Plan of Salvation - Many aren't Consistent

by David Shannon

In my years of studying the Bible with other religious leaders or individuals there are a few inconsistencies worth noting.

If Jesus is the Savior, we must follow what the Savior says about Salvation. Ephesians 4:4-6 speaks of one hope, faith, and one baptism. Romans 6:17 speaks of a (singular) form of doctrine which saves. Yet, so often individuals will see what the Bible teaches about salvation and then conclude with something like, "Well, that is one way to be saved, and I believe in another way" ( John 14:6).
There is no "sinners prayer" in the scriptures! Who wrote the sinners prayer? Did Jesus, one of the apostles, or an inspired writer? No! How can folks point to Jesus as the Savior and to a man created method of salvation.
"There is nothing you can do to save yourself...In spite of your sin, God loves you and has done everything necessary for your salvation." This quote is from a typical tract of man's ways of salvation. God on the other hand has done His part and urges us to do our part in response to His grace in order to be saved. "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" in Acts 2:40. God demands that we do something! The folks which say God has done it all will always continue to demand of the lost (which if God has done it all why are they lost?) to do more.
They ask the person to believe, repent, confess, and say the "sinners prayer." Then if we open the scriptures and teach belief, repentance, confession of Christ, and baptism we are accused of salvation by works. Why is their demanded actions, not work, but baptism is? One being baptized doesn't merit salvation, but it is a part of responding to God ( I Peter 3:21).

• Know Where You Are Going -Sep 02, 2007
• Salvation -Mar 12, 2000