Huntington Church of Christ

For the past few weeks we have asked the same question, and continue to receive the same answer. Clearly, we can see the beautiful harmony and unity of God's Word. He does not contradict Himself nor does he confuse man concerning eternal salvation. The Bible teems with examples of obedient faith that results in eternal salvation.

In the later part of the sixteenth chapter of Acts we find Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi. In the middle of the night, God miraculously loosened their bonds and opened the prison doors. Upon seeing this, the jailer in charge drew his sword, ready to kill himself. "But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm; for we are all here" (Acts 16:23). The jailer called for the lights and quickly surveyed the situation. Bringing them out of the prison cell he asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)

Now, let's look carefully at what was said and done. "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:31). Many religious teachers stop here and claim the jailer was saved at this point, but this is not the case. Obviously, the jailer was not a believer in Christ -- he needed to be taught what to believe. He had to start at the very beginning. Note the very next verse, "they spake the word of the Lord unto him." (Acts 16:32) Is he saved now? Certainly not! Hearing alone does not save. Let's continue... "And he took them the same hour of the night...and was baptized, he and all his, immediately" (Acts 16:33). Is he now saved? According to other examples and complimentary Scriptures we can conclude, with great confidence, he and others of his family were saved when they obeyed.

The evidence is overwhelming. Why then do men continue to teach and believe that salvation is by Faith Only? Some teach it because of tradition. Friend, when you stand before God on the day of judgment you will be held accountable for how well you obeyed His word -- not the tradition of men (Matthew 15:3,7-9). Others teach Faith Only because of its convenience. But please be warned -- God will not accept service at "our convenience" or on "our own terms". Have you followed the New Testament Pattern for obtaining salvation? If not, please act "immediately."

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ