Lesson 9: How Bible People Became Christians

The First Christians (Acts 2:36–41)

If you asked most preachers, “What should I do to be saved,” what would they say? Read Acts 2:36–41. Write down what Peter said to do to have our sins washed away.

On the day of Pentecost, when the hearers were cut to the heart, Peter answered: “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 Spirit” (Acts 2:38). About three thousand received his word and were baptized.

Question 1. In Acts 2, Peter told the people to repent and be ________ for the forgiveness of sins.

Your answer

The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26–40)

Write down everything you notice the eunuch doing to be saved. He was reading Isaiah, heard the good news about Jesus from Philip, believed, confessed, and was baptized in water along the road—then went on his way rejoicing.

The Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1–19; 22:1–16)

Write down everything you notice Paul doing to be saved. At what point were Paul’s sins washed away? Were they washed away when he saw Jesus? When he prayed to God? When he believed in Jesus? Acts 22:16 records Ananias telling him: “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”

Question 2. At what point does this lesson emphasize Paul’s sins were washed away (Acts 22)?

Only when he saw the lightWhen he was baptized (washing away sins)Years later when he wrote RomansNever—Paul was never baptized

The Twelve Ephesians (Acts 19:1–7)

Why did they need to be baptized again? They had only known John’s baptism. What if people are baptized for the wrong reasons today? Should they be baptized again?

Baptized Into Christ (Romans 6:1–4)

Read Romans 6:3; 1 Corinthians 12:13; and Galatians 3:27. How does a person enter into the body of Christ? According to Romans 6:1–4, what does going down into the water represent? What does coming up out of the water represent?

Believing and Confessing (Romans 10:9–10)

According to this passage, what must we do to be saved? Do we somehow earn salvation by making the confession of Christ? Do we earn salvation by being baptized into Christ? No—these are responses of faith receiving God’s grace, not wages that purchase heaven.

Question 3. Why did the twelve in Ephesus (Acts 19) need to be baptized again?

They enjoyed swimmingTheir earlier baptism was not the baptism into Christ / for the right purposePaul disliked JohnThey had never believed anything

Question 4. According to Romans 6, going down into the water represents being ________ with Christ.

Your answer

Question 5. How does a person enter into the body of Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27)?

By joining a denomination boardBy being baptized into ChristBy inheriting church membershipBy infant dedication alone

Question 6. Do we earn salvation by confessing Christ or being baptized?

Yes—these works purchase heavenNo—they are responses of faith, not wages that earn salvationConfession earns it; baptism does notBaptism earns it; faith does not

When you have answered the questions above, check your work. You need at least 80% to mark this lesson complete.

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