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Schedule of Services

Sun Bible Classes	9:30am
Morning Worship	10:30am
Evening Worship	6:00pm
Wed Night Worship	7:00pm

Phone:

(615)441-0024

Saved By Faith Only?

Beginning this week we will look at some specific false doctrines and what the Word of God has to say concerning these. The first false doctrine we will examine is that of salvation by faith only. The doctrine of salvation by faith alone arose in an effort to counter another false doctrine, that of earning salvation through meritorious works. Let me be perfectly clear: Salvation is not, and cannot be, earned by any amount of good works done by man. We can never do enough to place God in a position where He owes us eternal life! But this does not mean that all one must do in order to be saved, and continue in a saved condition, is believe in Jesus Christ. Neither of these extremes is Biblical.

So what is the relationship between faith, works and salvation? Brethren, the strongest faith coupled with a lifetime of good work will not land one soul in heaven. There is still something missing from the equation, something that man cannot supply. Paul explains, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation is a gift offered only by the grace of God. And because it is offered by God then God alone determines how that gift is to be received. So let us now consider what God says in His Word concerning how that offer is to be received.

First, the one who would receive God’s gift must believe (Mark 16:16). The one who believes must then repent of his past sins and his sinful lifestyle (Luke 13:1-5; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38). The one who believes must confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Tim. 6:12). The penitent believer who has confessed Christ before men must then be buried with him in baptism for remission of sins (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Col. 2:12).

Those who have done all of these things have entered into a saving relationship with God and Jesus Christ. But that is only the beginning. All who are saved must remain faithful “unto death” to receive the reward promised by God (Rev. 2:10). All will stand in judgment on that Great Day. Our judgment will be based, in part, on our deeds (Rom. 2:6; 1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 20:12).

Salvation is not as simple as “faith only.” Thankfully though, it is not something we must earn by doing good, for if it were we would all be hopelessly lost. Salvation is a gift from God offered freely to all. It must be free for we cannot earn it, but obedience is required. While it is free for us a great price was paid in order for that gift to be offered (John 3:16-17). Have you accepted God’s gift?

In Christian Love,

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ