Elements of Salvation: Faith

Elements of Salvation: Faith

98003

I. Introduction

A. Today is the second part of our series on elements of salvation. Today we wish to look at the element of faith.

B. Remember, last week we discussed how all three elements we are discussing in this series are essential to salvation. Take one, two, or even all three elements away and salvation is impossible.

C. Faith is a very important element in our salvation. If one does not have faith in Christ or believe in the Word of God he will be lost. The Scriptures are very plain on the matter:

1. Jhn. 8:24 - unless you believe I am He - you will die in your sins.

2. Mk. 16:16 - he that believes not shall be damned.

3. Heb. 11:6 - w/o faith it is impossible to please Him…

a. Perhaps the most clear passage in the Scriptures on the matter.

b. God expects mankind to put his trust in Him. No trust? No salvation.

D. Many are the denominations today that teach that faith and faith alone is what brings forth salvation.

1. Methodist Disciple (1972) "we believe we are never accounted righteous before God through our own works or merit, but that penitent sinners are justified or accounted righteous before God only by faith in our Lord Jesus."

2. Hiscox Baptist Manual (p. 62) teaches salvation by faith only.

3. J.M. Pendleton's Baptist Manual (p. 48) teaches salvation solely through faith.

4. Julian Pope of the Baptist church said, "The Scriptures teach that salvation comes at the point of faith without any further acts of obedience."

5. Glen Tingley of the Christian Missionary Alliance, "The Scriptures teach that sinners are saved by faith alone before and without water baptism."

E. As we mentioned last week - many are the people walking around who believe that they are saved when they really aren't. Doctrines of men teach men that they can claim Christ as savior, yet defer until later the commitment to obey Him as Lord.

1. How sad.

2. Indeed this doctrine caters to large numbers of people - because most people do not want much religious commitment. They want an easy way.

3. We know what the Bible teaches on the important matter of salvation. Let us do our part to spread the truth.

F. Definition of faith

1. Nelsons Bible Dictionary: "A belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving a commitment to His will for one's life.

2. Unger's Bible Dictionary: "Belief or trust - especially in a higher power."

3. The Bible - the most important definition - Heb. 11:1-3

II. Man is Saved by Faith.

A. Throughout the NT, we find Scriptures that teach that man is saved by faith.

B. Examples:

1. Heb. 11:6 - must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

2. Jhn. 3:16 - whoever believes in Christ will not perish - but have everlasting life.

3. Jhn. 3:36 - He who believes = everlasting life.

4. Jhn. 5:24 - He who hears & believes = everlasting life.

5. Rom. 5:1 - justified by faith.

6. Mk. 16:16 - belief + baptism = salvation.

7. Acts 16:31 - believe…you will be saved you & your household.

8. Js. 2:24 - saved by faith + works.

C. From all of these Scriptures It is plain to see that in order for mankind to be saved - He must have faith in Jesus Christ. Read Jhn. 8:24 again. NO FAITH??? NO SALVATION!!!

D. Members of the Lord's church have always taught that faith is essential to salvation. Let no one misunderstand this!

III. Examples of Faith in the Scriptures.

A. Faith is definitely a Bible subject. Heb. 11 good place to look at faith.

B. Heb. 11:7 - By faith Noah moved with fear and prepared and ark to the saving of his house.

1. Application of faith only (FO) doctrine: Noah - "I believe that God will save me from the flood." = Salvation? Certainly not. Read Gen. 6:14-22. ESP 14, 18, 22…

2. Evident he prepared & built an ark so that he would be saved.

3. Faith alone did not/would not have saved Noah.

4. Noah's faith caused him to be obedient - no obedience - no salvation.

C. Heb. 11:8-10 - By faith Abraham obeyed… & he went out… (v. 9) by faith He sojourned in the land of promise.

1. Application of FO doctrine: Abraham - "I believe in the promise of God that He will make of me a great nation."

2. What if…He hadn't obeyed God? What if he chose not to sojourn in the country that God told him to go?

3. Faith alone would not have reaped the promise for Abraham.

D. Heb. 11:29 - Israel - by faith they passed through the Red Sea.

1. Application of FO doctrine: Israelites - "We believe that God will save us from the Egyptians."

2. Know what? No Israelites - they would have been destroyed by the Egyptians.

3. They moved across the Red Sea (v. 29) - they acted upon their faith.

E. Heb. 11:30 - Joshua - walls fell - after the were encircled for 7 days.

1. FO doctrine: Joshua/Israel - "We believe God will deliver the city to us." They would have had to do nothing more.

2. City only given to them AFTER they followed the commandment of God.

F. Paul taught that faith was necessary but that it wasn't the only thing necessary for salvation.

1. Rom. 16:26

2. Hebrew writer expressed the importance of obedience + faith working together to obtain salvation. - Heb. 5:8-9

3. SAVING FAITH IS AN OBEDIENT FAITH!

IV. Saved by Faith - But Not by Faith ONLY!

A. Multitudes of people today express that the faith that saved is merely a mental assent toward the deity of Christ.

1. Actually, if we tried to do anything at all - as they say - then we can't be saved by faith only - because we would be trying to save ourselves by our works.

2. Although the Bible says we are saved by faith - it does not - teach that one is saved by faith only!

B. Objections to FO Doctrine:

1. Find one Scripture in the NT that teaches that man is saved by faith only….Only time words "faith" and "works" are used together is Js. 2:24…

2. Jhn. 12:42-43 - rulers of Jesus' day.

a. would this kind of faith save?

b. They believed and believed only. If FO is true will they be saved?

3. James 2:19 - the demons.

a. Would this kind of faith save? They even tremble!

b. They believe and believe only - if FO is true is there going to be demons in heaven?

C. Inconsistencies Caused by the FO doctrine:

1. Hiscox Baptist Manual (p. 61) - "We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace."

2. Hiscox Baptist Manual (p. 62) - "that it (salvation) is bestowed no in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in Christ…"

a. P. 61 - saved by grace only.

b. P. 62 - saved by faith only.

c. Which is it? "Only" is not inclusive. Rather it is exclusive. According to their doctrine you must be saved by one or the other - but not both. Which "only" saves a man?

d. Their own doctrine contradicts itself…not only do they contradict themselves - they contradict the Word of God!

3. Often in teaching that one is saved by FO - the following Scriptures are used.

a. Jhn. 3:16 - whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.

b. Rom. 5:1 - justified by faith.

c. Acts 16:30-31 - Paul to the Philippian jailer - believe on the Lord and you shall be saved.

d. Those who advocate FO doctrine maintain that everything necessary for salvation is found in these verses.

e. Yet, most that push FO doctrine believe that both repentance & prayer are essential to salvation also.

1. Baptism is eliminated because these verses say "faith" but they bring in repentance & prayer.

2. Where is the logic in this?

f. We are saved by faith - but not faith ONLY!

V. Faith Must Be Accompanied By Other Elements In Order For Salvation to be Realized.

A. Faith is the first step toward salvation. All must realize this.

1. Acts 16:30-31 - Man was a Gentile. Perhaps never heard of Jesus Christ. Most likely not a religious man.

2. Honest man - asked what he needed to do to be saved.

3. V. 32-33 - Paul spoke the Word of the Lord - jailer + family baptized immediately. Belief just starting point for this family.

B. Repentance

1. Repentance has been defined as "to feel regret or remorse for; to resolve to reform oneself morally."

2. Acts 2:38 teaches us that repentance is required of God for salvation.

3. Tit. 2:11-12 goes along with this.

C. Confession

1. Rom. 10:9-10; Mt. 10:32-33

2. Must be willing to confess Christ before men. This is a necessary step for salvation.

D. Baptism - back to Acts 16:30-34…

1. Jailer asked question about how to become saved.

2. V. 32-33 - spoke to the Word of the Lord - immediately baptized.

3. Do you suppose they would have gone out immediately (v. 25 - midnight or after) to be baptized if nonessential?

4. Jailer/family heard the word of the Lord. What does the Word of the Lord teach?

a. Mk. 16:16

b. Acts 2:38

c. Acts 22:16

5. Paul himself taught elsewhere…

a. Gal. 3:27 - baptized into Christ

b. 1 Cor. 12:13 - baptized into the Body of Christ

c. Rom. 6:3 - baptized into the death of Christ

6. Does anyone ever know of a denomination preacher going out at midnight to baptize a man?

E. Faith must work together with all of the above in order to be saved. This is what the Bible teaches on the matter.

VI. Conclusion.

A. Let us not be deceived by the confusing doctrines of mankind.

1. The very foundation of our spiritual lives is faith.

2. W/O faith - no way to be pleasing to God.

3. We must add to our faith. Done by obedience.

B. Just as home being constructed is not complete with the foundation only - so our Christian lives are not complete with faith only.

C. We have seen clearly what the Bible teaches concerning salvation. Have you obeyed the Lord?

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Elements of Salvation: Faith 98003 I. Introduction A. Today is the second part of our series on elements of salvation. Today we wish to look at the element of faith. B. Remember, last week we discussed how all three elements we are discussing in this series are essential to salvation. Take one, two, or even all three elements away and salvation is impossible. C. Faith is a very important element in our salvation. If one does not have faith in Christ or believe in the Word of God he will be lost. The Scriptures are very plain on the matter: 1. Jhn. 8:24 - unless you believe I am He - you will die in your sins. 2. Mk. 16:16 - he that believes not shall be damned. 3. Heb. 11:6 - w/o faith it is impossible to please Him… a. Perhaps the most clear passage in the Scriptures on the matter. b. God expects mankind to put his trust in Him. No trust? No salvation. D. Many are the denominations today that teach that faith and faith alone is what brings forth salvation. 1. Methodist Disciple (1972) "we believe we are never accounted righteous before God through our own works or merit, but that penitent sinners are justified or accounted righteous before God only by faith in our Lord Jesus." 2. Hiscox Baptist Manual (p. 62) teaches salvation by faith only. 3. J.M. Pendleton's Baptist Manual (p. 48) teaches salvation solely through faith. 4. Julian Pope of the Baptist church said, "The Scriptures teach that salvation comes at the point of faith without any further acts of obedience." 5. Glen Tingley of the Christian Missionary Alliance, "The Scriptures teach that sinners are saved by faith alone before and without water baptism." E. As we mentioned last week - many are the people walking around who believe that they are saved when they really aren't. Doctrines of men teach men that they can claim Christ as savior, yet defer until later the commitment to obey Him as Lord. 1. How sad. 2. Indeed this doctrine caters to large numbers of people - because most people do not want much religious commitment. They want an easy way. 3. We know what the Bible teaches on the important matter of salvation. Let us do our part to spread the truth. F. Definition of faith 1. Nelsons Bible Dictionary: "A belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving a commitment to His will for one's life. 2. Unger's Bible Dictionary: "Belief or trust - especially in a higher power." 3. The Bible - the most important definition - Heb. 11:1-3 II. Man is Saved by Faith. A. Throughout the NT, we find Scriptures that teach that man is saved by faith. B. Examples: 1. Heb. 11:6 - must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. 2. Jhn. 3:16 - whoever believes in Christ will not perish - but have everlasting life. 3. Jhn. 3:36 - He who believes = everlasting life. 4. Jhn. 5:24 - He who hears & believes = everlasting life. 5. Rom. 5:1 - justified by faith. 6. Mk. 16:16 - belief + baptism = salvation. 7. Acts 16:31 - believe…you will be saved you & your household. 8. Js. 2:24 - saved by faith + works. C. From all of these Scriptures It is plain to see that in order for mankind to be saved - He must have faith in Jesus Christ. Read Jhn. 8:24 again. NO FAITH??? NO SALVATION!!! D. Members of the Lord's church have always taught that faith is essential to salvation. Let no one misunderstand this! III. Examples of Faith in the Scriptures. A. Faith is definitely a Bible subject. Heb. 11 good place to look at faith. B. Heb. 11:7 - By faith Noah moved* with fear and prepared and ark to the saving of his house.* 1. Application of faith only (FO) doctrine: Noah - "I believe that God will save me from the flood." = Salvation? Certainly not. Read Gen. 6:14-22. ESP 14, 18, 22… 2. Evident he prepared & built an ark so that he would be saved. 3. Faith alone did not/would not have saved Noah. 4. Noah's faith caused him to be obedient - no obedience - no salvation. C. Heb. 11:8-10 - By faith Abraham obeyed…* & he went out… (v. 9) by faith He sojourned in the land of promise.* 1. Application of FO doctrine: Abraham - "I believe in the promise of God that He will make of me a great nation." 2. What if…He hadn't obeyed God? What if he chose not to sojourn in the country that God told him to go? 3. Faith alone would not have reaped the promise for Abraham. D. Heb. 11:29 - Israel - by faith they passed* through the Red Sea.* 1. Application of FO doctrine: Israelites - "We believe that God will save us from the Egyptians." 2. Know what? No Israelites - they would have been destroyed by the Egyptians. 3. They moved across the Red Sea (v. 29) - they acted upon their faith. E. Heb. 11:30 - Joshua - walls fell - after the were encircled for 7 days. 1. FO doctrine: Joshua/Israel - "We believe God will deliver the city to us." They would have had to do nothing more. 2. City only given to them AFTER they followed the commandment of God. F. Paul taught that faith was necessary but that it wasn't the only thing necessary for salvation. 1. Rom. 16:26 2. Hebrew writer expressed the importance of obedience + faith working together to obtain salvation. - Heb. 5:8-9 3. SAVING FAITH IS AN OBEDIENT FAITH! IV. Saved by Faith - But Not by Faith ONLY! A. Multitudes of people today express that the faith that saved is merely a mental assent toward the deity of Christ. 1. Actually, if we tried to do anything at all - as they say - then we can't be saved by faith only - because we would be trying to save ourselves by our works. 2. Although the Bible says we are saved by faith - it does not - teach that one is saved by faith only! B. Objections to FO Doctrine: 1. Find one Scripture in the NT that teaches that man is saved by faith only….Only time words "faith" and "works" are used together is Js. 2:24… 2. Jhn. 12:42-43 - rulers of Jesus' day. a. would this kind of faith save? b. They believed and believed only. If FO is true will they be saved? 3. James 2:19 - the demons. a. Would this kind of faith save? They even tremble! b. They believe and believe only - if FO is true is there going to be demons in heaven? C. Inconsistencies Caused by the FO doctrine: 1. Hiscox Baptist Manual (p. 61) - "We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace." 2. Hiscox Baptist Manual (p. 62) - "that it (salvation) is bestowed no in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in Christ…" a. P. 61 - saved by grace only. b. P. 62 - saved by faith only. c. Which is it? "Only" is not inclusive. Rather it is exclusive. According to their doctrine you must be saved by one or the other - but not both. Which "only" saves a man? d. Their own doctrine contradicts itself…not only do they contradict themselves - they contradict the Word of God! 3. Often in teaching that one is saved by FO - the following Scriptures are used. a. Jhn. 3:16 - whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. b. Rom. 5:1 - justified by faith. c. Acts 16:30-31 - Paul to the Philippian jailer - believe on the Lord and you shall be saved. d. Those who advocate FO doctrine maintain that everything necessary for salvation is found in these verses. e. Yet, most that push FO doctrine believe that both repentance & prayer are essential to salvation also. 1. Baptism is eliminated because these verses say "faith" but they bring in repentance & prayer. 2. Where is the logic in this? f. We are saved by faith - but not faith ONLY! V. Faith Must Be Accompanied By Other Elements In Order For Salvation to be Realized. A. Faith is the first step toward salvation. All must realize this. 1. Acts 16:30-31 - Man was a Gentile. Perhaps never heard of Jesus Christ. Most likely not a religious man. 2. Honest man - asked what he needed to do to be saved. 3. V. 32-33 - Paul spoke the Word of the Lord - jailer + family baptized immediately. Belief just starting point for this family. B. Repentance 1. Repentance has been defined as "to feel regret or remorse for; to resolve to reform oneself morally." 2. Acts 2:38 teaches us that repentance is required of God for salvation. 3. Tit. 2:11-12 goes along with this. C. Confession 1. Rom. 10:9-10; Mt. 10:32-33 2. Must be willing to confess Christ before men. This is a necessary step for salvation. D. Baptism - back to Acts 16:30-34… 1. Jailer asked question about how to become saved. 2. V. 32-33 - spoke to the Word of the Lord - immediately baptized. 3. Do you suppose they would have gone out immediately (v. 25 - midnight or after) to be baptized if nonessential? 4. Jailer/family heard the word of the Lord. What does the Word of the Lord teach? a. Mk. 16:16 b. Acts 2:38 c. Acts 22:16 5. Paul himself taught elsewhere… a. Gal. 3:27 - baptized into Christ b. 1 Cor. 12:13 - baptized into the Body of Christ c. Rom. 6:3 - baptized into the death of Christ 6. Does anyone ever know of a denomination preacher going out at midnight to baptize a man? E. Faith must work together with all of the above in order to be saved. This is what the Bible teaches on the matter. VI. Conclusion. A. Let us not be deceived by the confusing doctrines of mankind. 1. The very foundation of our spiritual lives is faith. 2. W/O faith - no way to be pleasing to God. 3. We must add to our faith. Done by obedience. B. Just as home being constructed is not complete with the foundation only - so our Christian lives are not complete with faith only. C. We have seen clearly what the Bible teaches concerning salvation. Have you obeyed the Lord? D. I N V I T A T I O N