Strange things you hear about the church of Christ Part 7 “The church of Christ Believes in Salvation by Works”

Claims that are Made 1. Those in the church believe in salvation by works! 2. Those in the church believe in “water salvation!”

Abused Passages For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Abused Passages For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Abused Passages What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? " Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

Abused Passages 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7" Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. Romans 4:1-7

Abused Passages What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? " Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

Abused Passages 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7" Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. Romans 4:1-7

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation 38 Then Peter said to them, " Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

God’s Teaching on Baptism and Salvation 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21

Miscellaneous Arguments Examined “The thief on the cross proves baptism is not essential!” And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, " Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."43 And Jesus said to him, " Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.“ Luke 23:41-43

Miscellaneous Arguments Examined “The Bible plainly teaches faith only as the basis of salvation.” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Miscellaneous Arguments Examined “Saul was saved on the road to Damascus, without baptism.” 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, " Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

Miscellaneous Arguments Examined “Saul was saved on the road to Damascus, without baptism.” 5 And he said, " Who are You, Lord?“ Then the Lord said, " I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, " Lord, what do You want me to do?“ Then the Lord said to him, " Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.“ Acts 9:3-6

Conclusion 1.No matter what the claims made, God’s Word clearly put’s obedience to His will between sin and salvation. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him —the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. John 12:48