It’s Simple. Not So Much

The first part really is simple. The question was asked by a jailor:

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30 KJV)

… and answered by men who walked with Jesus:

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31 KJV)

So, the easy part is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” The not so much part is – who was He?

That often separates the curious unbeliever from the dedicated seeking unbeliever. The curious will politely listen, then ignore what they’ve been told.

… perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?  (Mark 8:17b-18a KJV)

Yes – those verses are slightly out of context, but they are powerful as part of Jesus’ parable explanation and stand alone about people who just don’t get it, no matter how many times it’s explained.  They are not seeking to know. God has promised that those who are seeking Him will find Him.

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29 KJV)

David knew that very well:

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV)

That may be hard for some. Perhaps they expect miracles before their very eyes. That’s not necessary.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29 KJV)

My suggestion for those seeking is to read 1 John. The entire book. It is very short and will set the stage since it was written by one who did see and did believe. Then read each of the four gospels. This must be done with an open mind and prayerful heart. Remember, we’re seeking, with an open mind, not predicting the outcome. I’d suggest reading John first. After 1 John we’re already familiar with his style and the base of his message.

If the seeker can take John 1:1, accept that it can be true, the rest of John’s explanation will be an open book. After that, just continue reading.