Beech Tree News Network

What Is It That Saves Man?

Jarrod Jacobs

There is much religious confusion today. One area where men are confused concerns how we can be saved. Some have been taught that faith alone saves a man. Is this what the Bible teaches? Please read the verses below. The Bible teaches that:

People saw salvation when John preached (Lk. 3:6).

Salvation came through Christ (Matt. 1:21; Lk. 2:30, 19:9-10; Jn. 3:17, 10:9, 12:47; Acts 4:12; I Tim. 1:15; Heb. 7:25; Jas. 4:12; Rom. 4:25, 5:10).

The Gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:13; Jas. 1:21; I Cor. 15:1-2; Gal. 2:16).

Man must believe and confess Christ to be saved (Rom. 10:9-10).

Repentance of sins saves man (Acts 2:38; II Cor. 7:10).

God’s grace saves (Tit. 2:11, 3:7; Acts 15:11; Eph. 2:5, 8; II Tim. 1:9; Rom. 3:24).

Obedience to Christ saves (Heb. 5:8-9; Rom. 2:13; Matt. 7:21; Jas. 2:24).

Faith saves (Mk. 16:16; I Pet. 1:9-10; I Cor. 1:21; Heb. 10:39; Lk. 8:12; Acts 10:43, 13:39, 16:11; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 3:25, 28, 30, 5:1; Gal. 3:8).

God’s longsuffering brings salvation (II Pet. 3:15; Rom. 3:25).

People were commanded to “save themselves” (Acts 2:40; I Tim. 4:16).

The preaching of the Gospel saves (I Cor. 1:21; Acts 16:17).

Baptism saves (I Pet. 3:21; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 22:16; Tit. 3:5; I Cor. 6:11; Jn. 3:3-5; Eph. 5:26).

He who endures to the end will be saved (Matt. 24:13; Mk. 13:13).

The word saves (Jn. 5:34; II Tim. 3:15; Acts 11:14).

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13).

The blood of Christ saves (Rom. 3:25, 5:9; Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:22; Rev. 1:5).

Hope saves (Rom. 8:24).

We must love the truth to be saved (II Thess. 2:10).

God’s mercy saves (Titus 3:5).

God saves (Rom. 3:25, 30, 8:33; Gal. 3:8; I Tim. 2:4).

Our words can save or condemn (Matt. 12:36-37).

Those whom God saves have been called by the gospel (Rom. 8:30; II Thess. 2:14).

After reading the list above, how could anyone say that one thing “alone” saves us? Where does the Scripture say faith or anything “alone” saves?

 Most people understand that there are things that God does to bring about man’s salvation. Our list above proves this. When we read these verses carefully, however, we will not read that there are many things that God does and only one thing that man does for salvation! Instead, there are things God did and things that God requires of man if he wishes to be saved from sin.

 The salvation of man’s eternal soul is the most important thing in this world (Matt. 16:26). Jesus came to die and save us from sin (I Tim. 1:15; Lk. 19:10). God has given us His word (II Tim. 3:16-17). Now, it is up to us to read, study, and obey this precious word (Eph. 3:4; II Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:22-25; Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 17:10). God loves us and has provided a plan we can follow. We can be saved based upon our obedience to Him (Heb. 5:9). Are you saved from your sins?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167