You do not get saved by:

1. Keeping the Mosaic Law
2. Being Baptized
3. Repenting
4. Joining a Church
5. Doing good works
6. Tithing
7. Going to church

Knowing how a person is not saved is just as important as knowing how a person is saved. Rejecting (unbelief) the gospel is the most obvious reason why a person is not saved, but another more insidious way is by adding to the gospel. Many good people are being led astray by philosophy and vain deceit (a works salvation), according to the tradition of men and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8).

‘Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ‘

Colossians 2:8

The gospel of the grace of God is simple and clear: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Anyone who believes this gospel alone is saved. The entire world will be judged by the gospel of grace (Romans 2:16).

‘Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ‘

I Corinthians 15:1-4

The apostle Paul warned that when he was taken off the scene, savage wolves would come in not sparing the flock, and from among your selves, men would arise speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:29–30). Many pastors, theologians, and false apostles are Satan’s ministers of light, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13–15).

‘For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ‘

Acts 20:29-30

Salvation is by faith alone, and adding anything to the gospel will condemn you (Galatians 1:6–9). Many churches proclaim salvation is by grace through faith alone but require other traditions like baptism, perseverance, producing good works, repenting (we can do nothing to change; God does that), church membership, or anything else the modern-day Judaizer wants to add.

‘I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.’

Galatians 1:6-9

God’s grace is a free gift, and anyone who works will not receive it as grace but as debt (Romans 4:4-5). Christ’s death was not in vain, and if righteousness comes by the law, then grace is nullified (Galatians 2:20–21).

‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”’

Galatians 2:20-21

‘Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, ‘

Romans 4:4-5

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Anyone who believes by faith alone in Christ crucified, buried, and raised again on the third day will be saved. God knows if you truly believe or not (2 Timothy 2:19).

‘Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”’

II Timothy 2:19

In conclusion, we must know the true gospel and the doctrines tied to it. The gospel of grace is not a suggested gospel, and pastors should not mold it to fit a denomination, tradition, or theology. Anything added to the gospel is heresy, damnable to those who teach it, and condemnation to those who believe it.