Salvation

Salvation is different things to different people. To the people of the Old Testament, salvation had both man-ward and God-ward aspects. Man was in danger from disease, physical calamity, persecution from his foes, and death. In the community of God's chosen people, captivity was the experience from which deliverance was needed.

In the New Testament, salvation has a twofold meaning: (1) having one’s sins forgiven to relieve the guilt and (2) being saved from the penalty of sin which is spiritual death. We can even say there is a third salvation - freedom from worldly lust and anxiety which plagues most people of the world.

Like most denominations, the Catholics believe in original sin (sins inherited because of Adam). The Bible does not teach original sin, on the contrary, sin is not inherited but occurs when we transgress God's law (I John 3:4; Ezekiel 18:20-21). "Baptism is required and is an essential means washing away the original sin and the door by which we find admittance to His church" (Gibbons p. 221). Pouring and sprinkling is used by the Catholics. Baptism is preceded by faith and repentance.

Justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ is held to be the central doctrine of the Lutheran church. Baptism is performed only to bring one into the Lutheran church. They believe in sprinkling and pouring for baptism. (Lutheran Cyclopedia, p. 542)

Like most protestant churches, the Methodist have adopted the faith only doctrine. "We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort" (Discipline, paragraph 69). Again, to the Methodist, baptism is not essential for salvation, but if one desires to be baptized as an outward example of Christ, it must be by immersion. (Discipline, paragraph 72)

The Baptists still cling to Calvinistic teachings. They believe in faith followed by repentance and an outward commitment. To them, salvation is a one step process. When one believes, he commits himself to Christ and then he has regeneration and sanctification. Baptism is an ordinance of the church to which one must submit before he can be accepted into the Baptist church. The perseverance of the saints (Calvinistic teaching) is still taught, but in a different form. Now their view is that the one who is truly saved "will not" fall. They base this upon I John 3:9. If a person falls away, it is said that he did not have "saving faith" in the beginning. Baptists believe in immersion for baptism. (From introduction to Shank, Elect in the Son, p. 16)

This religious group is Calvinistic to the core. In their Book of Confessions, chapter 28, 6.139, they do teach that baptism is for the remission of sins, but in 6:143, they say that it is not absolutely necessary for grace, nor salvation, although it is a "great sin" if neglected. "Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace" (6.139). A person is saved at the point of believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (Book of Confessions chapter 28, 6.139)

"When love for God moves you so that you want to do His will, then it is proper that you go to Him in prayer through Jesus Christ and express your desire to be one of His servants, walking in the footsteps of His son. It is appropriate that you tell Jehovah that you want to belong to Him..." (The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life, pg. 182). Baptism is a demonstration, testifying that one has made a solemn dedication to Jehovah God and not for remission of sins. Remission of sins can only be through faith (The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life, Page 183).

The Mormons have a unique concept of salvation. They believe salvation from past sins by: ARTICLES OF FAITH

Baptism for the dead is taught by Mormons from such passages as Doctrine and Covenants 124:1-16, that you may be baptized for your dead relatives or a famous person. Yet, in the Book of Mormon, Alma 34:32-35, they teach "this life is the time for man to prepare to meet God; yea behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors..." The spiritual fulfillment to a Mormon is to become like Jehovah; a god over the universe. To do so, you have to have celestial marriages (Doctrine and Covenants, 132).

"...That which saves is grace alone, through faith in the living Christ, and similarly, that which justifies is His free and blessed grace..." (Questions on Doctrine, p. 102). Basically, they believe in faith only and baptism as an expression of both faith in Christ and forgiveness of sins. (Questions on Doctrine, p. 102)

The Nazarenes divide salvation into three parts: (1) Regeneration: a new birth by the work of God (2) Justification: obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance and work of the Holy Spirit (3) Sanctification: that act of God by which believers are made free from original sin (Manual pp. 30-31). Baptism is an outward sign, signifying acceptance of Christ as your Savior and may be administered by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. (Manual pp. 29-31)

They believe that the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin, grants repentance and imparts everlasting life. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is a "public confession of discipleship and a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection which has taken place in their (new converts) hearts". Baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to all who accept Christ, and speaking in tongues is evidence of one's Holy Spirit Baptism. (Riggs, P.117)

This is difficult indeed, because how can you speak of a doctrine of salvation in a system or religion which denies that man is in need of salvation? According to Christian Science, man is not a sinner. Sin is not real, man has never fallen. Salvation to them is knowledge of false beliefs. "To conquer error by denying its verity" (Science and Health p. 339).

THE BIBLE

The FAITH ONLY theory is a false concept of man. The problem with "Faith only" is that it views faith simply as belief. Here’s what the bible teaches:

l. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 26).

2. Abraham's faith was justified by works (James 2:21)

3. James says we are not justified by faith only (James 2:14).

4. If faith alone would save, then every devil would be saved (James 2:19).

Salvation is offered to those who:

1. Hear the Word (Mark 16:15-16)
2. Believe (Mark 16:15-16)
3. Repent (Acts 2:38)
4. Confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:35-38)
5. Are baptized (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:35-38; Acts 2:38, 22:16)

II Thessalonians 2:13-17

Ephesians 2:5-8

How? Through faith (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:17)

When? When we get into Christ (II Timothy 1:9; Galatians 3:26-27)

(I John 3:4; Ezekiel 18:20-21; Romans 9:11)

One must Hear the Word and understand to believe (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

One must Repent of sins and confess Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10).