What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 7 / No. 22”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. VII - No. 22 March 30, 2025
CAN A MAN SAVE HIMSELF?
There is a great deal of emphasis being put on a man-made doctrine which teaches it is impossible for a person to do anything towards salvation from sin. This doctrine sets forth the idea that any action, on the part of a person, nullifies the grace of God.
The Bible teaches that salvation is dependent upon both DIVINE and HUMAN action. It shows very clearly what God does to save the sinner and what the sinner must do to save himself. God's part in our salvation is comprehended in the word "GRACE". Our part in our salvation is comprehended in the word "FAITH". Our faith is shown by our obedience to the will of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith..."(Ephesians 2:8).
THE DIVINE SIDE. God conceived the plan of salvation, Christ made it possible by His death, and the Holy Spirit revealed it through inspired men. Thus God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit play a most vital part in our salvation. We are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8) as we are cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). We have no righteousness or merit with which to boast ourselves to God and He is under no obligation to save us. We must depend upon God's mercy and upon Christ's atoning blood.
THE HUMAN SIDE. When the gospel is preached, we must hear it with an open mind and receptive heart (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 1:13). We must repent of all sins, for this God has commanded us to do (Acts 17:30). We must confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10). Then we must be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37-39). Baptism is always "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), to "wash away sins" (Acts 22:16), to put us "into Christ“ (Galatians 3:27), and to "save us“ (1 Peter 3:21). These are actions which WE, you and I, must take. God cannot believe for us nor repent for us nor confess for us nor be baptized for us. We are commanded to do these things in obedience to HIS requirements. When we do that which God has commanded we have not earned nor have we merited salvation. This is how we benefit from the grace of God or else everybody will be saved and no one will be lost.
If it is true that we cannot do anything to save ourselves, then it follows that our salvation is wholly dependent upon God and it will be the fault of God if anybody is lost! If not, why not? However, God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). If a person is lost, it will be because THEY CHOSE to be lost. The same is true if we are to be saved; WE MUST CHOOSE to do what God commands. The Bible says, "...save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40). Again, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Christ is the "author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9). —E.R. Hall, Jr.
KINDS OF WORKS
The Scriptures have a good deal to say about works. Since they have both positive and negative things to say about works, it is necessary to identify the particular kinds of works of which the Scriptures speak. It is obvious that the works of Christ are very different from Satan's works. It should also be obvious that works of human wisdom originating with men are very different from works of God's righteousness performed by people for the purposes that God has for them.
The works of God are the things that God has done (Psa. 111:2-6; Heb. 4:4). The works of God are also works that God has instructed people to do (Jn. 6:28,29; 9:4; Rom. 14:20). These are not works of lawlessness, and those who do them are not workers of iniquity (Mt. 7:21-23). People will be rewarded with eternal life in the Day of Judgment through their works (that is, through doing the works of God) (Rom. 2:5-11; 2 Cor. 11:15; Rev. 20:12-13).
Works of righteousness are deeds of goodness and kindness in obedience to God. Under the Law of Moses, they consisted of doing what was right according to the commandment of the law (Ezek. 18; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:12). These works do not atone for one's sins of omission and commission. Sacrifices of atonement were the means by which the Jews were to deal with their sins (Heb. 9:7; Lev. 4-6). Yet it was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Heb. 10:4). These things were a shadow of the true sacrifice, the Lamb of God who died for us and for them by the grace of God (Heb. 10:1-18).
Works of faith are the doing (obedience) which faith requires of us and for the purposes that faith reveals. Listening receptively (Mt. 11:15; 13:9,43), believing through the persuasion of the evidence (Jn. 14:10,11; Heb. 11:1), repenting of one's sins at the command of the faith (Acts 17:30), confessing Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and being baptized for salvation through the blood of Christ (Mk. 16:16; Col. 2:12) are works of faith for the purpose of obtaining remission of sins. Living as children of God by the instruction in righteousness given by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is also doing the works of faith by which we remain in fellowship with God and have our sins which we have committed (as children of God) cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 Jn. 1:6-10). Do works of faith save? Yes, they save because they are an essential part of saving faith (Jas. 2:14-26). "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" How would you answer these questions?
The works of the flesh are the sinful deeds done to gratify the appetites of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-26). We must exercise self-control, bringing our bodies into subjection to righteousness if we expect to be accepted with God (2 Pet. 1:5-11; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Tim. 3:16,17; Acts 10:34,35; Jas. 3:13). We must crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 2:20; 5:24), having died to sin and risen to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-23). —Gilbert Alexander
TRENDS...
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong by religious group: Catholic, 30%; Mainline Protestant, 32%; Evangelical Protestant, 50%; Jehovah’s Witness, 57%; Mormon, 57%
SENTENCE SERMONS
A poor listener seldom hears a good sermon.
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Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought – and habits can be acquired.
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Don’t confuse God’s patience with His final response.
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Many people ignore God and then blame Him for the chaos that results.
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You can fool yourself and others, but you can never fool God.]
"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….…………… 9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….……… 10:30 AM
Evening Worship …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
Website: www. EastAlbertville.org
