Where does the Bible say this is needed for salvation?
Romans 10:17 "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."
John 8:31-32 "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
What does this mean?
In order to be saved, you must hear the words of and about Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. This can be acheived in a variety of ways. You can read His words for yourself (reading is equal to hearing in this case) in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You need only read one in order to learn about Jesus and what He says to those who would follow him. Luke and Mark are good choices for many people unfamiliar with this material.
Alternatively, you could simply listen to someone tell you of the teachings of Jesus. This is often called preaching, teaching, or evangelizing. While this is enough to start you down the road to salvation, you will want to read the Bible yourself to be sure you can trust what you may hear someone teaching you. Many people teach incorrect things in the name of Jesus either out of ignorance or for personal motives. You may also obtain audio recordings of someone reading these Bible passages for you to listen to.
To consider this "step" completed, you should have a pretty good idea of who Jesus is, what he expects from you, and why that should matter.
Answers to Common Questions:
Does it matter which version of the Bible I read or study?
Possibly. There has been an explosion in the number of Bible translations and versions available in the past few years. Some are more reliable and/or accurate than others. Some do not accurately communicate the original message of Jesus. For English speakers, the New International Version, the New American Standard Bible and the Worldwide English Bible are all suitable for accurate study of God's Word and the teachings of Jesus. While the King James Version is excellent in many ways and sometimes more accurate than newer versions, its use of outdated words and meanings make it harder to understand and potentially more confusing. It is best used to study along side one of the newer versions just mentioned. All can be read for free on the internet and all can be purchased easily at little cost depending on where you live. When we offer links to Bible passages or quote Bible passages, it will be from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
But My Preacher/Neighbor/Friend/Parents said...
Beware of false teachers and false teachings. Satan uses them to confuse people and keep them from accepting the truth. Trust the Bible, which you must study for yourself.
Our honest goal is to teach Christ's message as recorded in the Bible. If that is the honest goal of your preacher, then there should be little disagreement. If there is disagreement, we encourage you to study the Bible yourself so that you may rightly learn what the Bible teaches on this or any other topic pertaining to your faith and salvation regardless of what we or anyone else may say.
The apostle Paul taught, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Keep in mind that on judgement day, you will be responsible for your own actions or inactions and your own faith and obedience to God's Word. It will not matter what anyone else told you.
Responses to Common Objections:
But My Preacher said...
Our honest goal is to teach Christ's message as recorded in the Bible. If that is the honest goal of your preacher, then there should be little disagreement. If there is disagreement, we encourage you to study the Bible yourself so that you may rightly learn what the Bible teaches on this or any other topic pertaining to your faith and salvation regardless of what we or anyone else may say.
The apostle Paul taught, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Keep in mind that on judgement day, you will be responsible for your own actions or inactions and your own faith and obedience to God's Word. It will not matter what anyone else told you.
