By What Is A Person Saved? Our focus in this lesson is upon the ultimate salvation of ending up in heaven.

Introduction The Bible speaks often upon the subject of salvation. A careful study would reveal different meanings for the word and various ways in which salvation is received or accomplished. In most of the Old Testament, the word is applied to physical matters. In the New Testament, the word applies to spiritual matters.

Introduction Often, on the radio, on television, and from the pulpits of many denominations across our land, the sincere cry is made that ``man is saved by faith only.'' This phrase is heard so frequently that it would seem that it is the central focus on every other page in the Scriptures. However, this is not so. Actually, there is only one verse in the entire Bible in which the expression ``faith only'' or ``faith alone'' is used (James 2:24); but here the exact opposite is taught: ``by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.''

Only? Never does God's word speak of one thing by which man is saved and then follow that one thing with the word ``only.'' For to do so, automatically excludes any other necessity. For example, to say the Christian has been saved by faith, by the blood of Christ, by grace, or by baptism is all very scriptural; but man violates God's word when he says that one can be saved by ``faith only,'' by ``the blood of Jesus only,'' by ``grace only,'' or by ``baptism only.''

Only? For by adding that little word ``only'' after any of the various factors by which the Bible shows one is saved, it will automatically exclude all the rest. Therefore, if one were saved by ``grace only,'' believing and repenting would not be necessary; but a further investigation into God's word shows that one is saved ``by grace through faith'' (Ephesians 2:8) and that one must repent (Luke 13:5); and looking further reveals that ``faith without works is dead'' (James 2:26).

Must Not Leave Anything Out. We need to each have a comprehensive view of the gospel, lest we become guilty of omitting that which God intended for us to include as part of the plan in His scheme of redemption. Though a person could never ``merit'' or ``earn'' his salvation by works, this is not to say that salvation is a passive thing in which no necessary response is required of the one who would be saved.

Must Not Leave Anything Out. There are conditions that must be met; and when they are, our faith has been ``made complete'' by obedient action (James 2:21-23). Jesus is the ``author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him'' (Heb. 5:9); and as He Himself states in Luke 6:46, ``But why do you call Me, `Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?'' Note that Jesus said ``THINGS which I say'' -- plural, not just ``one thing,'' such as "believe in My deity".

Must Not Leave Anything Out. If we want to have a saving faith then we must comply with God's righteous demands by doing that which He commands us in order to become a Christian and in order to continue in the faith as one. It is God's desire for none to perish, but rather for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This is why He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross and pay the penalty of sin for every transgressor; but if we want to benefit from the blood of Christ in that sacrifice He made, we must meet His necessary conditions.

By What Is A Person Saved? This lessons will show that which pertains to God and that which pertains to man in the Lord's plan of salvation. Yes, there are many factors the Bible proclaims by which one is ultimately saved. Let us now consider some of them.

By What Is A Person Saved? God must be and has to be at the forefront and top of any list concerning salvation. God includes: The Father The Son (Jesus) The Holy Spirit Some of these things are the actions that Deity has done for your salvation. Such as “God sent His Son” Jesus died on the cross” The Holy Spirit guided the early church.

By What Is A Person Saved? Many of these things in this list are the actions required of you to receive and keep your salvation. One thing to remember is the fact that you are responsible for your own salvation. You can have a part in the salvation of others by example, teaching, encouragement and a host of other actions that you can do for others. Many of these things on this list accomplish some of the same actions.

By What Is A Person Saved? Though some of these things may not seem significant, I am sure you will see that we cannot have salvation without them in our lives. We should never give up trying to be saved. We should never be complacent about our salvation. Remember that doing what is necessary for salvation is not easy, but it is simple to understand. Remember to do diligence (Heb 11:6). It is a quality that is repeated often in the Bible.

God’s Plan Of Salvation We usually have the five finger simplified version. Hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized. But that falls far short, and many seem to ignore what else is necessary for our salvation. Some even consider that if they have done this, that is enough. WRONG!!!

Abiding In The Lord Can you be saved without doing this? John 15:1-10 I am the vine and ye are the branches (our relationship with Jesus) Romans 8:1 no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus 2Corinthians 5:17 If anyone IN Christ, he is a new creature 1John 5:12 He who has the Son, has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life 2John 9 Anyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God

Add To Your Faith If you do not add to your faith, will you be saved? 2 Pet 1:5 Add to your faith, virtue (moral excellence), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love…if you do these things you will not stumble “for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you”.

Conclusion These are just a few things, there are many more. You must remember that you have the choice to do these things. If a person is to benefit from any of this, they must accept it and apply it to their lives. When Paul told the Philippians to "Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling", Phil 2:12, he meant that he could not do it for them. They would have to do so themselves, in a collective sense.

Conclusion Each of us, however, will stand before God to give an account for our individual actions and faith. No one will stand in your place. Gal 6:7-8. The things which save are simple to understand and do. It does require a lot of effort and discipline. It requires commitment, dedication, and effort. It takes a lifetime to accomplish, and we can never give up, lest we lose what we have gained.