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How Are We Saved?

First, let's define a few terms:

 

• A Work: Our attempt to draw near to God.
• An Act of Faith: Our attempt to honor God.
• Grace: God's Riches At Christ's Expense or God's Unmerited Favor

There are those who teach that salvation is achieved through works and others hold that acting upon faith is the only way that salvation is assured. Thus, a clear distinction between works and acts of faith is critical.

What does the Bible say?

Primary Passages: Ephesians 2:4-6,8-10 2 Timothy 1:9 Acts 15:11

Additional Passages: Romans 3:22-24 Titus 3:7 Romans 5:1,17

In other words there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve salvation or the forgiveness of God. Works achieve nothing, and only through God's grace can we be forgiven and saved! In fact, any "goodness" we are able to achieve is, in God's eyes, "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6)

With that in mind, let us now consider the original question:"How are we saved?"

Illustration: Picture your favorite pie cut into six equal pieces.

• If they are truly equal, no piece is larger or smaller than the others.
• If they are truly equal, no piece taste better or worse than the others.
• If they are truly equal, no piece is more or less desirable than the others.

In regards to our salvation, we have a "pie" with six equal pieces, or six acts/steps of faith and none are to be considered more or less important.

 

 

These steps of faith are:

• Belief in Jesus.
• Confession (agree with God)
• Repentance (turn around 180 degrees)
• Accepting Jesus as Lord and Master
• Baptism (by immersion)
• Obedience (living a Godly life)

Now let's consider these steps of faith in the light of Scripture.

1. Belief in Jesus

2. Confession: To agree with God

3. Repent: Turn around 180 degrees

4. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Master

5. Baptism: "To dip, submerge, immerse"

• Examples of Baptism

   

  Matthew 3:13-17
  Acts 8:34-39
  Acts 10:44-48

   

    When discussing baptism, a common question is, "Do you have to be baptized to be a Christian and/or to be saved?" In answer to that question, we chose to let the Lord make that judgment. However, once a person chooses to say yes to Jesus as Savior AND Lord, he is committing himself to obeying Christ's commands. Baptism is one of those commands. So, if for some reason, a person refuses to be obedient in baptism, it is apparent that they have not
  yet understood the concept of Jesus being Lord and Master.

6. Obedience

Gray Avenue Christian Church 1524 Gray Ave. Yuba City California