As we began noting last week, the sad reality is that many religious people today desire eternal life (and may even think they have it awaiting them) when it takes more than what they think to obtain it. Having already noted it takes more than being a good person, knowing the Bible, and going to church, additionally, to have eternal life it takes more than…
Being Religious: At times, when trying to talk to someone about the needs of their soul, they will express disinterest claiming they are a “religious” or “spiritual” person. Being religious is important, but is that enough to find eternal salvation? Consider some examples of the Bible. As noted in last week’s article, Cornelius was devoted, God-fearing, and praying (religious), yet he was not saved (Ac. 10:1-2; 11:14). Paul said the men of Athens were “religious,” yet they did not even know the true God of heaven and earth (Ac. 17:22-23). The apostle noted that the Jews who rejected Christ were very religious (zealous), but obviously were not righteous before God (Rom. 10:1-3). More examples could be added to these. It takes more than being religious to have eternal life!
Believing In Jesus: Many are taught (because many teach) that faith alone saves a person. Make no mistake, faith is essential. Jesus said, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). In truth, without faith no one will please God (Heb. 11:6). However, can one be saved by faith only? The only time the Bible ever couples those words together, notice what it says. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Could there be any clearer language to express that justification before God does not come by faith in Jesus alone? Additionally, to say such is to express belief that one is saved by a profitless, unproveable, same as demons possess, incomplete, and dead faith (Jas. 2:14-26). Surely no one could think that such a faith would save them. The simple truth is that faith only will not save anyone. It takes more than simply believing in Jesus to have eternal life!
Being Baptized: Some seemingly think that being baptized is all one must do to find eternal salvation. This must be true because, after they are baptized, they fail to show faithfulness of life. It is true that without baptism one will not find the forgiveness of their sins. The Bible teaches that baptism is necessary for the “remission of sins,” to “wash away your sins,” and to “be saved” (Ac. 2:38; 22:16; Mk. 16:16). Peter simply put that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism saves one from past sins, allows one to be born again (Jn. 3:3-6), to become a child of God, and enter into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). Yet, in order to have eternal salvation, one must remain faithful as a child of God. Note encouragements given to those who had already been baptized into Christ. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). All of these passages call on those who have been baptized to remain faithful to the Lord that they might find eternal life. It takes more than just being baptized to have eternal life!
When the rich young ruler heard that it took more than he thought to have eternal life, he “went away sorrowful” (Matt. 19:22). If you have learned it takes more than you thought to have eternal life, do not go away sorrowful; instead, obey the Lord today!
David Eldridge