The first Bible verse we ask students to learn in Grace Martial Arts is Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” A man who thought he was better off dead than alive asked the Apostle Paul a life-altering question: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The jailer of Philippi asked the most fundamental question about spiritual existence. Paul responded with the most fundamental answer: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Paul was dealing with a man who was one second away from entering eternity by his own hand. Paul’s answer was the bedrock of spiritual foundations: faith in Christ. That’s why Acts 16:31 is the first verse our students learn; nothing is more fundamental or vital.
What is faith? It means a deep belief and trust. The foundation of Christianity is more than believing God exists. “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” Believing in the existence of God is necessary, but it’s not the end. Paul said the spiritual step that “saves” your life is believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. Believing in God and trusting Christ for salvation are basics of Christianity.
We must also be committed to our Savior. Read the Bible with our eyes wide open and it’s clear that God calls on Christians to be deeply committed to Him, holding back nothing. That depth of commitment leads naturally to the depth of ministry (service) which is reasonable given all that God has done for us. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Grace Martial Arts 