Few matters can be more important than what God’s word says about salvation. When one considers the richness of what the New Testament has to say about this theme, all a person can do is express awe and wonder at the matchless mind and marvelous provision of God! Who and what saves according to the teaching of Scripture?
- God the Father (1 Peter 1:3-4).
- Jesus (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).
- The Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11).
- Grace (Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24).
- Love – both God’s to us (John 3:16) and us to Him (John 14:15).
- Mercy (Titus 3:3-5).
- The Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 6:14).
- The Blood of Jesus ( Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:9).
- The Name and Authority of Christ (Acts 4:12).
- The Gospel (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
- The Word of God (James 1:21).
- The Preaching of God’s Message (1 Corinthians 1:21; Mark 16:15-16).
- Believing In Christ (Acts 16:31-34; Romans 5:1).
- Calling On the Name of the Lord (Acts 2:21ff; Romans 10:13).
- Repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
- Confession (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10).
- Baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
- Obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9).
- Love of the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).
- Coming to Christ – a matter of one’s will (Matthew 11:28-30; John 5:40).
- Endurance (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10).
- Fear (Jude 23; Philippians 2:12; Acts 10:34-35).
- Faith that Works (John 5:28-29; James 2:14-26).
- The Life of Jesus (Romans 5:10).
- Heeding and Continuing In the Doctrine of God (1 Timothy 4:6, 16).
- Hope (Romans 8:24).
- The Resurrection of Christ (Romans 4:25).
Wow! What an amazing “roll call” of attributing salvation to the Person and Character of God, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, the message of the Spirit-given gospel and to the response of humble, loving obedient people coming to God as He declares in Scripture! Although some may try to add to or take from God’s precious salvation, it NEVER can be improved.
Mike Vestal