Subject: Saved by belief or belief and baptism? |
Bible Note: SAVED BY FAITH The thief on the cross is a perfect example of salvation through Christ alone. He didn't enter heaven under any different condition than what is required today. He was a helpless sinner, unable to save himself (Prov 14:12) so he looked toward Christ alone to save him. I hope we all agree that this the only way to come to God. The two thieves (Luke 23:39-45) represent the two gates in Matt 7:13,14 (HEAVEN and HELL). One thief blasphemed Jesus saying, "If You are the Christ ( he doubted Jesus as Lord,cf 1 John 4:3) save yourself and us" (trying to save his sinful life,cf Luke 9:34;1 Cor 15:50). The other thief rebuked him and said,"Our deed deserve death, but this man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41;cf. Rom 6:23). Taken with Matt 27:44;Mark 15:32 where both thieves are mocking Jesus this clearly shows that one had a change of mind. That's called REPENTANCE. cf. Luke 15:7; Acts 3:19. The repentant thief then turns to Jesus and said, "LORD (confessing that Jesus is Lord,cf. Rom 10:9,10; 1 Cor 11;14)remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom" (Luke 23:42). This statement shows his FAITH that Christ would be raised and he no desire for this world or his life. He chose repentance into the Kingdom (Matt 3:2) death to be raised with Christ (Gal 2:20) When we start to add to salvation things like baptism what we really are saying is, Jesus Christ is not sufficient. That was the very reason Jesus cried out on the cross, "IT IS FINISHED" (John 19:30). We can't add to perfection (Hebrews 10:14;12:2). Baptism is very important in our walk with God, it actually brings us closer to Him. (But it is a work). Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without works (Rom.2:27,28; 4:1-8; 6:23; Eph.2:8). The divine order is: first salvation, then works (Eph.2:9,10; Tit.3:5-8). |