Faith Only 2

Presented, November 27, 2005 am

IS OUR SALVATION BY “FAITH ONLY”? (2)

Answers to arguments supporting faith only

Last week we began a study of the doctrine of “faith only”. We both defined it and demonstrated its use in various denominations. We also showed why it is false doctrine – because we are not saved by “faith only” anymore than we are saved by “works only”. We discussed works and our salvation and noted that there are things which God calls upon us to do “by faith.” These very acts are a demonstration of our faith, and when obeyed they lead to our salvation. For example, Mark 16:16 teaches, “he who believes and is baptized shall be saved…” The misunderstanding comes in defining works – confusion is found between meritorious works (we earn our salvation) and obedient works (acting by faith because God said so). Even after we obey God we have NOT earned our salvation.

In researching for this study, I looked for some websites that had articles promoting how we are saved by “faith only.” Most of these readily admit that works in one’s life are important and that if your life is not accompanied by good works then your faith is dead (i.e. – not a proper faith in the first place). But they categorically deny that you have to be baptized or do anything to be saved. However some will then tell you to pray for forgiveness, etc. – thereby contradicting the idea of “faith only”. NOTE: Not all teach this. True Calvinism denies that man can do anything. I also came across an article that denied the need for any “work” including repentance, confession, prayer and of course, baptism.

This morning, I would like to begin noticing some of the scriptures and arguments that are presented by those who teach “faith only” to justify their doctrine. We could devote an entire lesson to many of these arguments, but what I will do in this study is highlight some of what is taught and the main reasons these arguments are flawed. I want to present two lessons addressing these arguments. In this lesson we want to notice some rationalizations that are made. Next week we want to examine some of the scriptures quoted to justify “faith only.” The arguments include:

I. Works Nullify the Grace of God

a. It is argued that if one saved by works in any way whatsoever, to the degree that one has to do something, the grace of God is nullified.

b. "The test of the Gospel is grace. If the message excludes grace, or mingles law with grace as the means either of justification or sanctification (Gal 2:21; 3:1-3), or denies the fact or guilt of sin, which alone gives grace its occasion and opportunity, it is 'a different' gospel, and the preacher of it is under the anathema of God" (vv. 8-9). Scofield Study Bible, Galatians, chapter 1 footnote, cf. http://www.loriswebs.com/lorispoetry/grace.html

c. “Grace and works will no more unite than an acid and an alkali.”
Arthur Pink, a Baptist preacher of the late 1800’s & early 1900’s in The Attributes of God, Chapter 13, the Grace of God, http://www.pbministries.org/books/pink/Attributes/attrib_13.htm

d. Passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:16 “and of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace”. Also Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
Each of these passages addresses the subject of God’s grace and our salvation.

e. Answer - the fact that we are saved by God’s grace is not debated.

i. I have and will continue to quote the above passages without hesitation. Because, everything that we are called upon to do can NEVER account for the goodness of the grace of God.

ii. Jesus summed that up best in Luke 17:10 saying that after we have done all we can. to say we are unprofitable servants having done what was our duty.

iii. What about Ephesians and Romans mentioning that we are saved “not of works”? Paul is speaking of specific works. In Ephesians his point is meritorious works (we do something so that we earn our salvation) OR works without faith. He is saying we CANNOT ever earn or deserve salvation – no matter what we do. But does that mean that we do nothing? It doesn’t say that! Faith is mentioned as our part of the equation. That word encompasses EVERYTHING associated with the type of faith that saves – e.g. belief, repentance, confession, baptism, etc.
Consider how Grace, Faith and works actually complement each other.
Consider the example of Jericho – Joshua 6 records the fall of Jericho. Vs. 2 says, “And the Lord said, ‘See! I have GIVEN Jericho into your hand…” Then vs. 3-5 give them instructions as to WHAT THEY MUST DO (works). Hebrews 11:30 says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they were encircled for seven days.” What was involved in giving Jericho to Israel - Grace, Faith or works? The answer is all three. The FAITH ONLY doctrine would conclude that what they did was NOT by faith because it involved works. But the fact is their faith moved them to obey God. NOTE: They did NOT receive the gift (God’s grace) UNITL they obeyed Him!
ANOTHER QUESTION: If God required Israel to do something, did that nullify the fact that it was a gift?

iv. Romans 11:6 deals with works of the Law. A specific type of works in which many Jews reasoned if they obeyed these works they secured their salvation – regardless of their faith. That point is demonstrated throughout their history and the prophets.

v. Furthermore, where in any of these passages do we read “grace only” or “faith only”? It is NOT found there.

II. We are saved by the blood of Christ, not baptism

a. Often Matthew 26:28 is quoted along with other passages. Ephesians 1:27, Colossians 1:14, etc. These passages CLEARLY point to His blood being that element which results in the forgiveness of our sins and our salvation.

b. Answer: That we are saved by the blood of Christ is NOT in question.

i. Much of what is said about salvation by grace applies here as well. The fact that His blood is the source of our forgiveness does NOT negate our need to do something to come in contact with that blood.

ii. HOW do we come in contact with the blood of Christ?
Galatians 3:27 tells us that in baptism puts us INTO Christ.
Romans 6:3-4 – we are buried with Him in baptism – it is associated with His death, burial and resurrection.

iii. NOTE also Matthew 26:28 – where Jesus said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Now note also, Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them,"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In the original language, BOTH of these phrases are IDENTICAL. One speaks of Christ’s Blood and the other speaks of Baptism. Together we learn that they are related. Baptism is HOW we come in contact with his blood.

III. What about the thief on the cross?

a. Referred to by some as the most famous thief in all of history. Again this is an illustration of faith negating the necessity of baptism.

b. His account in found in Luke 23:32-33, 39-43. Note what this account says.

c. “If you want to understand the doctrine of salvation by faith without works, then you can find no better illustration. This penitent thief believed and was saved. He couldn't do any works -- he couldn't bring forth any actions to prove his "savedness" because he was nailed to a cross. But he was saved! He was given unconditional admission to Paradise, the Home of the Saved. That very day he was promised a place in Heaven.”
Christopher Warren, The Thief who was Saved, http://www.nccg.org/195Art-ThiefSaved.html

d. Answer:

i. Let it be understood that the thief WAS saved on that day. We do not deny the result. But does HIS salvation prove that OUR salvation is by “faith only”?

ii. First, how do you know he was not baptized? We are told that John came baptizing for the “remission of sins” (Luke 3:3). Many were baptized by him.
What about the thief? He could have been baptized by John. Evidently he had heard about Jesus and the kingdom at hand for he said, “Lord, Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42). It is clear he understood MORE than the religious leaders who were murdering Jesus that day. It is very possible that he had been baptized.
BUT, let us assume that he was NOT baptized for the sake of our argument. It is a possibility that he was not.

iii. The thief died while still under the Old Law. As Jesus uttered His saving words to the thief, He had not yet died – so the thief was still under the Old Law.
Colossians 2;13-14 – speaks of Him having taken the Old Law out of the way and having nailed it to the cross.
Hebrews 9:16-17 points this out – “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.” This is a text in which the writer is explaining the need for a New Law to replace the Law of Moses. It is a reference to Christ and the Law we are saved under. (See Heb. 8:6-7)
Because the thief died under the Old Law HOW he was saved does NOT apply as an example to us.

iv. Furthermore, Jesus, while on earth had power to forgive sins as He willed.
Matthew 9:1-8 tells of a paralytic whose sins Jesus forgave to prove He was the Son of Man.
Luke 7:36-50 tells of a sinful woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears while He dined at the house of Simon the Pharisee. Vs. 46-48 point out that Jesus forgave her on that occasion

v. Another consideration is the fact that baptism toward salvation was not commanded until AFTER Jesus arose. Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38 (*Pentecost – the day the church-kingdom began).
NOTE also Romans 10:9-10 which says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with your heart that God has RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, you will be saved.” The thief could NOT make the same confession, we are to make (as also taught by those who espouse, “faith only”).

e. Therefore, the thief on the cross is NOT a valid argument to justify “faith only.”

IV. What about the man on the battlefield who wants to be saved and is killed before he can be baptized?

a. The argument is sometimes presented about those in situations where it is impossible to be baptized. Sometimes arguments are made concerning one who “came forward to be saved” and was killed on the way to the baptistery. “Will he be lost because he was not baptized”?

b. Answer:

i. I am not a judge of their salvation or that of anyone else. I will leave such situations to God. God who knows hearts and past conduct will judge righteously. But I CANNOT say such a one is saved based on what we read in God’s word. DID he have opportunities prior to this to obey?

ii. AND should God decide to save such a person, would you consider that an exception or the rule?

iii. BTW, I have NEVER heard of a situation where one who intended to be baptized died “on the way to the baptistery.”

iv. Consider also John 21:22 where Jesus told Peter, “…What is that to you? You follow me.” The point to consider is that while another might not have opportunity can you honestly say that about yourself? The fact that one makes such an argument means that they NOW have an opportunity to be baptized for the remission of their sins at that moment.
As Jesus said about the religious leaders who rejected Him, “Now they have no excuse” (John 15:22). Are YOU willing to base your salvation on a hypothetical situation?

V. Paul was saved on the road to Damascus before he was baptized

a. Many believe that when Lord appeared to Paul the first time as we headed to Damascus he was saved. Some might say that since Paul said to Jesus, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” that he accepted Jesus then and there and was therefore saved. (Acts 9:6)

b. Answer:

i. Paul was not saved until Ananias came to him and told him what he needed to do. Note that in the text Paul was instructed to go into the city and wait for an answer as to what he needed to do. (9:7) Further instructions were needed.

ii. After that Ananias was told to go to Paul and further instruct him (9:17). Note also 22:16 where Paul was told to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” PAUL was saved the same way we are saved – by being baptized for the remission of his sins, based on his faith.

VI. Paul was not sent to baptize

a. Continuing on the thought of Paul, some turn to 1 Corinthians 1:14 -17 where Paul said, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel,…” The argument is made that if baptism (a work) was a part of salvation Paul would not have said this.

b. Answer

i. A study of the context will show the intention of Paul’s statement. First of all, Paul is writing because there is division among them – and that division was over baptism – namely WHO baptized them (10-13).

ii. This prompted Paul to be thankful that he had not baptized many of them. He had baptized Crispus and Gaius (14). Acts 18:8 speaks of Crispus and others in that city being baptized – so it was something that was important. And that is consistent with the pattern found throughout Acts.

iii. In actuality, Paul’s point shows the importance of baptism. Notice 1 Corinthians 1:13 where he challenges these brethren saying, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” He is showing the importance of baptism, relating it to the importance of Christ’s crucifixion.

iv. Paul was speaking of his mission as an apostle. While at times it would involve baptism, his purpose was to preach the gospel. That is all Paul has in mind here – he is not dismissing baptism as important. He was thankful he did not have many more followers of him instead of Christ (because he had baptized them).

These are some of the arguments made to justify faith only. As we can see, they are easily answered when we consider all of God’s word with an honest and open heart. In our next lesson we will examine some of the passages used to teach “faith only.” We will notice their contexts and continue to firmly understand that salvation by faith means salvation by an OBEDIENT FAITH and NOT by “faith only”. Have you obeyed God’s instructions to you? If not, let me encourage you do what you need to do this morning.