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“…What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) is the most important question that man can ask. Unfortunately, various and conflicting answers are given by teachers of religion. This article is for those who believe the Bible and who truly want to know the answer to the above question.
Let us begin by noting something Jesus said that should help use get the truth regarding our question:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Matt. 7:21-23).
Does the above passage help, or confuse? Well, if you are inclined to follow tradition instead of using good hermeneutics to determine truth, then Jesus’ words here might be confusing to you. One must realize there is error being taught, and for this reason John warned, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, ASV). Thus, it is YOUR responsibility to, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thes. 5:21).
Why have honest people come up with wrong answers to the question that is most vital to us? The problem seems to be a failure, or perhaps unwillingness, to seek an answer that allows harmony of the Scriptures. The Bible says we are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8) and this settles it in the minds of some—no need for further study. Others believe one is saved by “faith only”. The word “faith” is usually used of THE faith—a noun, but is also used of one’s confidence. The Bible does not teach that one’s confidence (alone) will save him, but to the contrary. We can know this because “The devils believed and trembled” (James 2:19); and “…Among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). And then we have James telling us justification is “not by faith only” (James 2:24). Are we justified by faith? We absolutely are. Are “deeds” involved in judgment? Let’s see: “Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:6). But what about deeds of the Law? Paul wrote that, “A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28). Of course, he is talking about the Law of Moses—not works involved in obedience to Christ (Romans 6:17, 18). Paul wrote, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Gal. 5:6).
The truth is, one can be “saved by grace through faith,” but obedience is a requirement--it is a condition. [This is illustrated by Naaman who received cleansing by obeying God when he dipped in the Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5)]. This is made clear by the Hebrew writer who said, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9). And we must not forget that Jesus said, “…He that doeth the will of my Father” and “ …Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them…”. Thus, if one asserts that obedience has nothing to do with being saved you can consider him to be teaching contrary to the word of God. Peter noted that there were “false teachers” in the past and that we would also be plagued by them (2 Pet. 2:1).
The Hebrew writer exhorted Christians to “Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb 6:12). Note that the writer mentions the word “inherit.” A son is born into the family of his father, who gives him an inheritance, which often is conditioned on certain things. The son knows that if his life is contrary to his father’s will he may lose that inheritance. Obviously, one can lose faith and patience, which the text teaches is a requirement to receive the inheritance. Note Paul’s statement to the Colossians: “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:24). Without a doubt, “service” is a requirement to being saved or receiving the inheritance. The word “service” involves obedience, deeds or work; and no matter how many preach to the contrary it remains true that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20, 26).
Salvation and keeping saved, to receive the inheritance, involves grace and faithful service.
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