---

This answer has three or four properties.

1. It was immediate, and without delay. There was no time required, as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar's wise men, when they had to interpret the king's dream. The apostles were well versed in such matters.

2. It was full and comprehensive. It meets the point at once, and contains an epitome of the whole gospel.

3. It is highly satisfactory, affording direct relief in the moment of distress, and giving peace.

4. It is the same answer as all God's ministers return to inquiring souls, whatever be their previous state or character.

I. THE EXHORTATION. The Scriptures speak of various kinds and degrees of faith, but of one only that accompanies salvation.

1. The original source of all true believing is the free grace of God in Christ Jesus. It is His gift, and the effect of His good pleasure.

2. The means of producing faith is the Divine testimony. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

3. The immediate object of faith is Christ, as revealed in the gospel.

4. The ultimate end of faith is our happiness, and the glory of God. "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." It disclaims all merit and sufficiency of its own, and excludes all boasting, only in the Lord.

II. THE PROMISE. Salvation comprehends a final and complete deliverance from all evil, natural and moral, and the enjoyment of perfect bliss. It includes, especially, the pardon of sin, the sanctification of our nature, a victory over all our enemies, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. The connection which this has with believing, will be seen in the following particulars.

1. Though salvation is promised to them that believe, it is neither provided nor bestowed in the foresight of their believing nor had faith any influence on the Divine determination. The ground of all spiritual blessings is the free and unmerited favour of God (2 Timothy 1:9).

2. Though salvation is promised to them that believe, it is not promised as a reward for their believing, but for His sake in whom they believe. It receives a title to eternal life, but does not give one. Faith is like the eye beholding, and the hand receiving a gift; but however necessary to its enjoyment, the gift itself is free and undeserved.

3. As faith receives a title to eternal life, founded upon the promises of the gospel, so it is that which gives us the actual enjoyment of it. By faith we receive the atonement, and are led to acquiesce in the way of acceptance with God, as full of wisdom, and suited to our sinful and helpless condition. It is not a medicine prepared, but applied, that effects a cure.

4. Faith produces those holy dispositions which form our meetness for heaven, though not our title to it. There can be no enjoyment where there is no congeniality. But true faith purifies the heart, and imbues it with every principle of piety and goodness.

(B. Beddome, M. A.)

---

---

KJV: And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

WEB: and brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"