MISTAKEN BELIEFS
By Jim Silva

There are a number of beliefs and doctrines which are misunderstood, misinterpreted or, simply , falsely  taught.  Among the more prevalent are those which relate to individual salvation and God's grace. As an example, consider the following  which are  either commonly believed or actively taught as doctrine:

• The belief that Christ died for a few; that He died only for certain people selected for salvation. i.e. the doctrine  of "limited atonement."

• The belief that a sinner can't be saved. That he is doomed forever.

• The belief that one who has been saved once cannot fall from God's grace.

• The belief that baptism is not necessary for salvation

The truth is that their is no basis for either such beliefs or teaching that can be found in God's holy word,the  Bible.   For one thing, the Bible simply does not suggest or support any belief that Jesus died for a few,  for a selected group, or for that matter that a sinner can't be saved   On the contrary the Bible tells us that:

• Jesus died for all men.  (II Corinthians 5:15); He tasted death for everyone. (Heb 2"9)

• Jesus is the propitiation for our sins and those of the whole world. (I Jn 2:2)

• Jesus died: (a) for the ungodly; (b) for sinners; (c) not for the righteous. (Ro 5:6-8)

• Christ  both died and rose that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. (Romans 14:9)

We also know from Bible teaching that one who has been saved can be lost. Witness to the following testimony:

• There were those who fell from grace. (Gal 5:4-7);Two did fall (Tim 1:18-20)

• "Sin is lawlessness" (I Jn 3:4-12);"Sin is unrighteousness" (I Jn 5:17); Christ is not "the minister of sin." (Galatians 2:17)

• Christ saves only those who obey Him. (Heb 5:8-9) 

• All sinners are judge by God's law, whether the alien sinner or the Christian (Ro 2:12-16)

Since we know that salvation is available to all men, all that remains is to find out what requirements are specified by God in order for everyone to  obtain this precious gift. Again, we turn to the Bible to ascertain what God requires.  Not just for some men or a selected group, but all men, irrespective of person, position, race or circumstance.  From our examination of several passages which address this free gift from God we find unambiguous testimony to guide us. The Bible tells us that:

• Those who say and do God's commandments will be saved. (Mat 7:21)

• Those who believe and are baptized will be saved but those who do not believe will be damned. (Mk 16:15-16)

• Those who would repent of their sins and be baptized will be saved (Acts 2:38)

• Those who would :  (a) make the good confession (I Tim 6:12); (b) confess Christ as the Son of God (Mat 10:32-32; (c) confess unto salvation (Ro 10:9-10)

• Those who call on the name of the Lord and are baptized will have their sins washed away. (Acts 22:16)

In summary, we have God's assurance that there is no reward for the disobedient. (I Jn 3:22) but that there is a reward for all who are obedient . (I Jn 3:22)    Who are the obedient?  We are told that they are those:

    (1) who say and do God's will (Mat 7:21)
    (2) who have faith in Jesus (Ro 3:24
    (3) who believe in Jesus (Ro 3:26)
    (4) who get into Christ by faith and baptism (Gal 3:26,27).

The conclusion is obvious. For all who would obey, persevere and abide by God's commandments the promise of this reward is described for us, in Revelation 21 and 22 as a holy city: 

    (1) where there are no earthly woes
    (2) which is the throne of God
    (3) where life will be eternal
    (4) whose occupants will be the obedient, faithful, the angels, Jesus and God the Father ( Mat 25:37-40 and Heb 10:34-39-) -

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Page last updated: March 03, 2003