Subject: Saved by belief or belief and baptism? |
Bible Note: "we find that baptism is now a crucial step for salvation" This is a common error of those who presume that man is saved through his own efforts and not by grace alone through faith. They believe that salvation depends not on the will of God; but on the will of man himself. That God merely makes salvation availible, but is man is the one who holds the key to it's effectiveness. The problem, as I see it, is their God is to small. He stands by powerless in the face of human rebellion, unable to effect a change in the hearts of those who reject the gospel. Now, we are told, He has to hope they get baptized as well! My concept of God is that He is more than I can even begin to imagine. Everything that He desires comes to pass. Is 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure'; Matt 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Who are "His people"? The Jews; The Gentiles; Both? No! His people are those whom the Father has given Him! Jews and gentiles alike. His people are those who hear His voice. They will not follow another. Luke 15:6 "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' John 10:15,16 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. Notice the use of the word "will" in the passages above. When the Bible says Jesus will or God will...Brother, it will come to pass! To God Alone be the Glory for things which He has done, John |