Same Question, but Different Answers!

Is it possible to ask the same question to three different people, receive different answers from all three, and still each be correct? Think about it!

In Acts 2:37 Peter and the other apostles were asked: “What shall we do?” The import of the question was, “What must we do to be saved?” Peter’s response was: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” In Acts 9:6 Saul of Tarsus asked Jesus, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Again, the intent was, “What must I do to be saved?” To Saul’s question Jesus responded, “Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” In Acts 16:30 a jailer asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). In each case the same question is asked, but the answers, though correct, are different. How can this be?

We can illustrate in the following way. Let us suppose that we are taking a trip from Marietta to Columbus. Let’s begin by asking someone in Marietta, “How far is it to Columbus?” Their answer would be about 100 miles. Suppose that we stop in Cambridge and ask, “How far is it to Columbus?” We have asked the same question, but this time the answer is about 60 miles. Now, let’s ask the same question in Zanesville. This time the answer is 40 miles. The identical question has been asked three times and three different but correct answers have been given. The explanation: Each time the question is asked, we have traveled a little further on our journey.

The same is true in regard to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” The response depends on how far the individual has traveled, spiritually speaking. An examination of all the accounts of conversion in the books of Acts indicates that each convert followed the same path. They heard the gospel, believed what they heard, repented of their sins, confessed their faith, and were baptized. No exceptions are to be found in the text. The Lord requires the same of each of us.

How far have you traveled?

Do you believe?

Have you repented?

Have you confessed your faith?

Were you baptized?

These are our Lord’s demands, not ours!