Faith Is Essential To Salvation:But Is Faith Alone enough?

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A. Many Passages Teach We Are Saved by Faith.

John 3:16 - Whoever believes on Jesus should have eternal life.
Romans 1:16 - The gospel is God's power to save all who believe.
Romans 5:1,2 - By faith we are justified and have access to grace.
Ephesians 2:8 - By grace are you saved through faith.
(See also Acts 16:31; 10:43; 15:9; 13:39; John 8:24; 3:36; 5:24; 6:40; 20:30,31; Romans 3:22-28; 4:3,16; etc.)
We conclude that faith is essential to salvation, and without faith no man can be saved.

B. But No Passage Says We Are Saved by Faith Alone.

We are told that verses like those above prove that faith is necessary but not baptism, since faith is mentioned but baptism is not. But which passage says we are saved by "faith only," or that faith is the sole condition for salvation, or that we are saved without baptism or without obedience? None of them so state. They teach we are saved by faith, but they do not teach we are saved by faith alone without obedience.
By the same reasoning, many verses mention faith but do not mention repentance or confession. Shall we conclude these too are unnecessary? Someone says, "It's just understood that, to have saving faith, you must repent and confess." Yes, but how do you understand this? We know repentance and confession are essential, because other passages say so. But if there are also other verses that say baptism is essential, should we not likewise recognize the necessity of baptism?
We will soon see that many things are essential to salvation. People misuse Scripture when they conclude some things are essential because some verses mention them, but they ignore other verses that say other things are essential.

C. Other Verses Show That, by Itself, Inward Faith Will Not Save.

John 12:42,43 - People "believed" in Jesus but would not confess Him, because they loved the praises of men more than the praises of God. Were they saved? (Cf. Rom. 10:9,10; Matt. 10:32,33.)
James 2:19,20 - Even devils believe. Are they saved?
James 2:14,24 - Can faith save without obedience? No, that is a dead faith (v17,20,26). Man is not justified by "faith only." This is the only passage that mentions "faith only," and it says we are not justified by it! Men say justification by faith only is a wholesome, comforting doctrine; but the Bible flatly says we are not justified by faith only!
Some say these people were unsaved because they have the wrong kind of faith: They have intellectual conviction, but they do not trust Jesus to save them. We are making progress! We now agree that faith is essential to salvation, but there are different kinds of faith! Faith is necessary, but there are kinds of faith that do not save, even when people believe in God and Jesus.
The issue then is: What kind of faith saves, and what does that saving faith include? Does it include repentance, confession, obedience to Divine commands, and even baptism? Before answering, let us add more information.

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II. Many Things Are Essential to Salvation.

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A. Some Things that are Essential to Salvation

God's grace (Ephesians 2:4-10; 1:7; Titus 2:11,12; Acts 15:11)
Jesus' death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:6-10; 1 Peter 1:18,19; Revelation 1:5; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 3:21)
The gospel (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Acts 11:14; James 1:18,21; 1 Corinthians 15:1,2; John 8:31,32)
Learning God's will (Acts 11:14; John 6:44,45; Romans 10:17; 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:21)
Faith (see the verses listed above)
Love (1 Corinthians 16:22; 13:1-3; Galatians 5:6; 1 John 4:7,8)
Hope (Romans 8:24)
Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; Luke 13:3,5; 2 Peter 3:9)
Obedience (Hebrews 5:9; Romans 6:17,18; 1 Peter 1:22; Acts 10:34,35; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26)
Confession of Christ (Romans 10:9,10; Matthew 10:32)
Baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:26,27; Colossians 2:12,13)
Faithfulness (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 28:20; Titus 2:11,12; 1 John 2:1-6)
Church membership (Acts 2:47; 20:28; Ephesians 5:23,25)
Some of these are things God has done; others we must do. All are essential to our salvation. Later, we will study some of them further, but first this observation:

B. We Must Accept All that the Bible Requires.

Accepting some requirements, while ignoring others, leads to error and contradiction.

If a verse requires faith, that does not eliminate the other things that are required elsewhere. Likewise, many passages mention grace, blood, repentance, etc., but do not mention faith. Should we conclude this proves faith is unneeded? No, but that would be as reasonable as concluding we can be saved without obedience or without baptism, just because these are not mentioned in some passages about faith.
Salvation by "faith only" (excluding baptism and obedience) is as unreasonable and unscriptural as salvation by repentance only, hearing only, or baptism only. We are not saved by any one thing alone, to the exclusion of other things required elsewhere.

Instead, we should accept everything the Bible requires.

Acts 3:22,23 - We must hear all Jesus says, or we will be destroyed.
Revelation 22:18,19 - If we take away part of God's word, He takes away our reward.
Matthew 4:4,7 - Live by every word God speaks, not just part of it.
We must never isolate a passage from the overall teaching of the Bible (see also Acts 20:20,27; James 2:10; Matthew 28:20.)
If we follow only one part of a set of instructions, we will not achieve the desired result. Suppose, for example, a driver's manual says, "To drive a car, you must have the key." If we get a key, but ignore the rest of the instructions, will we automatically be driving the car? No.
So faith is a "key" to salvation - it gives us power to become children of God (John 1:12). But we are not automatically and immediately God's children just because we have the key or the power to become such. We must consider all the requirements that God's word teaches.

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III. Obedience Is Essential To Salvation.

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The "faith only" doctrine says that faith is the only prerequisite to forgiveness. Acts of obedience all come after forgiveness, and none are essential to receive forgiveness. But consider:

A. Many Passages Say Obedience Is Necessary.

1 Peter 1:22,23 - We purify our souls in obeying the truth.
Romans 6:17,18 - Servants of sin must obey from the heart in order to be made free from sin.
Hebrews 5:9 - Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
James 2:24 - Man is justified by works, not by "faith only."
Acts 11:14; 10:34,35 - Peter told Cornelius words whereby he would be saved. But the first words He said were that, to be accepted by God, people must work righteousness. This is true for all people, for God shows no partiality!
Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46 - To accept Jesus as Lord (ruler, master) and enter the kingdom of heaven, we must do what He says. We may believe and confess Him yet be rejected, because we did not obey.
2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; Romans 2:6-10 - Receiving eternal life requires us to do good. Those who do not obey will be destroyed.
1 John 5:3; John 14:15,21-24 - Loving God requires us to keep His commands. If we do not obey, we do not love Him. Can one be saved if he does not love God (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:22; Matthew 22:37-39)?
The doctrine of "faith only" denies the necessity for all obedience to commands. All the passages we have just studied show that such a view is false doctrine. (See also Rev. 20:12-15; John 5:28,29; 1 John 2:17.)

B. If Obedience Is Not Essential, Consider the Consequences.

Matthew 22:37-39 - Love is the greatest of all commands. If obeying commands is not necessary to salvation, then love is not necessary! Yet note 1 Corinthians 16:22.
Acts 17:30 - Repentance is a command. If keeping commands is not necessary, then repentance is not necessary to salvation! Yet note Acts 2:38; 3:19; Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9.
Romans 10:9,10 - Confession with the mouth is a command. If obeying commands is not essential to salvation, then confession is not essential! Yet the Bible says it is essential. And it is not just an inner act; it is an outward act done with the mouth, in contrast to faith in the heart. Like baptism, here is an outward, physical action that is essential to salvation. (See also Matthew 10:32,33.)
1 John 3:23; John 6:28,29 - Faith itself is a command; it is a work God tells people to do. If works and obedience are not necessary, then faith itself is not necessary! But if faith is essential, then we must abandon the view that obedience and works are not essential!
Some claim that John 6:29 says faith is a work God does for us, not something we do. However: (1) 1 John 3:23 still says believing is a command to us (cf. Mark 16:15,16). (2) John 6:29 answers the question asked in v28: "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" So "works of God" here means works men do in obedience to God's commands. (3) 1 Corinthians 15:58 is parallel - the "work of the Lord" is work we abound in - our labor in the Lord (cf. "love of God" in 1 John 5:3). (4) If faith is entirely a work God does for us, then God is responsible for unbelievers. He causes some people to believe, but not others. This makes God a respecter of persons in contradiction to Acts 10:34,35 and Romans 2:11. Hence, John 6:29 says faith is something we do, which is essential to salvation.
Clearly, obedience is essential to forgiveness. So we must ask what commands we must obey, and is baptism one of them? But first, consider some objections.

C. The Bible Describes Different Kinds of Works.

But what about the passages where the Bible says we are not saved by works? Many passages say obedience is necessary, yet other verses say we are not saved by "works." Since God's word does not contradict itself, we must conclude that there are different kind of works, just as there are different kinds of faith. Faith saves, but there are kinds of faith that do not save. So obedience is essential, but there are kinds of works that do not save. Consider different kinds of works in the Bible:

1. Works of the flesh or of darkness

These are sins, which do not save but condemn. (See Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 13:12-14.)

2. Works of Old Testament law or of human righteousness by which one earns salvation

The Old Testament is not binding today (Gal. 3:23-25; Heb. 10:9,10; Eph. 2:14-16; Col. 2:14-17; Rom. 7:1-7). However, it never could save, because it provided no lasting forgiveness (Hebrews 10:3,4).
The only way to be justified by that law, or any similar law, would be to live ones whole life without ever sinning (Galatians 3:10; James 2:10; Romans 3:20,23). Then one could boast that he had saved himself without needing forgiveness. He would earn his righteousness as a matter of debt, not grace.
But such works will save no one, because we all sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8,10; 3:4). Therefore, we all need a system of grace, whereby we can be forgiven, though we do not deserve it. This is the point of Romans 4:4; 3:27; 11:6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9; etc.
(See also Galatians 2:16; 3:11 - cf. 4:21-25; 5:3; Acts 13:39.)

3. Works of obedience to meet conditions of forgiveness.

These works of obedience are essential to salvation, as we have studied. But they are not works of human righteousness, whereby we earn eternal life by a sinless life. Instead, we admit we are sinners and come to God for forgiveness by His mercy and grace. Yet we must believe in Him enough to meet whatever conditions He lays down.
These conditions include faith, repentance, and confession. But baptism is not a work of human righteousness whereby we earn eternal life, any more than are these other acts. All are simply necessary conditions in order for God's grace to forgive unworthy sinners by Jesus' blood.
So when verses say we are not saved by "works," they are not referring to faith, repentance, confession, or baptism. These works are all included in the obedience that is essential to receive forgiveness.
Interestingly, even "faith only" advocates usually give people something to do, so they can identify a "point of contact" when they contact God's forgiving power. They say, "Pray the sinner's prayer," or "Put your hand on the radio," or "Tell Jesus that you are trusting Him to save you." In all these examples the sinner does something to receive forgiveness.
So even "faith only" advocates admit that one may do something to receive salvation yet not earn it. The problem is that they have eliminated the activity that God commands and have substituted other activities of their own human invention. This is clearly forbidden in Matthew 15:9; Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18,19..

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We must never isolate a passage from the overall teaching of the Bible (see also Acts 20:20,27; James 2:10; Matthew 28:20.)
If we follow only one part of a set of instructions, we will not achieve the desired result. Suppose, for example, a driver's manual says, "To drive a car, you must have the key." If we get a key, but ignore the rest of the instructions, will we automatically be driving the car? No.
So faith is a "key" to salvation - it gives us power to become children of God (John 1:12). But we are not automatically and immediately God's children just because we have the key or the power to become such. We must consider all the requirements that God's word teaches.
We now know that saving faith includes repentance and confession, and we know that obedience is essential. We will now proceed to show that the reason saving faith includes repentance and confession is that saving faith includes obedience. We are saved by faith when that faith leads us to obey God's required instructions - not before.

A. Hebrews 10:39 and Chapter 11

Hebrews 11 gives many examples of people who "by faith" pleased God and received His reward (11:6). But the purpose is to show us how to be among "them that believe to the saving of the soul" (10:39). Now, does the faith that God rewards include obedience? That is, was obedience necessary in order for God to reward the people, or did He reward them before they obeyed or even when they did not obey?
Noah (11:7) - By faith Noah prepared an ark to save his house and become heir of righteousness according to faith. Was he saved by faith before he obeyed, or did God save him from the flood only after he obeyed? Would he have been saved if he had not obeyed?
Abraham (11:8) - By faith he obeyed God and went to the place God eventually showed him. Did God reward him before he obeyed, or only after he obeyed?
Israel at Jericho (11:30) - By faith the walls of Jericho fell. Did they fall before the people did what God said, or afterwards? Would the walls have fallen had the people not obeyed? The verse says the walls fell "after they were compassed about." (See also 11:4,17,24, etc.)
In every case, God rewarded people for obedient faith. They received the blessing "by faith," not before they obeyed or without obedience, but only after or as a result of their obedience. Yet when faith led to obedience, they received the reward "by faith."
Saving faith is faith that obeys. If your faith says that obedience is not necessary or that God will "save your soul" before you obey, then you have a faith that will not save. Consider this chart:

Blessings Received "by Faith"

Noah built the ark then his house was savedAbraham obeyed to go then received inheritanceIsrael marched then the walls fellWe obey conditions then receive forgiveness

Obedience comes first, then comes the blessing!

B. James 2:14-26

Remembering that some kinds of faith do not save, we are here asked: Can we be saved by the kind of faith that does not have works (v14)? James does not discuss merely what we demonstrate before people, but whether or not we can be saved (v14) or justified (v24).
The answer is that faith that does not work is dead, like a body without a spirit (v17,20,26). We are justified by works, not by "faith only" (v24). Faith without works will not save, nor will works without faith. Both faith and works must operate together (v21-23). Only then do we have faith that saves!
Some say that Abraham pleased God before the event mentioned here (offering Isaac), but he also obeyed God long before this particular event. Hebrews 11:8-10,17-19 and James 2:21-23 make the same point: Abraham illustrates the kind of faith that God rewards. It is faith that obeys, and God rewards us only when we have obeyed. So both faith and works are needed in order to be saved (v14) or justified (v24).
The passage flatly denies that we can be saved or justified by a faith that does not obey. Such a faith is dead. Can a dead faith save us?

C. Galatians 5:6

In Jesus' view, the faith that avails is faith that works by love. So again, a working faith is required. (See also 2 Cor. 5:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Galatians 2:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Romans 1:5; 16:26.)

Observations

Faith can have different meanings.

"Faith" sometimes has a specific meaning, referring to inward conviction and trust, as distinguished from the acts of obedience that follow (cf. Romans 10:9,10). This "faith" is essential, but it will not save by itself, without the obedience. "Faith" can also have a more general or inclusive sense, so it includes all a person does to be forgiven of sins - including repentance, confession, and (we will soon see) baptism.
The same is true of the term "love." "Love" sometimes refers specifically to an attitude of good will toward others, as distinguished from acts people do (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Galatians 5:6). In other cases "love" is said to be or to include the obedience that it produces (1 John 5:3).
We do similar things in everyday speech. We tell sick people, "You could get better if you would go to the doctor." Now "go to the doctor" could refer to the specific act of transporting yourself to where the doctor is. But in our illustration, it is understood that we mean all that is involved in being cured by the doctor, including what we do in response to his instructions (get a prescription filled, take medicine, etc.) Likewise "faith" can be used specifically or inclusively.
We have seen that some people admit saving faith includes repentance and confession, but they deny it includes baptism. But if faith includes repentance and confession, then that it must be true that faith includes obedience, since repentance and confession are acts of obedience. Confession is even an outward, physical act. So if "faith" can include these commands, then it could also include other commands such as baptism. So we need to determine whether or not there are other verses that say baptism is essential.

Some folks reply: "You're trusting your own works to save you, instead of trusting Jesus."

The truth is just the opposite. Noah was saved "by faith" when he obeyed God. Do you accuse him of trusting his own works instead of trusting God? When Abraham and Israel pleased God by faithful obedience, did they trust their own works or God (Hebrews 11)? When people repent and confess to be forgiven, are they trusting in works or in Jesus?
Consider the bronze serpent Moses made to spare Israel from death. The people had to do something to be saved - they had to look at the serpent (Num. 21:9). Yet John 3:14-16 uses this to illustrate salvation by faith through Jesus. So even John 3:16 shows that saving faith includes obedience, it does not exclude it.
The truth is that saving faith leads people to obey Jesus because they trust Him, and they are not saved until their faith has produced the required obedience. When people think they can be saved without obeying what Jesus says, those are the ones who have a faith that will not save.

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V. Salvation "by Faith" Includes Baptism.

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"Faith only" advocates say we are saved by faith before baptism, so a person is baptized after he has already been saved. But we have learned that salvation by faith includes the conditions that are necessary to receive forgiveness. Is baptism one of the conditions one must meet to receive forgiveness, or does baptism come after forgiveness?

A. Acts 22:16

This is the conversion of Paul, that apostle who preached so much about "salvation by faith." Surely he knew whether salvation by faith includes or excludes baptism. What about his own conversion? Was baptism essential to his forgiveness?
On the road to Damascus, he saw Jesus and believed in him (22:5-10). During the following three days he was praying (9:11). If people are saved by "faith alone," then surely he must have been saved. But was he?
Jesus instructed Paul that, in the city he would be told all things that he must do (22:10; 9:6). What was he told? Ananias said to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins (22:16). If salvation is by "faith alone" before baptism, then Paul would have had no sins at this point. But he did have sins, and he remained in sin till he was baptized.
The passage clearly places forgiveness, not before baptism, but as a result of it. Surely nothing Paul later taught should be taken to contradict what he himself did to be saved. He knew that salvation by faith includes and requires baptism; it does not exclude it.

B. Mark 16:15,16

He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.

Both faith and baptism are essential prerequisites to salvation. Salvation comes after or as a result of baptism, not before it. Just as 1+1=2, take away either of the "ones" and you no longer have two. So if you take away either faith or baptism, you no longer have salvation.
"Faith only" says: He that believes is saved and may then be baptized. Jesus said: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. See the difference? Note this comparison

Romans 10:9 - if you confess...and believe...you will be saved
Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized shall be saved

Clearly Romans 10:9 means that one must both believe and confess before he can be saved. Why does not the parallel language in Mark 16:16 likewise mean that one must both believe and be baptized before he can be saved?

Someone says: "But it says, 'He who disbelieves shall be condemned.' It doesn't say he who disbelieves and is not baptized shall be condemned."

So some conclude that only faith is essential. But we already agreed that baptism alone will not save. Both faith and baptism are required. A lack of faith is enough to condemn a person, whether he gets baptized or not. Baptizing such a person would accomplish nothing (cf. John 3:18).
Can you find a verse that says, "He who disbelieves and does not confess shall be condemned"? If not, does that prove confession is not essential? Faith is prerequisite to both confession and baptism; both are worthless without faith. But that does not prove we can be saved by faith alone without confession and baptism.
But look at the passage again. What is it that, if disbelieved, causes a person to be condemned? It is the gospel (v15; cf. Mark 1:15; Romans 1:16). What does the gospel say? It says right here (and elsewhere) that we must both believe and be baptized to be saved!
Now, do you believe people must be baptized to be saved? If not, you do not believe the true gospel! You do not believe what Jesus Himself says. What if you don't believe that gospel? Then, "He who disbelieves will be condemned"! You believe a different gospel, which leads one to be accursed (Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9).

Someone says: "It's like saying 'He who gets on a plane and sits down will arrive at California.' Getting on is essential, but sitting down is not."

Try this illustration on Romans 10:9: "If you confess ... and believe ... you will be saved." Is this like, "If you get on the plane and sit down, you will arrive at California"? If so, then on Romans 10:9 the illustration proves that faith is not essential! Why does the illustration work on Mark 16:16, but not on the parallel language in Rom. 10:9?
A better illustration would be: "If you buy a ticket and get on the plane, you shall go to California." Buying the ticket parallels faith (it gives the right to become a child of God - John 1:12), and getting on the plane parallels being baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3). Both are essential to arrive at the destination.
Any way you look at it, baptism comes before salvation in Mark 16:16, but "faith only" puts baptism after salvation.

C. Acts 2:38

As a result of the first gospel sermon, sinners asked what to do about their sins. Peter said to repent and be baptized "for the remission of sins." Again forgiveness does not precede baptism, but follows as a result of it. In fact, receiving remission is the purpose of baptism: baptism is for the remission of sins.

When God institutes a practice and a purpose for it, then we must respect the purpose as part of the act.

Consider the Lord's Supper: we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine (outer act) for the purpose of remembering Jesus' body and blood. Even if we do the right outer act, we are condemned if we do it for the wrong purpose (1 Corinthians 11:22ff).
Likewise, baptism is an action (immersion in water) and the purpose is "for the remission of sins." But if someone believes his sins were already remitted before baptism, then would he be baptized for remission? No, so such a baptism would be unscriptural in purpose. And since the purpose is to receive remission, if one does not do it for that purpose, then he does not receive remission at all! He may believe and be immersed, but since he does it for the wrong reasons, he never does receive remission. He is yet in sin! See why all this matters?

Someone says: "'For remission' means because you already have it - like a man receives a ticket 'for speeding.'"

However, no reputable translation ever translates Acts 2:38 "because of remission of sins." This is because, while the English "for" can look backward meaning "because of" a previous event, the Greek word used here (EIS) does not. Some translations show that the correct meaning is: "unto remission" (ASV), "so that your sins may be forgiven" (NIV), or "in order to have your sins forgiven" (Goodspeed).
Try the "because of" argument on these passages:
Matthew 26:28 - My blood ... is shed for many for (EIS) the remission of sins.
2 Corinthians 7:10 - Repentance to (EIS) salvation.
Romans 10:10 - ... confession is made to (EIS) salvation.
Hebrews 10:39 - ... believe to (EIS) the saving of the soul.
Do these verses mean that we should believe, repent, and confess - in fact, Jesus even died - because we already have remission?! Are all these things non-essential, coming after we have been forgiven? If not, then why should we believe that is what "for" means in Acts 2:38?
The arguments used against baptism, if consistently applied, would invariably prove that confession is not essential to salvation, and most of the arguments would prove faith and repentance are not essential! Surely such arguments are invalid.
To see what "for" in Acts 2:38 means, note the context.
Consider who is being addressed. These people had been convicted of sin (v23,36), and had just asked what to do as a result (v37). Peter told them to "repent and be baptized." Who needs to repent: people who have already been forgiven, or people who need to obtain it? Obviously people do not need to repent, unless they are in sin.
Clearly Peter is not telling saved people how to show they are saved. He is telling lost sinners how to receive remission. Therefore, baptism is necessary in order to receive remission of sins.

D. Romans 6:3,4; Galatians 3:26,27

How many people are "in Christ"? Just as many as have been baptized into Him.

Consider the following blessings in Christ:

Grace - 2 Timothy 2:1
Salvation - 2 Timothy 2:10
Forgiveness - Ephesians 1:7
Eternal life - 1 John 5:11,12
Freedom from condemnation - Romans 8:1

Can a person be saved if he has not come "into Christ" where these blessings are found? Are people saved outside Christ? Surely we must be in Christ to be saved, but God's word expressly states that one must be baptized into Christ.

Likewise we are baptized into Christ's death (Romans 6:3).

As a result the body of sin is destroyed (v6) and we are free from sin (v7). Can we be saved without contacting Jesus' death? No. But there must be some point at which we contact that death, and that point is baptism (preceded by believing, repenting, and confessing).
To illustrate, a wedding ceremony puts a couple into the marriage relationship. Prior to the ceremony, they may take essential steps toward marriage, but they do not yet enjoy the privileges of being in marriage. Only after the ceremony are they actually in marriage.
Likewise baptism is the point at which one comes into Christ, into His death. Prior to baptism, one may take essential steps toward Christ (believing, repenting, confessing), but he is not yet in Christ and does not have the blessings in Christ. Only after baptism is one "in Christ" where these blessings are available.

Baptism is also essential to the new birth.

Suppose I say, "You are a citizen of this country, because you have been born into it." Which came first: birth or citizenship? Now note the verb tenses in Galatians 3:26,27:

"ye ARE all the children of God by faith"
"for" (Greek GAR = because)
"as many of you as HAVE BEEN baptized into Christ..."

According to the verb tenses, which came first: baptism or being a child of God? "Faith only" says one is first a child of God, then he is baptized. But the Scripture clearly says one is first baptized "into Christ," then he is a child of God.
Likewise, Romans 6:4 shows one has "newness of life" (new birth, born again) after he is raised from baptism, not before (cf. Colossians 2:12,13; John 3:5). And all this happens "by faith." Becoming a child of God "by faith" includes baptism; it does not exclude it.

Some people say Gal. 3:26,27; Rom. 6:3,4; and Col. 2:12 refer, not to water baptism, but to Holy Spirit baptism.

They claim this baptism occurs the moment one believes. However:
(1) Where do the contexts of these verses say they refer to a baptism in the Spirit? What proof is there?
(2) Holy Spirit baptism was a promise made to a few individuals for special purposes. There are only two recorded cases in the Bible. When it occurred, it was always accompanied by miraculous tongue-speaking, and apostles were always involved. (Read Acts 1:1-8,21,22; chap. 2; 10:44-11:18.) It was never required of all people in order to be saved (as in Gal. 3, Rom. 6, etc.). Holy Spirit baptism pertained to the age of miraculous revelation, which ceased when the written word was completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; Jude 3; James 1:25).
(3) Folks say these verses refer to Spirit baptism, but they also practice water baptism. That makes two baptisms (cf. Matt. 3:11). But Ephesians 4:3-6 says there is only one baptism for today. You can no more have two baptisms (one essential and one not), than you can have two heavenly Fathers (one essential and one not).
(4) The baptism of Rom. 6:3,4 and Col. 2:12,13 involves a burial and a resurrection from the element, like Jesus. This fits water baptism. But if this is Spirit baptism, do people leave the Spirit after being immersed in Him? (Cf. Romans 8:9.)
(5) When arguing against sprinkling or pouring, "faith only" advocates often say Rom. 6:4 and Col. 2:12 refer to water baptism as an immersion. When arguing against the necessity of baptism, they say these verses refer to Spirit baptism. Which is it? It cannot be both ways!
Baptism in water is the baptism of the Great Commission. It is performed by human agents acting in the name of God, and is essential to salvation for all people (Mark 16:15,16; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 10:47,48). It is necessary to come into Christ, into His death, and thereby become a child of God.

E. 1 Peter 3:20,21

Noah's salvation illustrates ours.

Noah was saved by water (v20). This is a figure showing that "baptism doth also now save us" (KJV).
Water, of itself, has no power to remove sin (like removing dirt from the body). Rather, we rely on Jesus' resurrection to save us, so we can have a good conscience - "an appeal to God for a good conscience" (NASB). (See on Colossians 2:12 below for more about baptism and Jesus' resurrection.)
Again, the case of Noah connects faith (Hebrews 11:7) and baptism (1 Peter 3:20,21), showing that salvation by faith includes baptism. The power to forgive is in Jesus' death and resurrection, but we reach that power in baptism, by faith. Hence, baptism also now saves us.

Another Old Testament parallel is Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-14).

Naaman was told to dip 7 times in Jordan to be healed of leprosy. Clearly, water of itself has no power to heal leprosy. But dipping in water was a condition Naaman must meet if he really trusted God. Then God's power would heal the leprosy.
At first Naaman was like many people today. He refused to dip, because he did not believe dipping could cure leprosy. But he learned that he had to obey God, then God's power would heal him. He was healed only when he had dipped. So it is in baptism.

But some say that Noah was never in the water, so water did not save him.

Yet the Bible expressly says he was saved "by water" (KJV). No illustration is identical in every respect to that which it illustrates (else it would be the same thing, not an illustration).
Noah was saved by water in that the water destroyed the evil that surrounded him, while it lifted Noah separating him from that evil. Likewise, baptism saves us from evil. Remember, God's own explanation of His illustration is that "baptism doth also now save us."

Or someone says "Baptism is just a figure or picture of salvation; it is not necessary in order to receive it."

This flatly contradicts the passage. This would make baptism an illustration of something else, leaving Noah's salvation completely out of the illustration. What the passage says is that Noah's salvation is the figure, and the thing that it illustrates is the fact that "baptism doth also now save us."
Read other translations: "...eight souls were saved by water. There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism..." (NKJV). "Antitype" means "something that is foreshadowed by a type or figure." So baptism is not the figure or the type; it is the thing being illustrated - the antitype. "In it [the ark] only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also..." (NIV).
Salvation by faith includes baptism; it does not exclude it.

F. Colossians 2:12,13 (Ephesians 2:4-9)

People dead in trespasses and sins, were buried in baptism and raised with Christ through faith in God's working. Then He made them alive, having forgiven their sins. Again, baptism is an act of faith in God's power, not an act of faith in our own merit. Salvation by faith includes baptism; it does not exclude it.

Note the parallel to Ephesians 2:4-9.

Eph. 2 says we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is God's gift, not of works lest man should boast. Some say this proves baptism is not essential. But note the parallel between Colossians 2 and Ephesians 2.

Ephesians 2:4-9	Colossians 2:12,13
Dead in sin By God's grace through faith Made alive (quickened) By being raised with Jesus Not of self, not of works	Dead in sin By God's operation through faith Made alive (quickened) By being raised with Jesus IN baptism

Both passages describe "salvation by grace through faith." A person is dead through sin, but is made alive with Christ by being raised (spiritually) from the dead. But where Ephesians 2 says it is not of self, not of works, Colossians adds other information. "Wherein" are we raised with Christ through faith and made alive by being forgiven of sin? In baptism! (Compare Romans 6:3-7.)
So while Ephesians 2 says works do not save, the parallel in Colossians 2 shows this was never intended to eliminate the need for baptism. On the contrary it expressly includes baptism. Salvation by faith includes obedience. This is here shown to include baptism, and that in a passage that is clearly parallel to Eph. 2:8,9!

Gideon illustrates deliverance by grace through faith.

Gideon is an example of "faith" in Hebrews 11:32. God did not want Israel to boast that they had saved themselves (Judges 7:2). God said He delivered the people (v9,15). But the people still had to act (v3-7,16-25). Without obedience they would never have been saved. But God designed their action so that it was clearly not sufficient to earn or deserve deliverance. The action was simply a test of their faith.
Note the parallel to Ephesians 2:8,9. In salvation from sin we cannot boast that we save ourselves or deserve salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. But this nowhere disproves the need for obedience, any more than in Gideon's case.

The fall of Jericho in Joshua is also similar.

This too was an example of "faith," but Israel had to act to receive the blessing (Hebrews 11:30). Yet God said He gave Jericho to Israel (Joshua 6:2). If a thing is a "gift," some say there is nothing to do to receive it. But God's gifts are often conditional. We must act, but our actions are inadequate to earn or merit the result.
Israel received Jericho as a gift from God "by faith," but they still had to obey to receive it. So Ephesians 2:8,9 says salvation is a gift from God "by faith." This does not prove there is nothing to do. It just proves that our actions do not earn the gift, so we cannot boast.
Salvation by grace through faith does not exclude baptism. It requires it.

G. The Urgency of Baptism

In Bible examples, when people believed, repented, and understood baptism, they were always baptized on the same day or same hour, even in the middle of the night (Acts 2:41; 8:35-39; 16:25,33; 22:16). Instead, modern "faith only" churches usually tell candidates to wait for a baptismal service days or weeks in the future. Why don't they imitate the Biblical sense of urgency?
Clearly, they believe people are already saved before baptism, so they have no sense of urgency as in Bible cases. This further demonstrates how "faith only" doctrine conflicts with the Bible. Baptism in the Bible was urgent, because people are still in sin till they are baptized.
Salvation by faith includes baptism, just as it includes repentance and confession.

Conclusion

Please note the chart on the back of this booklet. It lists blessings that God's word says we receive when we are saved by faith. Then it shows that obedience to God's commands is necessary to receive these same blessings. This demonstrates again that saving faith includes obedience, particularly baptism. They go together, and cannot work apart from one another.
It is said that a man was once about to push a wheelbarrow across a tightrope over Niagara Falls. He asked the by-standers how many believed he could make it safely. Many raised their hands. Then he asked who believed enough to ride in the wheelbarrow! Do you trust God enough to obey Him, so He can carry you safely to salvation?
Salvation by "faith alone" is not the true gospel of Jesus. It is a perverted gospel of human invention (Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9-11; Matthew 15:9; Revelation 22:18,19).
What should you do if you were baptized believing you were saved before baptism or believing baptism is not necessary? You should do like the men in Acts 19:2-6, when they learned their baptism was not Scriptural. You should be baptized Scripturally. Then refuse to be part of any church that teaches the false doctrine of "faith only" (2 John 9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:17f; Ephesians 5:11).

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Defective Spiritual Vision

Lesson 6

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Jesus Feeds 4000 Men

>>> Read Mark 8:1-10. <<<
Huge crowds were constantly following Jesus. On this occasion, they had been in a wilderness area and hadn't eaten for three days. Jesus didn't want to send them home hungry for fear they would faint during the trip. So He asked for a food inventory: there were seven loaves and a few small fish. Jesus directed the multitude to sit down, and then began serving the food. Miraculously, the supply didn't dwindle. Each loaf generated a large basketful of leftovers besides feeding 4000 men. Jesus' power could not be disputed.
*1* How many men did Jesus feed on this occasion? (a) 4000, (b) 5000, (c) 12, (d) none. Answer: ______. (Note carefully: This is a multiple choice question. In order to answer correctly, the student must insert a letter, not a number!)
*2* How many baskets of food were taken up from the seven loaves and few fish (v8)? Answer: ______ baskets.

Warning about Leaven

>>> Read Mark 8:11-21. <<<
Despite much evidence of Jesus' power and authority, the Pharisees challenged Him to show a sign from heaven. He refused their request. They were simply blind to all evidence and no sign would ever be enough to convince them. Then Jesus and His disciples began to cross the sea by boat. The disciples were worried because they had forgotten to take enough bread with them for the trip. Jesus warned about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. Immediately, the disciples imagined that He was criticizing them for having forgotten the bread. Jesus knew what they were saying to each other and rebuked their hard-heartedness. After all, He had twice produced enough food to feed thousands with abundant leftovers. They should have known that He could handle problems with insufficient food. His warning wasn't about the leaven of bread, but about the false teaching and hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Herod. Bad attitudes spread like leaven and He was worried that the disciples might be contaminated by them.
*3* What request did the Pharisees make that Jesus refused to grant? Answer: They wanted Him to perform a ______ from heaven.
*4* What warning did Jesus give to His disciples? Answer: They should beware the ______ of the Pharisees.
*5&6* In saying this, what did Jesus mean by "leaven" (see also Matt. 16:12; Luke 12:1)? Answer: He referred to their false ______ and their ______.

Jesus Heals a Blind Man in Two Stages

>>> Read Mark 8:22-26. <<<
Normally, Jesus' healings were complete and immediate. This case was different--He applied saliva to on the eyes of the blind man, laid His hands on him, and then asked what he saw. The man reported seeing men like trees walking around. So Jesus touched his eyes again, and his vision was perfectly restored. Why didn't Christ heal this man all at once, like He normally did? Jesus' healings were signs, symbols of spiritual truths. In this case, the two-stage healing of the blind man symbolized how men's understanding and insight is often healed in two steps. The disciples, for example, weren't totally blind, for they understood that Jesus was the Son of God (see 8:29). But, on the other hand, they still didn't perceive Jesus' complete ability and therefore had defective vision (see 8:17-18, 31-33). They needed to be touched again so they could see clearly.
Note -- Don't be satisfied to see men like trees walking: Consider the situation of the blind man. While blind, he saw absolutely nothing. When Jesus first touched him, his vision improved: he saw men, though they looked like trees. To one who had been totally blind, that was fantastic progress. But Jesus could do more--He touched the man again and he began to see perfectly. Unfortunately, in the spiritual realm, some are satisfied with one touch. They see, but not clearly. Many don't even realize that they need a complete cure, that they should not be content to see men like trees walking. Consider, for example, someone whose life has been totally devastated by sin. He hears about Jesus, begins to follow many of His teachings and his life improves. Sadly, however, He is unaware that he lacks understanding of Jesus' word in many areas and that he should not settle for distorted vision. Let's check out our own lives. Could it be that we still are not seeing clearly and that Jesus could restore our vision perfectly?
*7* How did the blind man see after Jesus first touched him? Answer: He saw men that looked like ______ walking around.
*8* How did he see after Jesus finished with him? Answer: He saw everything ______.

The Strength and Weakness of Peter

>>> Read Mark 8:27-33. <<<
Jesus asked what the public thought about Him. The disciples reported varying opinions: John the Baptist, Elijah, etc. When Jesus asked their own opinion, Peter boldly responded: Thou art the Christ. It was a brilliant insight. Nevertheless, when Jesus went on to warn about how He was going to be rejected and crucified, Peter was horrified. He could not imagine the Lord being killed. He began to correct Jesus telling Him that this would never happen! Jesus sternly rebuked Peter: "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Peter was tempting Him not to suffer. Temptations are often strongest when they come through people we are close to. So Jesus flatly rejected Peter's advice. Isn't it strange that one minute Peter proclaimed Jesus to be Christ, the next he was calling Him aside to inform Him that He was mistaken! If Jesus was truly the Christ, Peter had no business arguing with Him. Nor do we.
*9* Who did people consider Jesus to be? a) John the Baptist, b) Elijah, c) one of the prophets, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*10* What did Peter confess regarding Jesus' identity? a) He was a great teacher; b) He was a sublime philosopher; c) He was the Christ; d) He was a prophet, but not Divine. Answer: ______.
*11* How did Peter react to Jesus' announcement of His coming suffering? Answer: He took Jesus aside and began to ______ Him.
*12&13* What did Jesus say was the reason Peter would not believe Jesus was going to die? Answer: He was not minding the things of ______ but the things of ______.

The Conditions of Discipleship

>>> Read Mark 8:34-9:1. <<<
Jesus plainly explained what was required to become His disciple. He said that you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. These requirements are demanding. A person does not naturally deny himself; rather, he usually does what he wants. Death to self is painful, but that is exactly the meaning of taking up one's cross. The cross was an instrument of death--to take it up would be to die to oneself and to one's own desires in order to serve Christ. There is no profit in gaining the entire world, only to lose one's soul in the transaction. It is worth everything to submit to God's stringent requirements for discipleship.
Note -- Deceptive discipleship: Jesus highlighted the requirements for being a disciple because it is so easy to imagine that you are a follower of Jesus when, in fact, you aren't. Discipleship is not mere church membership or moral living. It is total devotion to Jesus Christ. It is to die to self and live 100% for the Lord. Am I really Jesus' disciple?
*14* Which of the following was not given as a requirement for being a disciple? a) deny self; b) take up ones cross; c) follow Jesus; d) speak in tongues. Answer: ______.
*15&16* How did Jesus teach the importance of proper priorities? Answer: He asked what profit a man would have if he could gain the whole ______ but then lose his own ______.
*17&18* Jesus said some of the people standing there would not die before they saw what (9:1)? Answer: They would not die till they saw the ______ of God come with ______.
(Thought question: How can this statement be harmonized with the doctrine that says Jesus' kingdom still has not come even today?)

Jesus Is Transfigured

>>> Read Mark 9:2-13. <<<
Jesus had taken three of His closest friends with Him to a high mountain. There, he began to glow with breathtaking brilliance. Just then, Elijah and Moses appeared, talking with Jesus. The disciples were awestruck. Moses was the great Lawgiver, the one who had led Israel out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness. Elijah was a great prophet, one of two men in the Old Testament who went directly to heaven without dying. And there they were talking to Jesus. Peter was profoundly moved by the occasion and suggested that they build three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. No doubt he felt that it would honor Jesus to receive a tabernacle alongside Moses and Elijah. But God's voice boomed from heaven: This is My beloved Son, listen to Him. Moses and Elijah vanished. Only Jesus remained. As they descended, Jesus told the disciples not to tell anyone about what had happened until after He was raised from the dead.
Note -- The greatness of Jesus: God's rebuff of Peter's suggestion to construct three tabernacles teaches volumes. The problem with Peter's plan was that it put Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. He isn't. Jesus is above everyone--in this case, above the greatest figures of the Old Testament era. Our problem is like Peter's. We often tend to build multiple tabernacles. One for Jesus and one for our parents. Or one for Jesus and another for our pastor, for our church, or for a favorite activity. This won't do. Jesus must have the only tabernacle; He must be the supreme authority in our life. Nothing else can be on a par with Him.
*19&20* What two Old Testament characters appeared on the mountain and talked with Jesus? Answer: ______ and ______.
*21* What did Peter want to do on the mountain when he saw Jesus together with these men? Answer: He wanted to build three ______.
*22&23* What did the Father then say about Jesus? Answer: He said that Jesus was His ______, so people should ______ to Him.
*24&25* When were Peter, James and John permitted to tell about the transfiguration? Answer: They could tell about it after Jesus had ______ from the ______.

The Disciples Fail to Cast out a Demon

>>> Read Mark 9:14-29. <<<
As Jesus descended the mountain, He noticed great commotion in the valley. The crowd ran to meet Him. While Jesus had been with three of the apostles on the mountain, the others had been unable to cast a demon out of a boy. Since the apostles had normally been able to cast out demons (notice Mark 6:13), this failure puzzled them and surprised the bystanders. Jesus' enemies were taking advantage of this lapse to discredit Him. The father of the tormented lad asked Jesus to do something, if He could. The Lord turned his statement back on him: "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." The father said that he believed, but recognizing the possibility that his faith was not as strong as it needed to be, he begged Jesus to help his unbelief. With that, Christ commanded the unclean spirit to leave the boy. The demon cried out and threw the boy into convulsions, but left. Later, the disciples asked why they had been unable to cast out the demon. Jesus explained that they were not relying on God enough, but on their own power: "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer." Perhaps their prior success in expelling demons had caused them to be self-reliant, and they had neglected to pray in faith to God so that He would cast out the demon.
*26* What problem did the man's son have? Answer: He was possessed by a ______ that caused him to be mute.
*27* What happened when Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit (demon)? The spirit (demon): a) cried out, b) convulsed or tore him, c) came out, d) all of the preceding. Answer: ______.
Summary: Time and again the disciples demonstrated a lack of clear spiritual understanding. They saw Jesus multiply loaves and fishes, but failed to see that He could handle another food emergency. Peter affirmed that Jesus was the Christ, but thought it best to give Him some needed "advice." He believed Jesus was great, but on the same level with Moses and Elijah. The nine disciples in the valley boldly attempted to expel a demon, but without relying on the Lord. They were like those formerly blind who even now saw men like trees walking.

The Witness To The Revelation Of Jesus Christ

Jesus the Son Of Man,God's Mediator:The Witness of Jesus Himself;  John 1:50-51


John 1:50-51:(1:50-51) Introduction: Jesus bore witness to Himself.He clearly declared who He is.
   ⁵⁰Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
   ⁵¹And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.


1.The response of Jesus to Nathanael(see vv 46-49).
2.Jesus is the revelation of God:the One who reveals greater things(v50).
3.Jesus is the mediator:the One who opens the doors to Heaven(v51).
4.Jesus is the Son of Man:the pattern,the perfect representative of man (v51).

[1] (1:50)Nathanael:Nathanael's experience with Jesus(v44-49) was the background for what Jesus said in this passage.
[2] (1:50) Jesus Christ,Revelation of God:Jesus Christ is the revelation of God,the One who reveals greater things.
****Note two points:
A)It was belief in Jesus that brought greater things into Nathanael's life.Nathanael believed Jesus therefore,he could expect to receive greater things,to receive more and more from God.
Matthew 17:20:   ²⁰And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mark 9:23:   ²³Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
John 10:10:
   ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Ephesians 3:17-19:
   ¹⁷That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
   ¹⁸May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
   ¹⁹And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
B) It is Jesus Himself who is the revelation of God; therefore,it is Jesus who reveals the "greater things" of life.
     1) Jesus is the embodiment of revelation.
John 1:¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
   ²The same was in the beginning with God.
John 14:⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 2:⁹For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
  2) Jesus Christ is the communicator of revelation.
John 1:¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
   ²The same was in the beginning with God.
   ³All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
   ⁴In him was life; and the life was the light of men
John 14  ⁹Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?  ¹⁰Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
    3) Jesus Christ is the liberator of revelation.
John 8:³¹Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ³²And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 10:¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

[3] (1:51) Jesus Christ ,Mediator: Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man.This is seen in the picture Jesus painted by the words," ye shall see Heaven open,and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.(v51).
Thought 1.
Man can approach God and enter heaven through Christ (Jn14:6). the gulf of loneliness and the alienation which man knows have been bridged.
2) man has access to God only through Jesus(John 14:6)
3) man can have constant communication with God.
[4] (1-51) Jesus Christ,Son Of Man. Jesus is the Son of Man.this does not mean that Jesus was born of a man.It means that  He is more than what an ordinary man is, more than a son of some man.Jesus is what every man ought to be,the Son of man Himslf.
a) Jesus Christ is the Ideal Man: the perfect man,the pattern ,the embodiment of everything a man ought to be.Jesus is the perfect picture of a man.everything God wants a man to be is seen perfectly in Jesus Christ.
b) Jesus Christ is the Ideal Servant of man.The term Ideal servant stresses Jesus' symphathy for the poor, the broken-hearted,the captives, the blind,the brusied,the outcasts and the bereaved.Jesus is the model, the pattern of concern and caring.He served other people like every man should serve other people.
 Matthew 8:²⁰And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Matthew 9:⁶But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Matthew 20:²⁸Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Matthew 24:²⁷For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mark 8:³⁸Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

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How Can We Learn Jesus’ Will?

Jesus Is Lord — Lesson #4

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Introduction:
In our last lesson we learned that we should honor Jesus as the Lord of our lives. He is the Son of God who died to save us from our sins, and He will one day return to judge us. We should obey His will, imitate the principles He lived by, and serve Him as our highest priority.
However, Jesus is no longer on earth to personally teach us. Where can we go to learn His will today? This is the theme of this lesson.

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I. Jesus' Teachings Are Recorded in the Bible.

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Jesus knew that He would leave earth and return to heaven, so during His lifetime He carefully gave instructions to His apostles. After He left, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles to write His instructions in the New Testament Scriptures.
>>> Read JOHN 16:13. <<<
*1&2* What did Jesus say the Spirit of truth would do for the apostles? Answer: The Spirit would ______ them into ______ truth.
>>> Read JOHN 20:29-31. <<<
*3* How can people believe in Jesus even when they have not seen Him? (a) they can't believe, (b) they need a modern-day prophet, (c) they can believe by reading what the inspired men wrote in the Bible. Answer: ______.
*4* What blessing can people receive if they believe what is written? Answer: By believing we can have ______ in His name.
>>> Read EPHESIANS 3:3-5. <<<
*5* What did Paul do with the knowledge revealed to him? (a) he wrote it down, (b) he kept it a secret, (c) it is still an unknown mystery. Answer: ______.
*6* How can other people learn what Paul knew? Answer: We can understand when we ______ what he wrote.
Note that, although the gospel message had been unknown (a mystery) in the past, it was revealed or "made known" to the New Testament apostles and prophets. Now we can know it by reading what they wrote.
>>> Read 1 CORINTHIANS 14:37. <<<
*7* Whose commands did Paul write? Answer: Paul wrote the commands of the ______.
You and I today can know the teachings of the Lord Jesus by reading the New Testament Scriptures written by His inspired prophets.

For more information about the importance of the Bible, see the links at the end of this lesson.

[See also Matt. 10:19f; Luke 10:16; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; 11:23; 15:3; Gal. 1:11,12; 2 Peter 1:12-15,21; 3:1,2; 1 John 1:1-4; 2:1-17; Rev. 1:11.]

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II. The Gospel Is a Perfect Revelation.

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Sometimes people wonder how adequately the Scriptures reveal the teachings of Jesus for us today. Do they contain all we need to know, or are there teachings that we need but do not have? Can we understand what is taught? Has the message been lost or perverted over the years, so that we today no longer have the true and complete will of Jesus?

A. The Scriptures Reveal All God's Will for Us.

Remember, Jesus promised that the apostles would receive "all truth" (John 16:13), and they wrote down what they received.

>>> Read ACTS 20:20,27. <<<
*8* How much of God's will did Paul teach to others? (a) he kept back parts that were needed, (b) he preached the whole counsel of God, (c) there were important truths that he never even received. Answer: ______.
>>> Read 2 PETER 1:3. <<<
*9* How much of God's will had people in Peter's lifetime received? Answer: They received ______ things pertaining to life and godliness.
>>> Read 2 TIMOTHY 3:16,17. <<<
*10* For what purposes are the Scriptures profitable? (a) teaching and instructing us in righteousness, (b) reproving and correcting us, (c) completely providing all good works, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*11* If the Scriptures provide us to all good works, then do we need some standard of religious authority in addition to the Bible? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
The gospel is the perfect law of liberty, which is able to save our souls (James 1:21,25). We need no further revelation because the Bible completely reveals all God's will for man. It teaches everything we need to know to be saved. Since the first-century apostles and prophets received all truth, it follows that any doctrine taught today, which they did not record in the Bible, must not be true.
[See also Matt. 28:20; Col. 4:12; Heb. 13:20,21.]

B. The Scriptures Are Understandable.

Remember that the apostles wrote down what had been revealed to them, so that others could understand the message (Ephesians 3:3-5).

>>> Read MARK 7:14. <<<
*12* What did Jesus expect his hearers to do? Answer: They were supposed to hear and ______.
Notice that Jesus spoke here to the "multitude" of common people and He required "everyone" of them to understand what He taught.
>>> Read ACTS 17:11. <<<
*13* How did these people determine whether or not the things they heard were true? (a) they searched the Scriptures daily, (b) they needed a college education, (c) they needed a priest to explain it to them. Answer: ______.
Could they do this if the Scriptures are impossible to understand? If people cannot understand the Bible, why did God give it to us?
>>> Read 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33. <<<
*14* God is not the author (or cause) of what? Answer: ______.
God is the author of the Scriptures. Now if the Bible has been written in such a way that it is impossible for men to study and understand it, then God would be the author of confusion. Since He is not the author of confusion, then the Bible must be a book that we can understand.
Remember that the Scriptures are profitable to teach, reprove, instruct, and supply us completely to all good works (2 Timothy 3:15-17). They are able to make one wise to salvation. But if we could not understand the Scriptures, then they would not profit in any of these things.
God revealed the Scriptures so men could understand His will. Anyone who believes God is all-wise and all-powerful, must also believe the Bible is a book that can be understood.
[See also 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 5:17; Isa. 55:11; Psalm 119:104,105,130.]

C. The Scriptures Have Been Accurately Preserved.

The Holy Spirit guided the New Testament writers to record Jesus' teachings so those teachings could guide future generations. In order for the Scriptures to accomplish this, God would have to preserve them.

>>> Read 2 PETER 1:12-15; 3:1,2. <<<
*15* Peter was writing so that people would have a record of his teachings after he died. What would this message do for them? Answer: It would ______ them of the apostles' commands.
>>> Read JOHN 12:48. <<<
*16* By what standard will men be judged? (a) by their own consciences, (b) by the teachings of their priests, (c) by Jesus' words. Answer: ______.
Jesus' words will judge men at the last day. This means that Jesus' words must endure till the judgment and must be available to men, so we can know what to do to prepare for the judgment. Jesus' words are preserved for us in the written word of the Scriptures.
>>> Read 1 PETER 1:22-25. <<<
*17* What is the seed by which we are born again? Answer: We are born again by the incorruptible seed, which is the ______ of God.
*18* How long will God's word endure? (a) forever, (b) 2 generations, (c) like a plant that grows then dies, it was lost in the middle ages. Answer: ______.
>>> Read 2 JOHN 2. <<<
*19* How long will the truth be with us? Answer: The truth will be with us ______.
God intended for the faith to be delivered to His people only "once" (Jude 3). He delivered it in the first century, then He preserved it through the centuries till today. We today have the perfect and complete teachings of Jesus in a form we can understand in the Scriptures.

For more information about the preservation of the Bible, see the links at the end of this study.

[See also Psa. 12:6,7; Heb. 13:20; Isa. 30:8; 59:20,21; Matt. 24:35.]

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III. Jesus' Instructions for Today Are Found in the New Testament, Not the Old.

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Some people believe that we today need a special priesthood or should rest on the seventh day of the week because the Old Testament law required this. Others claim that God never changes His law, so if He ever commanded anything, then everyone must always keep that command. But God once commanded a man to build an ark and another man to sacrifice his son (Gen. 6:13-7:5; 22:1-19). Must we do these today?

God Himself says He has changed His laws about circumcision (cf. Gen. 17:9-14 to 1 Cor. 7:18-20; Gal. 5:1-8; 6:12-16), the Levitical priesthood (cf. Ex. 40:12-16; 29:1-9 to Heb. 7:11-18; 1 Pet. 2:5,9), and animal sacrifices (cf. Num. 15:1-6 to Heb. 10:1-18), just to name a few examples.
These Scriptures clearly prove that God has made changes in his laws. Some commands were intended just for certain specific people, not for all people everywhere. Other commands served a temporary purpose. When they fulfilled their purpose, they were no longer needed, so God removed them.
What about the Old Testament laws, including the laws given through Moses. Are they still in effect today, or do we follow only the teachings of the New Testament?
>>> Read ROMANS 7:2-6. <<<
*20* When is a woman free from her husband? (a) when she divorces him, (b) when she becomes a Christian, (c) when he dies. Answer: ______.
*21* What is our relation to the law? (a) we are subject to it, (b) we are freed from it and joined to Christ, (c) we should still keep parts of it. Answer: ______.
>>> Read HEBREWS 10:9,10. <<<
Hebrews is a lengthy comparison of the "first" or "old covenant" compared to the "second" or "new covenant." The first covenant included the animal sacrifices, the Levitical priesthood, the tabernacle, and the "tables of the covenant" or the 10 Commands (see 7:11-14; 9:1-5; 10:1-8). In fact it included "every precept" given through Moses (9:18-21).
*22&23* What did Jesus do to these two covenants? Answer: He ______ the first that He may ______ the second.
Because of what Jesus did, "the law" (first covenant) was changed or annulled (7:12,18). It was made old, so it vanished away (8:6-13). All this was done in harmony with God's will, not contrary to it.
>>> Read COLOSSIANS 2:14,16. <<<
*24&25* What did Christ do to the handwriting of ordinances? Answer: He took it ______ nailing it to His ______.
*26* Should we let people judge us for not keeping the sabbath? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
The Old Testament law, given through Moses, applied only to the nation of Israel and only till Jesus died. The teaching of Jesus for people today is recorded in the New Testament, the gospel. It is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).

For more information about the Old Testament law, see the links at the end of this study.

[See also 2 Cor. 3:6-11; Gal. 3:24,25; 5:1-6; Eph. 2:11-16.]

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IV. We Should Reject Man-Made Doctrines.

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Many people today claim to follow Jesus, but they participate in religious practices and organizations that are not authorized in the gospel. Yet the New Testament provides us to all good works, so other practices cannot be from Jesus. They are human in origin [cf. Matt. 21:25].

A. What Does Jesus Think of Man-Made Doctrines?

>>> Read MATTHEW 15:9,13,14. <<<

*27* How does Jesus describe our worship if it is based on human doctrine (v9) ? (a) it is vain, (b) it is acceptable, (c) it doesn't matter. Answer: ______.
Fallible men cannot know what pleases God without revelation from God. The "way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Only by following the teaching of Jesus can we know what is pleasing to God.
>>> Read GALATIANS 1:8,9. <<<
*28* What is the condition of one who preaches a different gospel? Answer: He is ______.
"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12).
>>> Read 2 JOHN 9. <<<
*29* What happens to someone who teaches things not found in the teachings that come from Jesus? Answer: He does not have ______.
Remember that all Jesus' teachings were recorded in the New Testament by the original apostles and prophets. To follow Jesus, we must do only the things taught in His word. If we follow practices He has not authorized, then we are following men instead of following Jesus.
Even if no passage specifically forbids a certain practice, that does not mean the practice is acceptable. Instead, we should ask, "Where did Jesus say we should do this?" If a practice is not authorized in His word, we should avoid it.
[See also Rev. 22:18,19; Col. 3:17; Prov. 3:5,6; 2 Cor. 10:12,18.]

B. Some Examples of Human Authority in Religion

People often accept man-made religious practices without realizing why they accept them. Often they are following human authorities such as those we are about to consider. (Note that some of these things do have a right to exist. The danger comes when they are viewed as authority which people follow to determine what they believe or practice.)

Family Religion

Some people think, "It was good enough for my mother (or wife, etc.), so it's good enough for me." This makes the family our authority, instead of Jesus. We should be glad if our families follow the Bible, but most people's families are in error (Matthew 7:13,14). Most Christians in the New Testament had to leave their family religion.
*30* If our family is involved in practices not found in the gospel, should we still practice as they do? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
[Note Matt. 10:34-37; Acts 5:29; Gal. 1:13,14.]

Conscience, feelings, sincerity

We need sincerity and a good conscience, but these become the standard for some people. "Just let your conscience be your guide. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere."
>>> Read ACTS 23:1; 26:9. <<<
*31* Even before his conversion, Paul was sincere and had a good conscience. At that time was he (a) right, (b) wrong, (c) it didn't matter? Answer: ______.
One can be sincere and have a good conscience, yet be the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:13-15). Your conscience only tells you whether or not you are doing what you believe to be right. Like a clock, it will not be reliable unless it has been set properly.
[See also Prov. 14:12; 28:26; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Cor. 10:18.]

Preachers

Some people just accept whatever their preacher says. "My preacher is well educated, and he would not mislead me?." Preachers can help us learn Jesus' will, but they must not become the standard of authority. Preachers are wrong when they differ from what Jesus said. [See also Acts 17:11; 20:29,30; Matt. 7:15; 15:14; 1 John 4:1,6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15.]
*32* Should we accept what our preacher says if he cannot show it in the Bible? (yes or no) Answer: ______.

Church creeds, traditions, and decrees of councils

Many denominations write books that the group follows as authority or doctrinal standards. Any creed that contains more than the Bible contains too much. Any creed that contains less than the Bible contains too little. All human creeds and church laws are made on the assumption that fallible humans can write a better standard than the Bible!

For more information about man-made doctrines and religious confusion, see the links at the end of this study.

Conclusion

"And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3-6). A true disciple devotes his lifetime to serving his Master's will. During your lifetime you must choose whether or not you will serve Jesus. "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15; cf. 1 John 5:3). Do you follow Jesus or do you follow men?

Is Obedience Nessasary to Salvation

Some people tell sinners, "You don't need to do anything to be saved. Just accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior." But is it really possible to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior to receive His salvation without obeying Him? What does it really mean to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? Consider:

A. What Does It Mean to Accept Jesus as Lord?

"Lord" means ruler, master, one who exercises authority. So to "accept Him as Lord" means to obey His rules and submit to his authority.
Luke 6:46 - "But why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" Your master is the one you obey (cf. Rom. 6:16; Matt. 6:24). What right do you have to claim Jesus is your Lord, if you don't obey Him? None! If you don't obey, you have not accepted Him as your master.
Matthew 7:21-27 - To enter the kingdom of heaven, it is not enough to call Jesus "Lord, Lord." Remember, the preacher we quoted earlier said there is nothing to do. But Jesus said one must do the will of the Father (v 21).
Hearing and doing what Jesus says is like building on the rock. If you hear and don't do, you are building on the sand. Note that Jesus is discussing how to enter the kingdom of heaven (v 21). To enter, you must do. Your claim to accept Him as Lord is empty till you obey His teachings.
Acts 10:35 - To be acceptable to Him, one must fear Him (respect authority) and work righteousness (obey authority).
When a person claims that one must accept Jesus as Lord to be saved but does not have to obey Jesus to be saved, he contradicts himself and He contradicts Jesus. It is like claiming you are lying in bed and running an Olympic marathon at the same time. One cannot run a marathon lying in bed, and one cannot accept Jesus as Lord without obeying Him.
[Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 12:47f; 17:9f; 1 Cor. 7:19; Col. 3:23f; Heb. 13:20f; John 8:31]

B. What Does It Mean to Accept Jesus as Savior?

To accept Jesus as Savior, you must come to Him to receive the forgiveness of sins. But if He is the Savior, then you must come on His terms. He is the one who determines whom He will save and what has to happen in your life for Him to save you. What does He say about this?
Hebrews 5:9 - He is author (source) of salvation to all that obey Him. To accept His salvation, you must obey. If you believe obedience is not necessary, then you have not accepted the Savior according to the terms He requires in Scripture.
Romans 6:17,18 - To be made free from sin and become servants of righteousness, people in sin must obey the teaching delivered. When were people made free from sin? When they obeyed the teaching. That's what the Savior says. Do you accept Him as Savior? Then you must accept what He says about the conditions of salvation. [Cf. v16 and v23.]
1 Peter 1:22,23 - You purify your soul and are born again by obeying the truth. When people claim that obedience is unnecessary, they often emphasize being "born again." But how is a person "born again"? By obeying the truth, the Word of God. The Bible doctrine of the new birth requires obedience. [Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:27; 2 Cor. 5:17]
Acts 22:10 - When Jesus spoke to the lost sinner Saul, Saul asked, "What shall I do, Lord?" The preacher we quoted earlier would have replied, "It's too late to do anything." But Jesus said to go into the city and "you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do" (9:6).
The Lord then sent Ananias, who told Saul to "be baptized and wash away thy sins" - 22:16. The Savior does not agree with those who say there is nothing to do to be saved. He says sinners must do something to be saved.
Jesus is the Lord and Savior. To be saved, you must accept Him as Lord and Savior. But you must accept Him on His terms as revealed in His word. His word says you cannot accept Him without obedience.
If you believe obedience is not essential to salvation, then according to Jesus' word you fail to understand what it means to accept Him. As in Matthew 7:21-27, He will say, "Depart from me..."
[James 1:21-25; John 15:14; Phil 2:12f; Acts 2:40; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Pet. 2:20-22]

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II. Obedience and Loving Jesus

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All people recognize the importance of love. 1 Corinthians 16:22 - If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed." [1 Cor. 13:1-3.]
When discussing obedience, some say, "I don't think it matters how you serve the Lord or what you do in His service. All that matters is if you love Him." But is it possible to love Him if you don't obey Him? Consider:

A. Love Is a Form of Obedience.

Matthew 22:36-39 - The two greatest commands are to love God and love your neighbor. So, if you believe that love is essential to salvation, then you must believe that obedience to commands is essential to salvation, because love is a command that must be obeyed!
John 13:34; 15:12 - "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you."
Love is essential to salvation. But love is a command. Therefore, obeying commands is essential to salvation, for here is one command all agree is essential.
The man who says obedience to commands is not necessary, is saying love is not necessary, for love is a command. It is the greatest of all commands.
[John 15:13f; 1 John 3:22-24; 4:21; 2 John 5; 1 Tim. 1:5; Jas. 2:8]

B. Love Requires Us to Obey Other Commands.

John 14:15,21-24 - "If ye love me, you will keep my commands." One who loves Jesus is one who keeps his commands (v21 & 23). One who doesn't love, doesn't keep His commands (v24). Conclusion: The person who says obedience is not essential, is saying (unintentionally) that you can please God and be saved without loving Him!
1 John 5:3; 2 John 6 - "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." [cf. 1 John 5:2]
1 John 3:18 - "Let us not love in word, neither with the tongue, but in deed and truth."
Love must show itself in our actions. We must obey God's commands. If we don't obey, we don't really love. So obedience is essential to love. But love is essential to salvation. Therefore, obedience is essential to salvation. Instead of proving obedience is not required, the Bible doctrine of love proves the opposite: obedience is required.
[Rom. 13:8-10; 1 John 2:5; Rev. 2:4,5; 1 Thess. 1:3; John 15:10; Luke 6:27-36]

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III. Obedience and Believing In Jesus

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All who claim to be Christians agree that one must have faith to be saved (Heb. 11:6; Mk. 16:16; John 8:24 etc.). But some claim that faith makes obedience unnecessary. "We are saved by faith alone. As long as you believe in Jesus, it doesn't matter whether or not you do these other things." When some people are told about the need for obedience, they begin describing people who believe in God and Jesus, as though that is all that is necessary to salvation. But is this a correct conclusion?

A. Faith Is a Form of Obedience.

1 John 3:23,24 - God commands us to believe in Jesus; we must keep His commands to abide in Him. If we recognize the importance of faith, we must recognize the importance of obedience, since faith itself is a command from God that we must obey.
John 6:28,29 - People asked what they must do to work the works of God [cf. 1 Cor. 15:58; 16:10]. Jesus said the work for them to do is to believe. [Acts 16:30f]
Faith is essential to salvation. But faith is a command - a work - something required in obedience to God. Therefore, obedience is essential to salvation, for here is another act of obedience that is required for salvation. If someone claims that works of obedience are not necessary, he is (unintentionally) saying that faith is not necessary. If he then says faith is necessary, he contradicts himself.

B. Saving Faith Requires Us to Obey Other Commands.

Galatians 5:6 - What avails in Christ is faith working through love.
James 2:14-26 - Regarding the saving of the soul (v14), faith without works is dead like the body without a spirit. It is the kind of faith that demons have. Works are necessary to complete faith (make it perfect). Without obedience, faith is dead and incomplete. The faith that justifies is the faith that leads to works.
Hebrews 10:39; 11:8,30, etc. - Here are examples of the kind of faith we must have to save our souls. All examples show that men received the blessings of God only after their faith led them to obey His commands. Faith that does not obey is faith that cannot save. [Vv 7,33,4,17,24f]
The Bible doctrine of justification by faith is like the doctrine of love in that, instead of proving obedience is not essential, it proves the opposite. It shows that faith will not save until it moves us to obey. Justification by faith includes obedience; it does not exclude it. We are saved by faith when that faith has moved us to obey the conditions of salvation. Without that obedience, we do not have a saving faith.
[Cf. Rom. 1:5; 16:26 - "obedience of faith." 2 Thess. 1:11; 1 Thess. 1:3 - "work of faith." See also Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:7; John 7:17; 1 John 2:29; 1 Pet. 1:14; Matt. 12:50; Luke 8:21; Acts 5:32 with Rom. 8:9]

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IV. Obedience, Repentance, and Confession

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Most people who study the Bible will agree that repentance and confession are essential to salvation. But what is the connection between these acts and obedience?

A. Repentance Requires Obedience.

Repentance is a Divine command that we must obey to be saved.

Acts 17:30 - God commands all men everywhere to repent. So, repentance is a command that must be obeyed.
2 Peter 3:9 - All must come to repentance or they will perish (Luke 13:3,5).
Acts 2:37,38; 3:19 - When people asked what they should do (about their sins), Peter taught that everyone must repent in order to receive remission of sins., so their sins may be blotted out. (Luke 24:47; Acts 5:31)
2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow produces repentance unto salvation.
As with love and faith, repentance is a command that must be obeyed in order to receive salvation. If so, then here is another act of obedience that is necessary to salvation. To say that obedience is not necessary to salvation would be to say that repentance is not necessary to salvation.

Repentance also requires that people must obey other commands.

Matthew 21:28-32 - The son who had refused to obey his father afterward regretted it ("repented" - KJV, ASV) and went. He did the will of the father.
Luke 3:8,9; Acts 26:20 - Those who repent are required to bring forth fruits of repentance: works worthy of repentance. Those who do not bear good fruits will be cast into the fire.
Repentance is a decision - a change of mind or a choice - in which a person determines to turn away from sin and start obeying God. Like love and faith, it is an act of obedience in and of itself, but it also necessarily requires that we obey other Divine commands. The person who denies that obedience is necessary to salvation has not truly repented of sins, for if he truly repents he will acknowledge that obedience is necessary!

B. Confession of Christ Requires Obedience.

Confession of Christ is an act of obedience that is stated in Scripture to be necessary to salvation.
Romans 10:9,10 - In order to be saved, one must both believe in Christ in his heart and confess Christ with his mouth. Note that confession is here separated from faith: faith is in your heart, but confession is an outward act done with the mouth. Yet, the confession is made "to salvation."
John 12:42,43 - Some rulers believed in Jesus but refused to confess Him, because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Note again that confession is distinguished from faith. These people believed, but they refused to confess Christ. Were they saved?
[Matthew 10:32; 16:15-18; John 1:49; 4:42; 9:35-38; 11:27; 12:42,43; Acts 8:36-38; 1 Timothy 6:12,13; 1 John 4:15]
When people deny that obedience is necessary to salvation, generally what they are objecting to is baptism. But the gospel clearly states that baptism is essential to salvation, just as it does repentance and confession (see Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21). In particular, confession involves a physical outward obedience just as surely as baptism does. If we understand that repentance and confession are necessary to salvation, why object to the idea that baptism is necessary to salvation?
For further evidence that baptism is a step that is necessary to salvation, see our article on the purpose and importance of baptism.

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V. Obedience and Receiving Eternal Life At The Judgment

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Anyone who is concerned about Bible teaching will be very concerned about the Judgment day and eternal life. Yet, note the connection between these and obedience.

A. We Will Be Judged on the Basis of Our Deeds, Works, and Obedience.

Romans 2:6-10 - God renders to each man according to his works (v6). Those who continue patiently in doing good will receive eternal life (v7). Those who do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness and work evil, will receive tribulation and anguish, etc. (vv 8,9). But glory and honor await all who work good (v10). The things we do determine our eternal reward.
2 Corinthians 5:10 - Before the judgment-seat of Christ, "each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad." Does it make sense for men to teach that there is nothing to do to receive salvation, when the Bible says the things we do will be the very basis on which our eternal destiny is determined?
Revelation 20:12,13; 22:12 - Every man will be judged according to his works.
Challenge: Can you think of any passage that discusses the judgment and says that we will be judged on the basis of our faith or love, or that says we will give an account for these? For every one you find (if any) there will be 2 or 3 others that say it will be on the basis of works, deeds, actions, or things done.
Why is this? It is not because faith and love do not matter, but because "works" include faith and love, and because "obedience" is the test and the measure of our faith and love [John 14:15; Jas. 2:18].
[Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 17:30f; John 5:28f; 1 Pet. 4:17f; Matt. 16:27; 24:46-51; Jas. 2:12; Matt. 25:21ff; 1 Pet. 1:17; Rev. 2:23,26; 3:15].

B. Eternal Life Is for Those Who Obey God.

John 5:28,29 - All people are raised to life or condemnation depending on whether they did good or did evil.
1 John 2:17 - "He that does the will of God abides forever."
2 Thessalonians 1:8,9 - Those who obey not the gospel will receive vengeance in flaming fire. They are punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.
Romans 2:7 - Eternal life is for those who are patient in doing good.
So, our eternal destiny depends on whether or not we obey God's instructions. We must love and believe, we must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, but all these things require obedience; they do not exclude it.
[Luke 10:25,28,37; John 6:27; Rom. 8:12f; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Gal. 6:8-10; Matt. 12:50; Jas. 4:17 with Rom. 6:23; Gal. 5:19-21; John 12:50; 2 Pet. 1:10f; Heb. 10:36; Eph. 2:2; 5:6; Col. 3:6; 2 Cor. 10:5f; Heb. 2:2ff; Phil. 2:12f; Rev. 14:13].

Conclusion

Consider the consequences if a person believes the denominational doctrine that obedience is not necessary to salvation:

* Since accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior requires a commitment to obey him, it follows that such a person has not truly accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
* Since loving God requires and includes obeying Him, it follows that such a person does not truly love God.
* Since saving faith requires and includes obeying Him, it follows that such a person does not have a saving faith.
* Since repentance, confession, and baptism require obeying Him, it follows that such a person has not truly repented. Furthermore, he has not been properly baptized, since true baptism requires the person to believe that the purpose of baptism is to receive forgiveness of sin.
* Since obedience is necessary for one to stand justified before the Lord in the Judgment Day, it follows that such a person is not ready to face God in judgment.

So, obedience is essential to salvation. We must be "doers of the word."

1 John 2:3-6 - To know Him and abide in Him, we must keep his commands, keep his word. If we are not doing so, but still claim to know Him, we are liars, and we don't abide in Him. [Note what happens to liars - Rev. 21:8; John 15:5,6.]

Opposition to Jesus Grows

Opposition to Jesus GrowsLesson 2

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Jesus Heals a Paralytic

>>> Read Mark 2:1-12. <<<
As a result of His teaching and miracles, Jesus' popularity grew rapidly. So many wanted to hear Him that they filled the house in Capernaum where He was teaching and crowded around it. Just then, five men arrived, eager to see Jesus too. One of them was paralyzed and the other four carried him on a stretcher. It was impossible for them to get in through the door, so they climbed up on the roof, dug a hole in it and let the paralytic down through the opening they had created. You can imagine the commotion among the crowd in the house below.
When Jesus saw the faith they had demonstrated, He told the lame man that his sins were forgiven. That was probably not what the man had expected, but it is every man's greatest need. The scribes who were present thought Jesus had blasphemed because God alone can forgive sins. Jesus read their minds and asked: Which is easier to say--your sins are forgiven, or get up and walk? To prove His ability to forgive sins (something invisible and therefore impossible to verify), He healed the paralytic who then got up and walked. Jesus proved His power to conquer invisible, spiritual problems by overcoming a visible, physical problem. The crowd was dumbfounded. They had never seen anything to compare with Jesus.
Note -- Who will reach Jesus? Consider the five men as they approached the house in which Jesus was teaching. They had come in order to see Him, but their way to Jesus was blocked by a big obstacle: the crowd. Many would have simply turned around and gone back home. Not these men. They were determined, even desperate, in their desire to see Jesus. Their procedure, unroofing the roof, was radical but it worked. Even today, those who want to come to Jesus frequently encounter barriers in their path. The only ones who actually reach Him, are those who are absolutely determined and who refuse to allow anything to keep them from following Him. How determined to be with Jesus are you?
*1* What did the paralytic and his friends do when they were unable to reach Jesus? a) gave up and went home; b) waited for God to open a path through the crowd; c) offered a financial contribution; d) took off part of the roof so the paralytic could enter the house through the opening. Answer: ______.
*2* What did Jesus do for the paralytic before healing him? Answer: He ______ his sins.
*3* Who alone can forgive sins? Answer: Only ______ can forgive sins.
*4* How did Jesus prove He has the power to forgive sins? Answer: He ______ the paralyzed man.
(Thought question: If only God can forgive sins, but Jesus proved that He could forgive sins, what does that prove about the nature of Jesus?)

Jesus Socializes with Outcasts

>>> Read Mark 2:13-17. <<<
One of Jesus' more surprising actions was calling Levi to be a disciple. Levi had been a tax collector. In that era, tax collectors were viewed as both thieves and traitors because they used dishonest tactics to raise funds for the hated Roman invaders. Adding a tax collector to His inner circle was hardly a move that could be expected to increase Jesus' popularity! Later, Levi held a banquet in Christ's honor. He invited his friends: other tax collectors and sinners. The scribes and Pharisees were outraged because they thought it improper for a teacher of religion to eat with immoral people. When Jesus overheard their criticism, He asked: Who needs a doctor--the sick or the well? His purpose, He said, was not to call righteous, but sinners. The Lord never hesitated to break society's norms and customs.
*5* Name the tax collector whom Jesus called. Answer: His name was ______.
*6* What reason did Jesus give to explain why He socialized with sinful people? a) He wanted to participate in their sins; b) He did not believe that sinful people can be a bad influence on good people; c) He wanted to teach the sinners to repent; d) He believed sinners will be saved, even if they don't change. Answer: ______.

Jesus' Disciples Don't Fast

>>> Read Mark 2:18-22. <<<
Some of the Pharisees and disciples of John came to Jesus asking why He and His disciples didn't fast like other religious people did. Jesus explained by illustration. He said that no one would fast at a time of celebration, such as a wedding. His own presence on the earth made it a joyous time of feasting because He was the bridegroom. Since fasting should fit the occasion, it was inappropriate in this situation. He also explained that just as no one would put new wine in old bottles or a new patch on old jeans, it was equally out of place to put the newly revealed gospel of Christ into the old traditional forms of the Jews. Fasting was just not the right thing to do when the Son of God Himself was present.
*7* How did Jesus explain why His disciples didn't fast? a) He said they did fast, but did it secretly; b) He said that His presence made it a time of joy in which fasting was inappropriate; c) He condemned all fasting; d) He admitted they were wrong and should have fasted. Answer: ______.

Disciples Break Sabbath Traditions

>>> Read Mark 2:23-28. <<<
The more popular Jesus became, the more outspoken His opponents' attacks. Jesus and His disciples provided easy targets for their critics, because they refused to follow the religious traditions of their age. Jewish tradition regarding the Sabbath day prohibited all activity, including plucking grain to eat, but Jesus and His followers ignored these cherished doctrines. When the Jewish officials criticized the disciples, Jesus defended their actions by noting His opponents' inconsistency: they justified David when he broke God's law, but they condemned Him when He merely violated men's traditions. Then He explained that God had intended for the Sabbath command to provide relief for man, not be an additional burden. Finally, Jesus proclaimed His authority over the Sabbath saying that He Himself was Lord of the Sabbath. If Jesus created the Sabbath, surely He knew what activities violated it.
*8* What did Jesus call Himself? Answer: He was Lord of the ______.

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

>>> Read Mark 3:1-6. <<<
As their hatred of Jesus mounted, His enemies searched for every possible chance to attack Him, but He kept evading their traps. On this occasion, a man with a withered hand was in the synagogue. Jesus asked His opponents' opinion on whether or not to help the man, but they refused to reply. Jesus then told him to stretch his hand out. Apparently He neither touched him nor did any other physical thing--He merely asked the man to reach his hand out. When he did, it was healed. Jesus' critics were furious and began plotting to assassinate Him.
Note -- To save a life or to kill: In 3:4 Jesus asked His opponents: Should one save a life or kill on the Sabbath? They chose not to reply, which showed that they were not interested in truth, but only wanted to discredit Him. It is always easy to find fault, but it is much harder to give a positive recommendation. Normally Christ healed men by laying His hands on them or performing some other physical sign. If He had accompanied the healing by physical action in this case, they would have attacked Him for doing medical work on the Sabbath, something contrary to their tradition. This time, however, Jesus did nothing--He merely told the man to reach his hand out. Even Jesus' enemies did not believe it wrong to stretch out your hand on the Sabbath. Thus, He outsmarted His opponents; they were furious. When a man in an argument begins to get angry, it is a sure sign that he is losing. As it turned out, Jesus' enemies are the ones who plotted to kill on the Sabbath, because He had done good.
*9* How many sins did Jesus commit during His lifetime (see 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21,22; Hebrews 4:15)? Answer (give a number): ______.
*10* The activities Jesus did on the sabbath violated what rules? a) only uninspired Jewish traditions; b) the 10 commands; c) the Law of Moses; d) the New Testament; e) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*11* What did Jesus' enemies do after He had healed the man with the withered hand? Answer: They plotted to ______ Jesus.

Jesus' Popularity Grows

>>> Read Mark 3:7-12.<<<
Though Jesus frequently tried to withdraw, people followed Him from everywhere. He continued teaching, healing and casting out demons. While neither the crowd nor the religious leaders seemed to have recognized His true identity, the demons confessed Jesus as the Son of God. He declined their testimony, however, since He did not want the recommendation of the Devil.

Jesus Appoints Twelve as Apostles

>>> Read Mark 3:13-19. <<<
Jesus needed to train apprentices to represent Him and preach the gospel after His departure. He chose twelve of His followers for that job. The twelve He chose were an unlikely bunch: included were four fishermen, a tax collector, a revolutionary (Simon the "Zealot"), a skeptic (Thomas), and a traitor (Judas Iscariot). Jesus proved that He could work with and make something out of even the most unpromising material.
*12* What work did Jesus empower the apostles to do (read Mark 3:15,14 and Matt. 10:1)? a) preach the gospel; b) heal diseases, c) cast out demons, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.

Accusations of Satanic Influence

>>> Read Mark 3:20-30. <<<
While Jesus' family thought He had gone crazy, the Pharisees charged that He accomplished His work through the power of the devil. They were desperately seeking to discredit Him and diminish His influence. Jesus' devastating reply silenced them. First, He said that it would be unreasonable and even disastrous for the devil to begin attacking himself. Civil wars don't produce strong kingdoms. Second, Christ explained that He had come to rob the strong man (the devil), taking from him the souls that had been under his control. Logically, He would need to disarm Satan to accomplish this goal, so expelling demons was a predictable facet of His strategy. Finally, He warned of the serious consequences of hardening one's heart to the point of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. These scribes were demonstrating a malicious and possibly fatal attitude toward the work of God.
* 13* How did Jesus' enemies explain His ability to cast out demons? a) He did it by the power of the devil; b) He did it because He was the Son of God; c) it just seemed like He expelled demons but He really didn't; d) they didn't try to explain it. Answer: ______.
*14* What did Jesus say would happen to a kingdom that was divided against itself (v24)? Answer: He said that kingdom cannot ______.

Jesus' True Family

>>> Read Mark 3:31-35. <<<
Jesus' physical family didn't understand Him. They came to try to talk to Him, perhaps to persuade Him to take a break. He refused to give them a private hearing, explaining that His family no longer had a special claim on His attention. Jesus' true family consists of those who hear and do His will. This incident shows that Mary had no special influence or privilege; Jesus treats all of His obedient followers equally.
*15* Who wanted to talk to Jesus? a) His aunt and cousins, b) His mother and brothers, c) His father, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*16* Who did Jesus say are His real family members? Answer: Those who ______ the will of God.
Summary: Jesus was continually under attack. He was criticized because He forgave sins, ate with sinners, didn't fast, didn't observe the religious establishment's Sabbath doctrines, and cast out demons. He never cracked under the intense scrutiny and pressure. Much to the contrary, He continually affirmed principles that are extremely important even for our service to Him: 1) the priority of forgiveness of sins over physical healing, 2) the importance of recognizing one's spiritual sickness, 3) the fact that fasting is to be done only when it fits the circumstances, 4) the uselessness of religious traditions, and 5) the critical danger of hardheartedly rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Teaches in Parables

Jesus Teaches in ParablesLesson 3

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Parable of the Sower

>>> Read Mark 4:1-20. <<<
Please read this story in your Bible before studying the lesson. Jesus frequently taught in parables. A parable is a story with a spiritual application. Here, Jesus described a farmer who went out to sow seed in his field. Naturally, as he went along scattering it with his hand, the seed fell onto different types of ground. The harvest depended on the kind of soil where the seed fell.
The disciples did not understand what Jesus meant, so they asked Him to explain. Jesus described four types of people who hear the word of the gospel. The first type is like hard-packed soil. These hard-hearted people do not let the word penetrate into their life; they reject it immediately because they have closed their mind. The second type is like seed sown in rocky places. The idea here is of a thin layer of topsoil covering a large rock. When seed is sown in such a place, it will germinate and grow in the shallow soil, but it will not develop deep roots. When the sun comes out and it doesn't rain for a few days, the plant will wither and die. This represents a person who eagerly receives the word, but doesn't develop roots through faith and Bible study. This person will not have the ability to withstand the temptations and persecutions that come along in life. Third, Jesus described the thorny soil. In this ground, the plant is overshadowed by taller weeds which suffocate fruit production. This soil symbolizes people who receive the word and although they allow it to continue in their lives, permit competing interests to dwarf it. These other influences may not be bad things in themselves, but they dominate the person's life so much that the seed can't bear fruit. Finally, Jesus described good soil in which plants bear abundant fruit. This soil represents Christians who are diligent in the service of God.
Note -- Which soil are you? Everyone has a place in the parable of the sower. Jesus wants us to evaluate which type of soil we are. 1) Hopefully, we won't be the hardened, wayside soil. If we are, we will close our mind to the truth and refuse to allow the gospel to penetrate our heart and change our life. 2) Perhaps we'll be the rocky soil. On the surface we appear to be growing and serving the Lord enthusiastically. But we aren't deepening our roots through faith, through study and through a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When times become tough, we will fall away and others will marvel, because on the surface it looked like we were doing so well. 3) If we end up being the thorny soil, we will continue to "be a Christian," but our life will be dominated by other activities and we will never have much time or attention to share with spiritual concerns. This is probably the most subtle danger, because the plant in thorny soil never completely falls away. As a result, we can soothe our conscience and believe that we are still doing OK, when in fact, we aren't bearing fruit. 4) Ideally, we will be the good soil that bears the fruit of righteousness for the Lord.
Note -- Meditations on the seed: Jesus explained that the seed represents the word of God (Luke 8:11). There are many lessons that can be learned by the analogy between seed and the word. For example, seed always produces after its kind. That is, rice seed always produces rice plants, corn seed produces corn plants, and pumpkin seed pumpkin plants. There are no exceptions. By the plant that results, one can determine what seed was planted. So it is in the spiritual realm. When the pure word of God is planted, the resulting plants are Christians. When you end up with other things--say Buddhists, Mormons, or Jehovah's Witnesses, you know that something besides the word of God was planted. To produce a Buddhist, you must plant the teachings of Buddha. To get a Mormon, the book of Mormon and the teachings of the Mormon church must be planted. Jehovah's Witnesses are formed by planting the teachings of their organizational headquarters, the Watchtower Society. What would happen if you merely planted the Scriptures, without mixing in any other teachings?
Seed never changes. It would be theoretically possible to eliminate pumpkin plants from the face of the earth. Yet if pumpkin seeds were preserved, someone many years later could plant them, and again produce pumpkins. So also in Christ. The seed is the word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25). Even if there had not been servants of Christ on the earth for a long time, when people returned to following the Bible only, they would become Christians. Our goal should be to reproduce pure disciples of Christ in the twentieth century, just like they were in the first.
*1* What is a parable? Answer: A parable is a physical story with a ______ application.
*2* What kind of soil did Jesus describe? (a) wayside soil, (b) stony soil, (c) thorny soil, (d) good soil, (e) all of these. Answer: ______.
*3* What does the seed represent? Answer: It represents the ______ of God.
*4* What does the wayside soil represent? Answer: It represents people whose hearts are hardened, so that Satan takes the ______ from their hearts.
*5* The rocky soil represents people who do well for a while, but then fall away because of what? a) hardened hearts, b) tribulation or persecution, c) too much Bible study, d) all the preceding. Answer ______.
*6* Is it possible for a person who has received the word to fall away (see also Galatians 5:4)? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
*7* In the thorny soil, the thorns represent what? a) hardened hearts, b) false doctrines, c) cares of the world and deceit of riches, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*8* What was the principal characteristic of the good soil (v20)? Answer: It bore ______, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
*9* How does seed reproduce (see also Galatians 6:7)? Answer: Whatever a man sows, that is what he will ______.
*10* What causes people to become members of various different religious groups? Answer: They hear and accept the ______ taught by those groups.

Parable of the Lamp

>>> Read Mark 4:21-25. <<<
Jesus compared the Word of God to a lamp. It would be useless to buy a lamp, and then stick it under a bed. After all, a lamp's purpose is to illuminate--if you can't see it, it does no good at all. The Bible is a light. But it is useless if it remains closed on the bookshelf. In order to receive profit, we must open it up and read it.
Although studying the Scriptures is essential, many read the Bible in vain, because they don't read it correctly. It is significant that in the middle of a text stressing the importance of hearing the word, Jesus emphasized the need to be careful how we hear (4:24). The fact that people who read the Bible come to markedly different conclusions about what it means demonstrates that many are not understanding it properly. Some are careless and simply don't put much effort into their study. Others twist the Scriptures intentionally, misinterpreting them to try to confirm the beliefs and practices they have already determined to follow.
Note -- How to study the Bible: There are some common sense principles that can help you understand the Scriptures as you study. First, learn to study in context. The Bible has two main divisions: the Old Testament (first 39 books) and the New Testament (last 27 books). The New Testament is the part that directly relates to us today since it contains the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The Old Testament gives the background of God's preparation of the Jewish nation for the coming of Christ. These Testaments are subdivided into books (66 in all). It is probably best to study book by book. This Bible course was designed to take a person through the gospel of Mark step-by-step.
You need to concentrate on what you read in the Bible to be able to understand it. Since each book is divided into chapters, it is helpful to approach your Bible study by working with a chapter at a time. Read through the chapter two or three times. On the first reading, work to simply discover what the chapter contains, but on the second reading, you can begin to try to analyze the main points. Keep a notebook handy. Jot down a note or two about the main ideas or events of the chapter. A notebook is a good place to write down questions that arise as you study. Writing them down so that you won't forget them allows you to progress in your study without getting sidetracked. Later, you can search for the answers to these questions yourself, or you can ask someone else to help you. Those who are mailing you these lessons would be happy to try to help answer your Bible questions.
*11* What does the lamp in 4:21 represent? Answer: It represents the word of ______.
*12* When people do not study the Bible diligently enough, what will result? a) sin, b) false teaching, c) ignorance, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.

Parable of the Seed

>>> Read Mark 4:26-29. <<<
Jesus said that the kingdom of God was like a farmer who planted a seed. That night he went to bed. The next morning he got up and tended to other responsibilities. Meanwhile, the seed germinated, began to grow and finally bore fruit. Jesus was teaching several things by this story. First, the one who plants the seed is not responsible for its growth; that is, the one who teaches the gospel doesn't control the growth of the word in the heart of the one who heard. Second, the growth of the word in a person's life is gradual. One does not hear the Bible today and become a mature Christian tomorrow. But if the hearer's heart is right he will allow the word to shape and mold his life step-by-step so that he can become the kind of person God wants him to be.
*13* What part did the farmer play in the growth of the seed? Answer: He just planted the ______.
*14* Who decides whether or not a person who hears the word will believe and obey it? a) God decides for the person, b) the person who hears decides for himself, c) Satan decides, d) no one decides. Answer: ______.

Parable of Mustard Seed

>>> Read Mark 4:30-34. <<<
Jesus said that the kingdom is like a mustard seed. The mustard seed is tiny, but grows to be a great shrub. So also, God's kingdom began in a small way during the ministry of an impoverished carpenter, Jesus, but gradually became a dominant world force. Christians' efforts to work for the Lord's kingdom may seem insignificant, but God is able to grow large mustard trees from tiny seeds.
*15* What is the lesson of the mustard seed parable? Answer: God's ______ began small but would grow and become powerful.