Article - Belief Alone Will Never Save [Part 4]
When a person says, “All you have to do to be saved is believe”, they have left out other commands the Lord said one must do to be saved. As we continue our study of “belief alone”, we are going to look at exactly what the Lord says one must do to be saved. Notice what Jesus said one must do to be saved.
Jesus said a person had to confess Him before men to be saved. “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). Paul repeated this when he said, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). Thus, “belief alone” cannot be the only step in salvation. Jesus said I must also confess him.
Jesus also said a person must repent or change their life. In the context of some sins being worse than other sins Jesus said, “I tell you no, but unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). As the gospel was just beginning to be preached in the Book of Acts Peter said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). We learn again that “belief alone” cannot be the only step in salvation for Jesus said repentance is necessary.
Our Lord also taught that baptism was a step in the plan of salvation. Jesus says so clearly, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved. He that does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). With this Peter agrees when he says, “Repent and be baptized every one of your for the forgiveness of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The Apostle Paul was taught that baptism was a part of God’s plan of salvation. Ananias said to him, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). In the clearest passage of all Peter says, “…baptism does now also save us” (1 Peter 3:21). Again, “belief only” cannot be the only step in salvation. Jesus, Paul, and Peter all taught that baptism was a part of the plan of salvation.
Friend, don’t just believe everything you hear about salvation. Some preacher may tell you that all you have to do to be saved is believe. Remember these passages that have been mentioned also teach steps one must take to be saved. And, may we never forget the words of the Lord’s brother when he says, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). The only time the words “faith only” occur in the Bible God says “faith only” will not save!!!!
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