A further caveat to those who are resting in their works. The crowd in Matthew 7 surely had works yet Jesus will say He never knew them. They did believe the gospel of grace.
Matthew 7:14,22-24 KJVS
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [22] 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? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [24] 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:
I agree with many of the premises of you article and find them to be biblical spare a couple. I reject the sinners prayer as even an unregenerate person, that is one not quickened by the Holy Spirit imputing Christ's righteousness to the sinners account in time, is able to utter those words yet fail to understand and believe the gospel of grace. God is both the author and finisher of the faith of the saints. Romans 6 speaks of a baptism in His death. I believe this represents a metaphysical event by which a sinner is converted and able to believe each and every God-glorifying proposition concerning the gospel. Yes, and to trust in it alone for their justification.
It is not their trusting nor their faith that saves them. It is rather His blood, His death like, Christ alone which be the object of God given faith. Jesus told the sick man when He saw His faith that His sins were forgiven.
This suggests that faith is the evidence rather of a saints sins already being forgiven. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5. Only one who is born again of the Spirit has the Spirit. It necessarily follows that faith is not the cause of being born again but rather an effect.
Again, I appreciate the post and the truth it presents. I hope you too understand that one who is saved is saved solely because Christ's death is reckoned to them freeing them from the guilt and curse of Adam. God gets ALL the glory. Amen!
Thank you for your reply, and yes, all the glory belongs to Jesus.
Baptism is a necessary part of growing as a Christian because it is required to become a member of a local church. But it is not required for salvation, and there is no scripture that explains it being a metaphysical event necessary for regeneration. It takes time and effort for one to become a Godly person, and that can only happen when you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Go and spread the good news about Jesus Christ. It is the one and only truth that this wicked world desperately needs to hear.
God Speed!
Not talking about baptism with water though.
Romans 6:3-11 KJVS
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [6] Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. [7] For he that is dead is freed from sin. [8] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: [9] Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. [10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thanks for the reply.