TO BE “SAVED” means to be made safe…

It implies that the unsaved person is in danger.  Mark 16:16 speaks of salvation and safety from sin.  When the term saved is used in reference to a Christian, it means he is made safe from the guilt and eternal consequences of his sins (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 15:2; Ephesians 2:15; Titus 3:5).  This safety is brought about by God’s pardon, which can be affected in no other way.  It means the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).  This salvation is equivalent to the promise of pardon for those who believe and are baptized.  Many religious people balk at the idea of placing baptism in such a connection with salvation (that baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins).  However, we must remember that it was Jesus Himself who placed baptism in this connection.  When a mind revolts at any of His words, it is not His fault but their fault.  The stubborn heart bears sole responsibility for one’s failure to heed God’s Word.  When considering the concept of being saved, one must take into account the power of God to deliver an individual from the bondage of sin by the power of the Gospel.  H.D. Simmons

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”  Mark 16:16

–Mike Benson