|
|
|
This is the second article in our series in which we are looking at what
the Bible teaches about how our salvation comes to us from God. Far too
many have the mistaken notion that salvation comes by means of one thing
alone. Some say it comes by faith alone, or works alone, or grace alone.
Our first article made clear, hopefully, that salvation does not come by
any one thing alone. We have examined in some detail that salvation comes
by hearing. This present article wants to look at the Scriptures and what
they teach about our salvation coming by means of believing.
That we are saved by faith cannot be successfully denied for that is what the Bible teaches. The problem is that some want to jump to an unwarranted conclusion and teach that faith alone is sufficient unto one's salvation. Does the Bible say anything about faith alone or faith only? Yes it does! However, the only time the phrase faith alone or faith only appears in the Bible, it is found with a little three-letter word. That word is the word not. Consider what James has written about this topic: "Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith" (Jas. 2:24). Interesting, isn't it? We need, as always, to understand the context in which any statement is made. Here, James is reminding the Christians to whom he is writing that works of faith must accompany ones faith in order for that faith to be valid. At least five times in this chapter alone James says or implies that faith without works is dead. Why? He says because it is all by itself. Hmmm, by itself. So may we conclude that an ingredient of salvation may not work or be sufficient if it is by itself? Yes, indeed, we must so conclude! So, how important is faith or believing? Let us allow the Bible to answer this vital question. The Hebrews writer said clearly that "without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing to Him" (Heb. 11:6). What is the nature of this faith from this text? It is two-fold. One, this faith must be convinced of the existence of God. One must believe that God is. Two, this faith must place trust in what God has promised: that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek after Him. Jesus Himself said "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins" (John 8.24). Certainly one must believe! Without faith, one cannot be saved. Truly salvation is by believing. Faith is that ingredient of one's life that trusts God, takes Him at His word, and then acts upon what that faith or doctrine teaches him/her to do. Paul wrote "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5.7). From whence then comes this faith? Paul told the Christians in Rome "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10.17). Now we are able to see the close connection between our two articles. Remember the first one dealt with the fact that we are saved by hearing. Without coming into possession of the facts, one could not have faith, and thus could not be saved. Good reader, we are saved by hearing the message of the Gospel, and believing it. This will cause three direct responses to Gods message. Those three responses are the subjects of the next three articles. Thanks for reading. God bless you in your study of His word. |