Jesus teaching concerning the New Birth (St. John 3:1-8) finds specific fulfillment through baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues.

These are essentials for entrance into the New Testament Church.

What mandate (authoritative order or command) could go beyond the Acts 2:38 message if one is saved from sin and in the body of Christ?

By the same speaker, and in the same context, Peter preached further, telling them to “save yourselves from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40).

The scripture isn’t giving us personal authority superseding God’s word or plan. We cannot figure out for ourselves the simplest, easiest way, thinking God will accept it. All roads do not lead to God and heaven, just any way won’t do. Carnal minds controlled by the world and Satan quickly supplant God’s truth.

“Save yourself,” places upon each of us a serious personal responsibility to seek out truth from the scripture and implement it in our lives regardless of cost or what others may think or say.

Here are some personal observations about many (not by any means all), essential items in saving ourselves.

God’s word is the highest authority of all the things presented in this article. It takes precedent over all preachers regardless of their position or gifts, visions, voices, angels, prophetic voices, dreams, books deemed sacred, God-given, or holy are always secondary to scripture.

Many modern translations and condensed versions are nothing more than denominational or an individual’s interpretation. Beware, adding to, subtracting, so-called, original language applications, Scripture used out of context calling it cultural, geographical or non-applicable to our day are subtle ploys of deception.

False doctrines usually have some Bible attached.

Remember false prophets and teachers have been and will remain constant threats to truth. As never before we need to apply (2nd Timothy, 2:15), “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.”

It is sad to say, many preachers and saints are discovering new revelations and truths in our generation. Unscriptural lifestyles, doctrines and ideas are being promoted while the old paths are being ignored and often ridiculed as ignorance, outdated or unscriptural. Not many people backslide anymore; they simply fall away or change churches. When these individual’s lifestyles and direction is evident, whatever the cost, get away from them and stay with the truth.

Wherever life may take us and whatever may be occurring, there are some personal, spiritual, Biblical disciplines we must all faithfully perform. Bible reading, prayers, fasting, church attendance, tithing, offerings, worship, praise, witnessing, dressing holy, honesty, moral purity, along with other Biblical directives must always be practical. These are a part of saving yourself; no one can live for God for you or save you. It’s your mandate.

A serious departure from mandated past-taught and believed, Pentecostals—Apostolic doctrine—lifestyle is rampant today.

Delusions and deception are wreaking havoc in so many lives.

Peter “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying. Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” Untoward here means warped, winding, perverse, crooked and forward.

The Acts 2:38 message is necessary but it is going to take a lot more preaching and exhorting for those who experience it. This is where the Epistle and the rest of scriptures become essential to us, here we are told the values of our experience, how to live it, keep it and its reward.

Heaven will be cheap at any price, whatever the cost to you and your family. Determine in your heart that above everything else, as wonderful and essential as the Holy Ghost experience is, it is up to me to save myself.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and love his own soul? Or what shall man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 16:26) Obey (Acts 2:38).