Subject: Explanations of difficult verses |
Bible Note: Salvation and Baptism. What do we mean by SALVATION? When we try to answer this question on the basis of the Word of God, we must understand that there are 3 aspects of Salvation. First – The PAST completed aspect of Salvation – the salvation of the spirit – This is a free gift of God to everyone that believes on the finished work of the cross. This exists in the finished condition in a believer. John 3: 16, 5: 24, Eph.2: 8,9, etc. This results in receiving eternal life, which means, being eternally united with God. Those who have not received this will be separated from God forever. Second – The PRESENT CONTINUOUS aspect of Salvation – the salvation of the soul – This is carried out continually throughout the life of a believer. Heb.10: 39, 1Pet.1: 9, Phil.2: 12, etc. This results in receiving the rewards of becoming a joint-heir of Christ and partaking in His power and glory in His Millennial Kingdom. Third – The FUTURE aspect of Salvation – the salvation of the body – This will take place completely at one particular moment in the future for all believers. 1Cor.15: 52, Phil.3: 21 The FIRST aspect of Salvation is not at all dependent on our past or future WORKS. (Eph.2: 8,9) It is solely dependent on the ONE and ONLY WORK accomplished on our behalf, by God through our Lord Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary. None of our works (including baptism) can ever add or deduct anything from this FREE GIFT. “Whosoever believes will not perish,” i.e. anyone who believes that, “I cannot do anything to save myself and I need not do anything to save myself but the God has done EVERYTHING through the Lord Jesus Christ on my behalf.” Now look at the SECOND aspect of Salvation. Once a person has believed, his faith should result in WORKS. James 2: 20,26, Eph.2: 10, Titus 3: 8. If we have really believed, then that faith should result in OBEDIENCE to the One on whom we have believed. Here Baptism is one of the first and foremost acts obedience. |