Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. God calls on all people to come to Jesus Christ through a Biblical response. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:3-7; Galatians 2:16; Romans 5:1-2)
This response includes:
· Hearing and believing God’s Word. Only active faith is a living, saving faith. (James 2:14-26)
· Acknowledging and repenting of personal sin. (2 Timothy 2:19)
· Publicly confessing individual submission to faith in Christ. (Romans 10:9-13)
· Trusting in Jesus Christ for our eventual resurrection to eternal glory by being “buried with Him” in water baptism (immersion). (Romans 6:1-8)
· Living faithfully for the rest of our lives. (I John 1:6-10; Revelation 2:10)
A person can be secure in his or her salvation, but it is possible for an individual to choose to let go of their saving relationship with Christ. Every person can be assured of both security in Christ and his or her freedom to choose for or against Christ. (Romans 11:22; 8:38-39; Hebrews 6:4-6; 1 John 5:13; John 15:5-8; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 3:17-18)
God’s “election” is a worldwide invitation to every individual
(John 7:37-39; Acts 2:39; Revelation 22:17), and every individual is free to accept or reject that election with all the benefits and duties associated with it. God desires that no one should experience hell and that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9;
1 Timothy 1:15-17)
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT:
|
CHURCH
|