What's New
Short Articles
Feature Articles
Outlines
Books of Bible
Conversion
Topics
Chart Lessons
Links
Tools
Not Saved By Faith Only
Several related responses to the Gospel work together to save a soul. For example, when an honest person hears the Word of God, he believes it, repents of sins, confesses that Jesus is the Son of God and is baptized. These responses in this order are God's plan for saving a soul and are recorded in the New Testament. Though one cannot do enough to earn salvation, our loving God has promised to save a soul from his past sins when he sincerely makes these responses.
But, sometimes a person chooses one of these responses and ignores the rest. Often belief (faith) is the single response chosen. However, God has not promised to forgive the sins of a person who only believes or has faith only. No single response alone will result in salvation.
God clearly stated in the Book of James that a person is saved "not by faith only" (James 2:24). Part of Jesus Christ's charge to take the Gospel to the world plainly shows that several responses, in this case belief (faith) and baptism, work together and result in salvation."And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16).
If you are an honest person and desire forgiveness of sins, when you understand the Gospel, you will believe it, repent of sins, confess Jesus and be baptized. An honest person who understands the Gospel responses which God expects of him or her will not expect faith only to save. Dear reader, are you truly saved?