What Constitutes "Saving Faith"?
by Sandy Simpson, 1/30/03


There are many who claim to be saved today.  Ultimately only God knows who are saved (eternal security) and we can have assurance of salvation through a commitment to holding on to faith (conditional security).  But what constitutes a "saving faith"?   First let's look at some things that do not constitute saving faith.  Some of the subjects below are certainly a part of a saving faith, but taken alone they are not enough to assure us of salvation.


What, taken alone, does not constitute "saving faith"?

Does belief plus fear of God constitute "saving faith"?

James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
The demons believe and tremble in fear of God.  But what is their end?
Matthew 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Fear of God is a good thing and part of a healthy saving faith. It often is one of the initial motivations to turn to Christ.  It is also what should move us toward a more perfect holiness.
2 Corinthians 7:1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Hebrews 12:28  Wherefore since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
But fear of God alone does not constitute "saving faith".


Does belief plus baptism constitute "saving faith"?

The Bible says that even Simon the Sorcerer (Simon Magus) believed and was baptized.

Acts 8:13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
But belief and baptism do not guarantee salvation.  Simon had a wrong motive.  He wanted fame and power. Upon being rebuked, he remained unrepentant.
Acts 8:18-24  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
We know from historical accounts that Simon Magus was one of the early false teachers of Christian Gnosticism.  He drew great crowds with signs and wonders, but they were lying signs and wonders not of the Holy Spirit.

Belief plus baptism alone is not enough to constitute "saving faith".  Those who put stock in infant baptism or baptismal regeneration are believing in vain.


Does belief plus asking an Apostle to pray for you (though there are no foundational Apostles today) constitute "saving faith"?

As mentioned above, Simon Magus asked the Apostles to pray for him instead of praying his own prayer of repentance.

Acts 8:13 & 24 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. ... Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Going to a priest or some "apostle" or leader in the Church and having them pray for forgiveness of your sins shows unrepentance.  Simon asked a real Apostle to pray for him, but he remained unrepentant and started one of the biggest heresies in the Church called Christian Gnosticism.

Belief and having someone pray for your salvation is not "saving faith".


Does belief brought about by signs and wonders constitute "saving faith"?

As in the above account, Simon believed and was baptized, but this was apparently brought about by his fascination with signs and wonders.

Acts 8:13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
This became apparent when Simon wanted to buy the ability, as he perceived it, to lay hands on people and have signs and wonders happen to them.
Acts 8:18-19  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
There are many today who claim to be "Christians" because they want power to do signs and wonders.  But they have everything backwards.  Relationship comes before experience. True experience only comes out of right belief.

Belief through signs and wonders alone will not carry a person through to a "saving faith".


Does faith plus being used by God, even to write Scripture, constitute "saving faith"?

Solomon was the anointed King of Israel.  God used him to build the Temple, gave him great wisdom, and even wrote Scripture through him.

Proverbs 1:1  The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
Song of Solomon 1:1  The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
But Solomon departed into idolatry in his old age due to the lusts of the flesh through his many wives and concubines.
1 Kings 11:4  For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
1 Kings 11:8  And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
Only God knows if Solomon repented of this, though there is no mention of his repentance in the Bible.  Those who worship idols and do not repent, turning again to the Lord, are destined to hell.
Gal. 5:20-21 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Col. 3:5-6 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Being used and honored by God, at some time in your life, is no guarantee of a "saving faith".


Does listening to the Word and being a disciple constitute "saving faith"?

Judas Iscariot was numbered among the original twelve disciples.  He was a "follower of Christ", though it later became clear to the disciples that from the start his heart was not right with God.  As we know, Judas was finally possessed by Satan and betrayed the Lord.

John 6:71  He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Luke 22:3  Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Judas certainly heard all of Jesus' teachings, and dropped what he was doing to follow Him.  But simply hearing the Word is not enough.
James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Following Jesus and listening to Him are necessary, but not enough alone to constitute "saving faith".


Does faith plus joy constitute "saving faith"?

Some people receive the news of salvation by grace through Jesus Christ with great joy.

Luke 8:13  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
But later they fall away because they are not grounded in the Faith and cannot stand against temptation, persecution and trials.  There are certain preachers and authors today, like John Piper, who seem to indicate that joy is the most necessary element of salvation and the Christian life.  But joy is not everything a Christian will experience, nor will it save.

Initial belief with joy alone does not constitute "saving faith".


Does believing that Jesus Christ is the Son Of God, the Messiah, constitute "saving faith"?

Even the demons believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, the Christ (Messiah).

Matthew 8:29  And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Mark 3:11  And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
Luke 4:41  And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
Belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah is important, but that belief alone does not constitute "saving faith".


Does belief in One God constitute "saving faith"?

The demons believe in one God.

James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But the demons have no salvation because of that belief.
Matthew 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Moslems believe in One God.  Jews who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Messiah believe in One God.  Yet they remain unregenerate until they acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and as God.

Belief in One God is necessary, but does not constitute "saving faith" alone.


Does belief plus falling down backwards and shaking constitute "saving faith"?

Falling down and shaking is a consistent picture of demonization in the Bible.  The demons also tremble and shake in their belief of the one God.

James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
There are people who think that if they fall down, shake and act weird that this is somehow a sign of holiness and the "anointing".  The problem is that these uncontrollable manifestations have to do with the occult and the demonic, not Christianity. Yes, people who have actually seen God or angels have fallen down in fear.  But they were not forced down, put into a trance state, or overpowered from the outside.  The fell down in fear and reverence in reaction to the power and glory of the Lord and angelic beings.

Belief plus manifestations including shaking do not constitute "saving faith".


Does belief that leads to moments of greatness in life, a high position, anointing of God, and wisdom constitute "saving faith"?

Solomon was the anointed King of Israel, was a great man of wisdom, wrote Scripture.

1 Kings 1:34  And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
Luke 11:31  The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
But Solomon turned away into idolatry through his foreign wives.

1 Kings 11:4 & 8  For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. ... And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

Saul was the first anointed King of Israel

1 Samuel 15:1  Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.
But Saul continually disobeyed the Lord, did not repent of his sins, and ended up consulting a medium and subsequently dying.
1 Samuel 28:8  And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
1 Samuel 31:6  So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
Just because a person has a high position, even given by God Himself, does not give the person a "saving faith".


Is belief that being numbered among the believers will constitute "saving faith" correct?

Ananias and Sapphira were numbered among the believers.  But they lied to Peter and to God.

Acts 4:32-5:11 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
All liars are bound for destruction.
Revelation 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Though numbered among the Christians, and seen as faithful churchgoers, people who call themselves "Christians" but practice lying and do not repent are just as much headed for hell as anyone else.  They do not have a "saving faith".


Does belief in a Gospel that does not include Jesus' death on the cross to pay sin's penalty and His resurrection as witnessed by many witnesses constitute "saving faith"?

Christians say they believe in the Gospel.  But that gospel must include Christ's death for our sins and His resurrection.

1 Cor. 15:3-8  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

1 Cor. 15:1-2  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Many today think they are believing in the Gospel, but they do not really believe that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead, thereby proving He was God.  They do not believe that Jesus Christ's death on the cross pays the penalty of death we owe for our sins and sinful nature.

Belief without the Gospel facts does not constitute "saving faith".


Does belief in every miracle in the Christian world constitute "saving faith"?

Many today believe that if miracles are happening they must be from God, and base their faith on the miracles and miracle workers.  But we are not to believe every miracle, as Satan also does miracles, but are to test every spirit to see if it is of this world or the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 19:20  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Belief through miracles is not the best basis for belief, and does not constitute "saving faith" alone.


Does belief in any Jesus, any Gospel, any Spirit constitute "saving faith"?

Today many people who claim to be Christians have clearly put their faith in unbiblical definitions of Jesus, the Gospel and the Holy Spirit.

2 Cor. 11:3-4  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
The point is that Christians are NOT to bear with people who preach another Jesus, another Spirit, another Gospel.  We are to reject these people are heretics.
Titus 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Belief in any definition of Jesus, the Spirit and the Gospel that does not square with the revelation of Scripture, does not constitute a "saving faith", and is belief in vain.


Does faith without action, without fruit, without works constitute "saving faith"?

In the new environment of easy-believism in the churches, many Christians seem to think that they can do anything they want once they have claimed to be born again.

James 2:14  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
But faith without fruit, without works that come from being truly regenerate, is no faith at all.
John 15:2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Belief without fruit and works does not constitute "saving faith".


So what DOES constitute "saving faith"?

To be saved a man must (1) believe the facts about salvation and accept the free gift by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone (2) repent of (turn away from) sin (3) commit to obey the Lord Jesus Christ (4) pick up his cross and follow Christ to the cross once for all and daily. Josh McDowel defined the ABCs of the Gospel as follows:

A - Admit you are a sinner: Rom 3:23, 6:23
B - Believe in the Gospel facts: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
    1. Jesus died to pay for your sin: Rom 5:6-8,
    2. Jesus rose from the dead to show that the payment was accepted: 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 6:4-5
C- Commit yourself to trusting in God's provision. Personally receive the gift: Rom 10:9-10

Every Gospel message should include these ABC's.  These would necessarily include an explanation about the sin in every man that ends in death, the Atonement provided by Christ's death on the cross (Rom. 5:11), the washing of the Blood of Christ (Heb. 9:14, 1 John 1:7, Eph. 1:7) shed for us because without shed blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb. 9:22), and the fact that when we believe we are saved by Jesus' death on the Cross once for all (Heb. 10:10).  We must then pick up our cross daily (Heb. 9:23) and follow Christ to death also (Gal. 2:20).

1 Cor. 2:1-2   When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Ga 6:14   May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Paul preached the cross.  Should we do any less? But how is belief or saving faith defined in the Bible?

Commit - pisteuo

Acts 16:31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(1) We must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  The word for "believe" in the above verses is a verb.  It might be better translated "Commit to the Lord Jesus Christ".  True belief is a commitment, not just an acknowledgment of the facts.  (2) We commit to the Lord Jesus Christ.  This means that we give the Lord the throne of our lives in place of self.  We then commit to obey His commands, His will.  We also commit to Jesus, the only Man who could die for our sins, and who rose again to give us eternal life.  Lastly we commit to Christ, the Messiah, believing Him to be the Son of God, therefore Almighty God incarnate.  (3) We must confess with our mouths that we believe and not keep it to ourselves.  We become witnesses of the saving Gospel, salt and light to the world.  We confess that Jesus Christ is the only Lord who can save.  (4) We also believe that since God raised His Son from the dead that Jesus Christ is God, and that we have the hope of resurrection to eternal life.

Abide - meno

We must abide in the Vine, Jesus Christ.  That is, continue in belief, faith, commitment.  If we bear no fruit we will be cut off.

John 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Hold, Keep - tereo

We must hold fast to the gospel we profess without wavering, continue to be repentant, and hold our confidence steadfast till the end.

Revelation 3:3  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Hebrews 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Hebrews 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
We must keep Jesus' words thereby showing our love for Him, or else we prove we do not love Him.  We must keep ourselves in the love of God by obeying the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:23-24  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
Jude 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Persevere, Continue - epimeno

We must persevere through trials, and continue in sound doctrine, for a continued commitment of faith is how we apprehend and take hold of salvation and we are able to communicate the gospel of salvation to others.

Mark 4:5-6  And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
Mark 4:17  And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Overcome - nikao

We must be overcomers through faith, a faith that continues in belief no matter what the cost.  Those who overcome will have their inheritance as children of God.

1 John 5:4-5  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (KJV)
1 John 5:4-5  because every one who is begotten of God doth overcome the world, and this is the victory that did overcome the world—our faith; who is he who is overcoming the world, if not he who is believing that Jesus is the Son of God? (YLT)
Revelation 21:7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

An Example Of A Solid Gospel Presentation


Getting To Know God
by Juanita Simpson

 

Part I
Who is God?

... He is the Creator who made everything and still holds it together.  He is involved right now in His world.

The Bible says:
"The God who made the world
and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth
...He himself gives all men life and breath
and everything else." Acts 17:24-25

... God wants to be our Father.  This was His purpose in creating man -- to have a family He could love and who could love Him in return.

The Bible says:
In love He predestined us
to be adopted as His sons
through Jesus Christ,
in accordance with His pleasure and will.
Ephesians 1:5

... God the Father is changeless and trustworthy.  He loves us with an everlasting love.  When we become His children we are safe.  He will never fail us or forsake us.

The Bible says:
"I will never leave you or forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

... God created heaven as a beautiful home where He and His children could live together forever in peace.

The Bible says:
"Now the dwelling of God is with men,
and He will live with them.
They will be His people and God Himself
will be with them and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain." Revelation 21:3-4


Part II
What is sin?

...God's beautiful plans for men were spoiled by the entrance of sin and shame.  Sin began with the pride and rebellion of some of the angels of God.  They were thrown out of heaven and became Satan and the evil spirits.

...Sin and shame came upon man when Satan tempted Adam and Eve, the first people.  Because of their pride and rebellion they disobeyed God's command.  They chose to obey Satan instead of God.

... The result of Adam and Eve's sin was:

- they were ashamed before God for the first time
- their relationship with God was broken
- all men became sinners because of the
- all men are condemned to die and be eternally separated from a holy God
- no one could go to the heaven God made for them; all must go to hell.
The Bible says:
"Therefore just as sin entered the world
through one man and death through sin,
and in this way death came to all men
because all sinned...
For all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God." Romans 5:12, 3:23

...Sin is the result of falling to temptation like Adam and Eve did.  It is disobeying and displeasing God.  We sin when we do what we know we shouldn't do.  We also sin when we don't do what we should do.

The Bible says:
"When tempted no one should say,
'God is tempting me.'
For God cannot be tempted by sin,
nor does He tempt anyone;
but each one is tempted when,
by his own evil desire,
he is dragged away and enticed ...
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do
and doesn't do it, sins."
James 1:13-14, 4:17


Part III
What is salvation?

...God the Father was not willing that we should all die and go to hell.  His plan was to send His Son Jesus to die in our place.  Jesus is the only One who could be our substitute because He is the only One who is sinless and so has no sins for which He must die.  He could die instead of us.

The Bible says:
"God demonstrated His love for us in this:
while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

... Jesus, who is Himself God, was willing to be born as a baby, live on earth, suffer and die on the cross for our sake to fulfill the Father's plan.  The Father's plan was to bring us lost sinners back into His family.

The Bible says
"God was reconciling the world
to Himself in Christ,
not counting men's sins against them."
II Corinthians 5:19

... Christ's death on the cross totally defeated all evil powers -- Satan, evil spirits, and death.  His shed blood provides cleansing from sin and power over evil.

The Bible says:
"Since the children have flesh and blood,
He too shared in their humanity
so that by His death He might destroy
bim who bas the power of death
-- that is, the devil -­
and free those who all their lives
were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2.14-15

... Jesus rose, from the dead proving His victory over Satan.  He ascended to heaven and is now at the Father's right hand praying for us.

The Bible says:
Therefore He is able to save completely
those who come to God through Him
because He lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25


Part IV
How are we saved?

... There are not many ways to God as some people think.  There is only one  way -- the way God has chosen: His own Son!

The Bible says:
"Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth
and the life, no one comes to the Father
except by Me."' John 14:6

... Although Christ died for the whole world, this doesn't mean that everyone in the world is automatically saved.  If we want to be children of God we must each be born individually into His family.

The Bible says:
"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth,
unless a man is born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3

... Since our sin separates us from God, we must first repent of our sin.  Repentance means not only feeling sorry for our sin, but also humbling ourselves before God and then turning from our sin.

The Bible says:
'Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the Lord,
and He will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
Isaiah 55:7

...Then we must confess all our sins to God and ask Him to forgive them.  Only God can forgive sins against Him.

The Bible says:
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
I John 1:9

... Next we need to have faith.  Faith is believing that God hears my prayer and forgives all my sins; that when I ask Jesus to come into my life as Lord and Savior, that He does; that when God says He will make me His child, He really does.

The Bible say:
"Yet to all who received Him,
to those who believed in His name,
He gave the right to become children of God.
I John 1:12

... We need to turn our whole lives over to Christ, making a complete commitment to Him and asking Him to be our Lord and Savior.  At the same time, we need to renounce any connection from the past with evil spirits, magic, and witchcraft, claiming the cleansing and protecting power of Jesus' blood.

The Bible says:
"I know whom I have believed and am convinced
that He is able to guard what I have entrusted
to Him for that day." II Timothy 1:12


A example prayer you can pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness.  I believe that You died for my sins.  I want to turn now from all my sins and any connections with evil from the past.  Please forgive me and wash me clean with Your blood.  I now humbly ask You to come into my heart and life and be my Lord and Master.  I give my life totally into Your hands.  Thank You for Your mercy to me, and for making me a child of the Father.


Signature _____________________  Date _________
 


Part IV
What difference does this decision make in our lives?

...We enjoy the freedom of having our sins cleansed away and no longer being under Satan's control We must sha-re this good news with others so that they, too, can experience this freedom from sin and Satan.

The Bible says:
'When the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed." John 8:36

... We become members of God's family with Him as our Father, Jesus as our Savior, and all other true Christians as our family members.  It is important to regularly attend a church where you can fellowship with other believers.

The Bible says:
"You are no longer foreigners and aliens,
but fellow citizens with God's people
and members of God's household.
Ephesians 2:19

...We have the certainty of eternal life - living forever with our Father and our new family.

The Bible says:
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever rejects the Son will not see life,
but God's wrath remains on him.  " John 3:36

... The Christian has the Holy Spirit, who is God, living within him.  He is the Christian's Guide, Teacher, Comforter and the One who shows him his sin.  We need to fellowship with the Father and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit each day by reading our Bibles.

The Bible says:
"But the Counselor,
the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you ll things.
and will remind you
of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

... As Christians we can come at any time to Christ to ask for His forgiveness for our present sins and failures, and to ask His help in times of need.  We need to spend time in prayer every day for these things.

The Bible says:
"Let us then approach the throne of grace
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help us ia our our of need
Hebrews 4:16


Part V
The beginning!

After taking this first step of repentance of sin and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation,
let me give you a good resource for Christian growth:

ABC's For Christian Growth - Laying The Foundation
by J. Hampton Keathley III, Biblical Studies Press,1996

For further Bible study I recommend the following site:

Bible Studies
by Biblical Studies Foundation


Conclusion

The point of this article is that it matters what a person believes and that they make a lasting commitment to that belief.  This is why false teachers are such a danger.  They get people to put their belief in another Jesus, another Gospel, another Spirit (2 Cor. 11:4).  When a person changes his belief system, how can he be saved?

You can believe in vain if you are following the commandments and traditions of men rather than Jesus Christ (Matt. 15:9).  You can believe in another gospel for your salvation in vain (1 Cor. 15:2).  You can trust in the Law to save you instead of grace in vain (Gal. 2:21).  You can trust in works without holding to faith and your labors are in vain (Phil. 2:16).  You can give in to temptation without repentance and your salvation is in vain (1 Thes. 3:5).

Today there are new gospels being preached in many churches that do not have the power to save.  They are devoid of the facts of the Gospel, therefore they are devoid of power.  Be careful that your faith is placed in the real biblical historical Jesus Christ, not as He is being defined by modern day heretics.  Then when you have believed, pick up your cross daily and die to self.  Otherwise what is the use of salvation?

Most importantly, don't allow crafty deceitful false teachers to persuade you to change your belief system.  Hold on to what you believe, being taught by the written Word of God.  Be an overcomer by a faith that perseveres through every trial and persecution.  Keep the Faith till the end.