Key Words/Themes
One Important part of studying Scripture is recognizing when words or themes repeat. When this happens, it is usually an indication of the passage's message. For example, in 1 Corinthians 13, the word love is repeated nine times throughout its thirteen verses (NASB1995). Key themes are similar; however, they give more insight into the meaning of a whole book rather than just a passage. However, they can be beneficial in understanding the parameters of some biblical themes. For example, the requirements for receiving salvation have been debated for generations. Some say that speaking in tongues or even baptism is required, but if you read through the book of Acts, you can see that the only requirements for salvation are to hear the Good News and believe. While some instances involve speaking in tongues or baptism, it is not a requirement for salvation.
Key Word Study
Key Theme Study
As mentioned above, the theme of salvation runs heavily through the book of Acts. Some instances of salvation include many elements while others hold very few. To determine what is required for salvation, let us read through Acts and list every time an individual (or group), is (are) saved. Then, under each reference we will write out what elements are part of each conversion, and which ones are missing. The elements mentioned during salvation in the Book of Acts are:
1. Hear the Good News
2. Believe
3. Repent
4. Be baptized
5. Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit
6. Speaking in Tongues
7. Experience Miracles
2:22-44
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Missing Elements:
No mention of speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
Acts:
3:1-4:4
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, and experience miracles.
Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues.
8:9-17
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and experience miracles.
Missing Elements:
No mention of speaking in tongues.
8:26-40
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, and be baptized.
Missing Elements:
No mention of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
9:15-19
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Missing Elements:
No mention of speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
9:32-35
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, and experience miracles.
Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues.
9:36-43
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, and experience miracles.
Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues.
13:4-12
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, and experience miracles.
Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues.
14:1
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, and repent.Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
16:25-34
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, be baptized, and experience miracles.
Missing Elements:
No mention of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues.
17:11-12
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, and repent.
Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
17:22-34
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, and repent.
Missing Elements:
No mention of being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
18:5-8
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, believe, repent, and be baptized.
Missing Elements:
No mention of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and experiencing miracles.
19:1-7
Elements Discussed:
Hear the Good News, repent, believe, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and speaking with tongues.
Missing Elements:
No mention of experiencing miracles.
As believers seek to share the gospel to those they come into contact with, it will be vital they understand what is required for each interaction and what parts may be unnecessary to teach. Firstly, Paul states in Romans 6:23 “[f]or the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NASB). Believers need to recognize that God’s salvation is a gift. There are no works that mankind can do to earn salvation. “[N]evertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Gal. 2:16). Salvation is a simple process that does not take many parts and includes no ceremony to be official. While God does call all believers to live publically for Him, the decision to follow can be made in a private setting. Paul explains how simple it is to become saved and says “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). Baptism, speaking with tongues, and experiencing miracles are all secondary to the first issue: Do you profess Jesus as Christ and have you trusted in Him as your Lord and Savior? Acts 14:1 says “[i]n Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.” This is just one example where the people heard the God News and believed so they could be saved. As believers seek to communicate the gospel with others, it is vital they recognize how easy it is for someone to come to the point of salvation. If they do not, believers risk leading people away from the gospel or giving them a false sercurity in their belief. When believers share the gospel, it is equaly important that they know how they came to be saved so they can communicate with others how to do the same.
Works Cited
NASB. New American Standard Version. The Holy Bible. Lockman, 2013.