False teaching...
The truth...
The most important question in life is, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer which we give to that question will influence our eternal destiny.
Acts 16:31 is quoted a lot for "faith only" salvation, but out of context, to leave the impression that all that was necessary for the jailer to do to be saved was to believe in Jesus Christ. The answer which Paul gave to the jailer must be understood in its context. When this man asked what he had to do to be saved, he was an unbeliever. The first thing that an unbeliever must do to be saved is to become a believer. Paul’s answer was, “Believe on the Lord Jesus . . . .” the next thing that the text states is that "Paul spake unto him the word of the Lord." This man could NOT become a believer before he Heard the word of the Lord. He had to hear the word of the Lord and believe it before he could be saved.
The jailer was baptized “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33)In order to"wash his stripes" (sins) Why was this man baptized in the middle of the night? Why did Paul go to so much trouble to baptize this man immediately? Imagine calling a denominational preacher in the middle of the night and ask him to baptize you for the remission of your sins. Not gonna happen. He would have told you that you were saved the moment he accepted Jesus as his personal Savior (not in the Bible)and that at some convenient time the church would have a baptismal service for you.
The only explanation of why Paul baptized this man in the middle of the night is that it had something to do with his eternal salvation. The question which was asked pertained to eternal salvation; it was, “What must I do to be saved?” The reply was, “Believe on the Lord Jesus ….” When the jailer returned from having been baptized, THEN the Scriptures relate that he rejoiced, “believing in God with all his house” (16:34). His response to the gospel in baptism was understood as what was necessary to make him a believer, one who is a child of God.
He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned (Mk. 16:16).
Then Peter said unto them, 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 (Acts 2:38).
And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away they sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16).
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 3:21).
These Scriptures harmonize with the conversion of the jailer. He was baptized the same hour of the night in order to be saved, to have his sins washed away
