases in the Bible where God
blessed men because of faith, it was after faith was demonstrated in some act. Faith without such
visible acts is dead and will not justify (James 2:24). The faith that saves is the faith that obeys.
Repentance is necessary. Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation (2 Cor. 7:10). God now
requires that all men everywhere repent (Acts 17:30). Peter told those Jews on the day of
Pentecost, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). Unless one
repents, he will perish (Luke 13:3).
A verbal confession must be made. Rom. 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord
Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Peter
confessed "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matt. 16:16). The Eunuch said, "I
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (Acts 8:37). These various confessions are similar
and proclaim that Jesus is ruler and king, the anointed of God, and the One who is to be
worshiped and obeyed. Everyone must confess with his mouth Jesus as Lord.
An immersion in water is essential. The baptism of Christ requires a burial in water (Acts
10:47; Col. 2:12). Jesus was immersed to fulfill all righteousness and thereby left us an example
(Matt. 3:13-16). Jesus commanded baptism in His great commission as a condition of pardon
(Mark 16:15-16). It is for remission of sins and puts one into Christ (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27). It
places one in the body which is the church (1 Cor. 12:13). Thus, baptism is the final act of
obedience that completes one's membership.
When people obey God, their sins are forgiven and God recognizes and accepts them as His own. They are added to His church and enjoy the privileges and share the responsibilities of that relationship.