Articles
God's Simple Plan of Salvation
Salvation in Jesus is being preached from every church, television, radio, newspaper, and even on the world wide web. Could it be that many are not preaching the same plan of salvation that Jesus and His apostles taught?
Trust Your Feelings?
Many people believe they are saved based on how they feel. "I have so much peace and joy in my heart I must be saved" some have said.
Do you remember Orson Wells War of the Worlds? When that radio program played, thousands of people believed that alien beings from another planet had invaded the world and had taken over. They truly felt the world was under siege by Martians. We all know now they were wrong.
Were they sincere in their belief? Of course. Were they wrong? Yes. Because they didn't have all the facts.
We may feel blessed by the Lord, feel good about our relationship with Him and feel certain we are okay. But if all of that is based upon a false teaching or incomplete teaching, we could very well not be saved all the while we feel so good.
NOTE: Before we go any further, please take a piece of paper and write down two dates for me. This is very important. So don't continue without writing this down.
- First, write down the date you were saved. If you don't know the exact date, write down the month and year.
- Second, write down the date that you were water baptized. Again, if you are not sure, write down about how long it was after the date above. For example, 2 weeks, 1 year later, or whatever.
Who has a role in salvation?
Speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 5:9 says "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."
This passage says Jesus is the author of eternal salvation. When someone is the author of a book, they are usually considered an authority on the subject. In this case, Jesus is the authority on salvation. He wrote the plan.
But whom is Jesus the author of eternal salvation to? The verse says, "to all who obey Him." So, who has a part in salvation? Both Jesus and man. Jesus saves those who obey Him. It takes both Jesus and man together for man to receive salvation.
Some people will have a problem with this so let's look at an example.
In Joshua 6 we read about the conquering of the city of Jericho. In verse 2, God says, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand." God gave them instructions about how to take the city. After marching around the city for seven days, just as God had instructed, Joshua said, "Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!" (verse 16). After their shout, the walls fell down and the city was taken. In verse 20 is says of the people "and they took the city." Who conquered Jericho? God or the people? Why not both? God delivered the city and they took it.
In the same way, Jesus is "the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."
Looking at Jesus' Part and Man's Part in Salvation
Acts 2 is a very good place to see Jesus' part and man's part in salvation. Please read the chapter before continuing.
The setting of Acts 2 is the day of Pentecost, about 50 days after Jesus died on the cross. The Holy Spirit comes on the apostles and they begin to preach. A crowd gathers around and Peter explains that what is happening is the fulfillment of a prophecy given by Joel (Acts 2:14-21).
In verse 22 he begins to preach the gospel plan of salvation to those Jews. He first tells them to hear the words (v. 22). An important part man plays in salvation is his willingness to listen to what Jesus wants him to know. Peter then reminds them of Jesus (v. 22), how He died (at their hands v. 23), and was raised from the dead (v. 24). In verses 25 to 35 Peter sets forth proof from the Old Testament that Jesus, the man, is the Messiah (Christ) the Jews had been waiting for. Once the evidence had been presented he calls on them to believe it ("know assuredly" v. 36) and know they had put the Son of God to death. When they believed and realized what they had done, they asked "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (v. 37). "And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Verse 41 says "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."
Let's look at a chart to see what we have learned.
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Here we find Peter preaching that Jesus "is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." Jesus has died and was raised for all men. Stated another way, "the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" Titus 2:11. Though His blood was shed for all, not all take advantage of it. Once again, He only saves those who obey Him.
So, what did Peter teach these Jews on the day of Pentecost about obedience? He told them to believe, repent and be baptized. What was done for them by the Lord based upon their obedience? They received the remission of their sins.
Now, refer to that piece of paper you wrote the dates down on. Is there a difference in the date you wrote down when you were saved and the date you were baptized in water? If so, let me humbly suggest you need to reconsider whether or not you were taught the same gospel plan of salvation that Peter taught on Pentecost.
Many object to water baptism having anything to do with salvation. Look at the chart. Compare it to what Peter said. If I have made a mistake please email me. If I have accurately represented what Peter said, then consider obeying it.
Only as necessary as walking around Jericho as God prescribed.
Don't trust your feelings. Depend upon the word of God. Refer to the link above if you are not convinced baptism is necessary. Only you will stand before God at the last day. Take every precaution to be certain you do not miss the salvation of the Lord.
It is my belief that Satan has done a wonderful work in causing people of this day to miss the simple plan offered by Peter and the other apostles on this day. What better way to deceive the most people than to cause them to feel they are Christians when they never followed Jesus' plan at all. Read the rest of Acts. You'll see this taught again and again.
Ask yourself this question. Listen to your preacher when he offers the invitation at the end of a service. Does he tell people what Peter did in Acts 2? Would he ever answer "What must we do?" with the same answer Peter did in verse 38? If he did, would he then explain why it really doesn't mean what it says? These are serious questions you must answer. These are questions your preacher may very well have to answer in the final day.
