What Must I Do to Be Saved? Part 1

What Must I Do to Be Saved? Part 1
Brad Reiches
May 2 2006 12:28AM

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Tuesday, May 2, 2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"What Must I Do To Be Saved?"

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

Part 1

If you are among the 5 to 10% that believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and only revelation to man, then this message is for you.*  Indeed, the Bible gives us a clear answer to the question of salvation and we will devote the next several editions of GodThoughts Wired! to this subject.

Question:  "What Does the Bible Actually teach about salvation?"

Answer:  The Bible tells us that, "Salvation has appeared, bringing salvation to all men" (Titus 2:11).  How then, does "grace" bring salvation to men?  Through faith.  "For by grace you have been saved, through faith" (see Ephesians 2:8-10).  GRACE DOES NOT SAVE US!  Grace makes salvation possible, through faith.  Faith as opposed to the law.  "For we are no longer under the law but under grace" (see Romans 6:12-15).  The Bible warns us that grace is never to be misunderstood as a license to sin (see Romans 6:15; Jude 4).  Grace does not negate righteousness.  In fact, biblical grace makes righteousness possible, through Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches us that we have received grace, to bring about the obedience of faith (see Romans 1:5).  Further, the Bible warns that "Faith without works is dead, being by itself" (James 2:14-26).  Why?  Because the faith that results in salvation is a belief that puts its trust in Jesus.  Why?  Because the faith that saves us is different than the faith that the demons possess. (see James 2:19).  The demons are not saved, nor is anyone else who possesses a "demon-like" faith.  Why? 

Because the faith that saves us is the faith that responds to the invitation of Christ to, "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). 

*If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God then personal opinions are your only other option.  Buddha, Oprah, Mohammed, Ghandi, Hugh Heffner, Madonna, Joseph Smith, The Rolling Stones...pick one.