The following is my response to a comment regarding this article: How do you get saved? This comment provided me the opportunity illustrate the confusion of a works-based salvation that exists today if you do not rightly divide the Word.
When you read the comment, notice the emphasis that is put on works; on things you must do to be saved. Granted, these are things that are listed in the Kingdom gospel, but they are of little significance in the Grace gospel, as clarified in the article linked above.
Comment:
Do not accept anyone’s word on how to obtain salvation without verifying it yourself through study of God’s word given to us through the Apostles. You must believe Christ is the Son of God, confess your sins and be baptized for the remission of sins and give your life to Christ. You can say you believe all you want but if you don’t submit to what the Bible says then you don’t truly believe, at the same time, you can do all these things and still not be saved if you did not truly believe what is said through the scriptures. It’s a matter of faith, submission and living a faithful life serving God through your life’s journey. It seems to me to be the works of the devil himself when people tell you any part of the Gospel’s plan of salvation is not required.
My Response:
Your comment lines up with what is required to be saved under the Kingdom gospel, a gospel that was taught by Jesus and the 12 apostles. This gospel is designed for Israel and is based on faith in their Messiah, confession that He is the Son of God, and baptism, which is an ordinance of washing to be cleansed of sin for a priestly function in the Jewish program, (see OBS: ACTS - The Transition (Part 2 - The Great Commission and Water Baptism) for details).
My post (linked above) refers to salvation under the Grace gospel, which was introduced by Paul, whom God chose to be the apostle to the Gentiles. We, under grace, are not part of the Kingdom program, and thus the way to be saved is based on different criteria. Our salvation is not based on WHO Jesus is, but on WHAT Jesus did. The criteria of confession and water baptism is of little significance in comparison to consciously choosing to trust Christ and the cross work that He did on our behalf to redeem and justify us. There is NO works, so that no one can boast and thus diminish or nullify the pure grace of the work of Christ.
Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Rom.11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
God bless.
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