The New Testament and Salvation
Christianity is all about salvation from sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Of all Christian doctrines nothing is as important as salvation from sins and the subsequent reward of heaven. Yet, to the unknowing person, the messages coming from Christian leaders are conflicting and confusion. On television, the radio and the printed word various salvation choices are presented. It’s too bad there isn’t one clear authoritative source lost people could consult. Something like a Bible, maybe. But, wait, aren’t the leaders using the Bible? Well, of course. Then why the confusion? Often the confusion comes because students go to the source for proof rather than information.
Let me explain. The New Testament mentions at least four things required for salvation. That is, the New Testament states that there are four acts a person does that brings about salvation. These four acts are, believe in Jesus as the Son of God, repent of the sins committed, confess that Jesus is Lord, and be buried in water baptism. All four of these acts are connected with being saved in the New Testament scriptures. Not one is state to be the only one needed. The New Testament treats them all equally.
- Are you saved by belief in Jesus? Yes: John 3:16
- Are you saved by confessing Jesus as Lord? Yes, Romans 10:9, 10
- Are you saved by repenting of your sins? Yes, Acts 2:38
- Are you saved by water baptism? Yes, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16, Rom. 6:3,4, Titus 3:5
Lets look at it another way.
- Are you saved by water baptism “alone?” No
- Are you saved by repentance “alone?” No
- Are you saved by confession “alone?” No
- Are you saved by belief in Jesus “alone?” No
The New Testament writer (Holy Spirit) made sure we would understand that these were not alone. The book of James devotes a lot of words to ensure that we know that there is no “alone” salvation. To accept the doctrine that we are saved by one of these four requirements alone is to deny the Holy Spirit. This is what the Holy Spirit said:
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” James 2:14
Take a moment and think about the Holy Spirit’s question. Can faith alone save?
He goes on to say:
“So faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:17
Take another moment and think about the Holy Spirit’s answer. Faith alone is dead.
He goes on to say:
“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”
Take a moment to think about what He is saying. The demons believe in their hearts that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on the cross and was resurrected. What assurance does their faith alone give them? They believe, they may confess but they are not repentant and they are not born again in water baptism and so they shudder.
Faith without confession is incomplete. So is faith without repentance and baptism. It will not save and the Holy Spirit makes that clear. James 2:22
A final word about works. This can be a confusing word if not understood correctly. For instance, we offer John 6:28, 29. “Then they said to him, ‘What must we do, to be doing the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ Of the four acts we have considered only one of them cannot be called a work. It is the very one that many teachers call a work. Baptism is not a work at all. It is in fact an act of submission. It is not something you can do, it is something you let be done to you. “Arise and be baptized.” “Repent and be baptized.”
Do you believe the Holy Spirit is God?
Who told Peter to say, “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins?”
Who told Peter to say, “Baptism also saves you?”
Who told Luke to write “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins?”
Who told Mark to write, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved?”
If you answered ‘The Holy Spirit,’ then I ask why do you think you are saved before baptism? You learned that from men, not from God.
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