“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). Religious arguments are easy to settle. Take yourself and the opposing person out of the discussion and see what God says. We arrive at the position that makes the most sense to us, but it does not always mean it answers all the objections of the opposing person. This is why we must “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18) by changing our position whenever our understanding improves. For instance, ‘I’m going to Heaven because I prayed Jesus into my heart,’ ‘I’ve been baptized,’ ‘I’m doing the best that I can,’ ‘I’ve joined the Church,’ ‘I tithe,’ ‘I don’t do something that everyone feels negative about,’ or ‘I do some things that everyone feels positive about,’ may represent possible answers.
Faith is essential, i.e., “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Baptism is necessary, for it is a Loyalty Oath, i.e., “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Good works are essential. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20, 26). Unfortunately, we have given some the impression that Heaven is like a Monopoly Game with a “Get Out of Jail” Card, where we pass “Go” and collect Heaven. Crude analogy, but anything short of absolute trust and complete surrender to Jesus as our salvationis an attempt to fool ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Ananias and Saphira had believed and been baptized, yet both were struck down by God (Acts 5). Simon the Magician believed and was baptized but still offered Peter money to enable him to dispense the Holy Spirit to whoever he would lay his hands upon (Acts 8). Whether the accusation is Easy Believism or Baptism Is A Self-Righteous Work, Perseverance of the Saints or Preservation of the Saints, Losing Your Salvation or Losing the Testimony of the Spirit, all hinges on the Spirit of God testifying to us of our sonship. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16).
Father, we completely trust and surrender to You as the source of our salvation, and we plead only Your Spirit would testify of us that we are the Children of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 