If someone asked you how one, according to the Bible, is saved, you’d need to list a few more things than you probably figured. At the very least, you should include that we are saved by:

 

1. God  (Romans 8:33)

2. Christ (John 8:24)

3. Holy Spirit  (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

4. Teaching  (1 Timothy 4:16)

5. Preaching  (1 Corinthians 1:21)

6. Believing  (Acts 15:11)

7. Hearing  (Romans 10:17)

8. Faith  (Romans 5:1)

9. Love  (1 John 4:7)

10. Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)

11. Confession (Mt 15:16; Rom 10:10)

12. Baptism (1 Pt 3:21, Ac 2:38)

13. Christ’s blood  (Romans 5:9)

14. Christ’s name  (Acts 4:12)

15. Grace  (Ephesians 2: 8)

16. Through Mercy  (Titus 3:5)

17. Hope  (Romans 8:24)

18. Works  (Jms 2:24, I Jn 3:24, Mt. 25)

19. Endurance  (Matthew 24:13)

20. Death to old life (Romans 6)

21. The Gospel (I Corinthians 15:1)

22. Obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9)

 

OK, I’ll admit it: I don’t keep this list in my pocket. And not each of these is preceded by “You are saved by…” I know, we’re saved by grace…through faith…faith so authentic that it leads to works. Everything listed is connected to salvation, but they don’t stand in conflict with each other. Yes, God saves. Yes, preaching leads others to salvation. Yes, hearing leads to salvation. Yes, yes, yes.

When Jesus said that we must believe (John 3:16), he did not diminish baptism (Acts 2:38). And when Peter preached of baptism, he did not diminish the necessity of belief.

God never gives us a step-by-step guide. He could’ve listed these twenty-two items on one page, thus making the Bible a one-page document. But God knew that we’d probably try to check off a list, instead of pursuing Him with our hearts.

Embrace all of Scripture. Embrace God. His instructions are complete, full and worthy of our obedience.

I’m thankful that God chose to tell us a story. And I’m even more thankful that He entered our story.

 

Related Posts: Not Forgotten, Where confession leads

 

 

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