For the Scriptures to make sense it’s important we understand how we got to the gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. With the gospel of grace is the Doctrine for the Body of Christ which is His Chuch. Prior to the apostle, Paul the Gentile world was without hope and without God. Don’t miss that! Ephesians 2:11,12
“For 2000 years Gentiles had NO access to God”
It is just as important to know how a person is not saved as it is to know how a person is saved. The obvious and simple answer is rejecting the gospel. Not believing is not believing, but there is a more sinister way people are not saved. Which is, unfortunately, happening to thousands of good people every day.
‘Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ‘
Colossians 2:8
They believe the gospel of the grace of God. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
and…then add:
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:9
Before we move on let’s look at the clearest definition of the gospel in Scripture.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein you stand; By which also you are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The verse above is the gospel, the good news, the ONLY way to heaven. The gospel is really simple and clear and all mankind will be judged by this gospel.
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:16
The gospel of the grace of God is so clear and simple. But men in all their foolishness and tradition come along and corrupt the gospel. (Colossians 2:8)
It’s amazing that we have a clear record of the horrifying torture and death that Jesus Christ experienced. Taking upon Himself the wrath from God the Father to pay the sin debt on our behalf. Fulfilling everything the Father demanded, therefore, God reconciled the whole world back to Himself. That’s why God says over and over it’s a FREE GIFT!
Yet mankind comes along and says “that’s great Lord I appreciate that you died for my sins, was buried and rose again three days later. But I don’t think you really finished it! I can do the rest.
I’ll start off with repenting because you can never be too sure if Your blood covered everyone? Right? So, under my own power I will repent then you can step in with the whole cross thing.”
Next, I’ll get water baptized because it makes me feel like I’m participating in my salvation. Also, my pastor says Baptism is my first step of obedience. Even though there is NO Scripture support for it and I know it’s just a Church tradition.
‘Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ‘
Colossians 2:8
The apostle Paul warned that when he was taken off the scene that “savage wolves” will come in not sparing the flock. (Acts 20:29) He goes on to say “And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:30)
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to warn the elders and the Church (even for us today) of what will happen as soon as he was gone to be with the Lord. No doubt it did happen, as a matter of fact, Paul’s message was attacked and his character slandered as soon as his ministry began. (Romans 3:7,8; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 11:13)
For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
Romans 3:7-8
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Corinthians 11:13,14,15
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:1
It is no different today. When you teach or preach a free grace message. You will be accused of preaching grace means a license to sin. (Antinomianism)
A well-known preacher of days gone by had it right when he said;
“If your preaching of the gospel of God’s free grace in Jesus Christ does not provoke the charge from some of antinomianism, you’re not preaching the gospel of the free grace of God in Jesus Christ.”
― David Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Satan, being who he is, is always behind the total destruction of everything God does and says. The Devil has his ministers of light (2 Corinthians 11:14,15) corrupting the gospel of grace to this very day! Scoffing at free grace and accusing those that believe that salvation is faith in the gospel alone plus nothing of Antinomianism. These Pastors, Theologians, are at a Church near you, some covert and some more overt than ever with their seducing spirits and doctrines of demons poisoning the Truth. (1 Timothy 4:1; Galatians 1:6,7)
Not being saved is not being saved. But when you have a Pastor or Denomination that preaches the true gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) but adds their Denomination’s traditions as a requirement for salvation you have a more “Sinister Way A Person Is Not Saved”.
There are many mainline denominations that proclaim “by grace alone”. They even say openly that salvation is by grace through faith alone. But…what they don’t push is their tradition that you also need to fulfill in order to REALLY BE SAVED.
For instance, on the front end, it’s all about by God’s grace through faith alone. Then the individual is hit with a truckload of tradition. Like baptism, perseverance, producing good works, repenting, church membership or anything else that the modern-day Judaizer wants to add. All the things the modern-day Judaizers decided they need to do to please God. It’s no different today than it was in Paul’s day.
ANYONE OR ANY CHURCH THAT SAYS OH YEAH, OF COURSE, WE BELIEVE THAT YOU’RE SAVED BY FAITH ALONE…BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO DO___________…? FOR SALVATION IS PREACHING A FALSE GOSPEL! RUN FROM THAT CHURCH. THEY ARE SATAN’S MINISTERS OF LIGHT BROUGHT INTO DECEIVE YOU JUST ENOUGH SO THAT YOU THINK YOU’RE SAVED BUT YOU’RE NOT.
Two crucial points must be made!
First, in Galatians chapter one the apostle Paul warns that adding anything to the gospel of grace makes it a false gospel. It wasn’t that the Judaizers came into the church at Galatia with a whole new gospel (Galatians 1:7) but that they were adding “things to do” (the law) to the gospel of grace, making it a false gospel.
Secondly today, many churches are no different than the Church in Galatia 2000 years ago. Many Pastors proclaim the gospel, believing by faith alone, but they add their own caveat or their denomination’s “traditions” to the gospel, making it a false gospel.
Teaching a person that salvation is by faith alone and then sneaking in that they must be baptized, persevere, produce good works or do anything else but believe by faith in the gospel is heresy and damnable to those that teach it and condemnation to those that believe it.
The devil is smart, subtle, and more cunning than mankind could ever be, but that’s why we have the Word of God. That’s why the apostle Paul warned the church in Galatia twice (which is also a warning for us today) that if anyone even an angel from heaven preaches any other gospel to you than what we (Paul) have preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8,9)
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8
He then repeats his warning again in verse nine.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:9
One of my favorite bible verses is Romans 1:16. Because it clearly demonstrates to anyone reading it how a person is saved. Plus, it shows how God is crystal clear and never makes anything confusing. It always amazes me how difficult it is for so many pastors and theologians to interpret this simple verse. This is how many pastors interpret Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who repents, is baptized, is regenerated (before you can actually believe), believes, perseveres, produces good works, or whatever the tradition is for that particular denomination.”
Of course, that’s not how Romans 1:16 is interpreted. So why does Paul leave out all the necessary things we must do to be saved? If there ever was a place where Paul needs to mention everything a person must do to be saved it’s here in Romans 1:16.
Considering in the next couple of verses he describes the wrath God pours out on those that reject the gospel. Do you think it’s possible that Paul just forgot to mention EVERYTHING? Is the rest of the message only available to pastors and theologians that read Greek and have seminary training? Is Romans 1:16, 1 Timothy 1:16, Romans 3:21-24 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, not inspired by the Holy Spirit?
No, God didn’t forget to mention it, no you don’t even need a High School diploma to understand (1 Cor 1:27), and yes all Scripture is inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Paul never commands that you must repent first, be baptized, and keep the law or that you have to persevere for 2 years, 5 years, or 15 years than really, really believed, nor does he mention that you’re on the clock for good works. If you don’t start producing good works in let’s say two months you never really, really believed that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again three days later.
Really, does any of that sound like a free gift, like grace? Of course not. It’s the sound of man’s pride being taken over by their sin nature that was never nailed to the cross with Christ.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 4:4-5
How about this bible verse in Galatians 2:20 & 21;
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
“for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain”
That’s very strong language! But ignored by most in Christendom by continuing to frustrate the good news of the grace of God.
Now let’s go back to Romans 1:16, and correctly interpret this powerful and crystal-clear verse. No interpretation is needed right? You believe you are saved.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16
God knows if you truly believe or not. (2 Timothy 2:19) Do not be fooled by anyone teaching to be saved one must believe by faith and _____________________ , you can fill in the blank. No matter how many doctorates they have, how many books they’ve written, how big their congregation is, or how great of a speaker he is. If you’re in a church and that Pastor is a woman then you’re already in the wrong place. (1 Timothy 2:12, 1 Corinthians 14:34) If someone is preaching a gospel other than the gospel defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, or if they are preaching the true gospel but adding ANYTHING to it for salvation they will be cursed by God and the people hearing it will are condemned.
As believers, we must realize that the gospel described in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is not a suggested gospel, it’s not a place for pastors to start from, to turn into whatever one feels like or mold to fit “man’s tradition” or theology.
Everything we do as Christians begins and ends with the gospel of grace; Christ Crucified, Buried, and Raised again 3 days later. It’s important we know the true gospel and the doctrines tied to the gospel for us today.
Thank you for reading.
Mesa Bible Study
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The gospel for us today is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day. The Gospel is the power unto salvation! (Romans 1:16) Anyone that believes by “faith” in this “good news” will be saved. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9,10) There is nothing, nothing, nothing a person must do to be saved but believe (Romans 3:22,26) the gospel. Salvation is by the grace of God, it is a gift from God (Romans 6:23) and by believing by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8,9) that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose three days later. Trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross alone is the only way a person is saved. This is the Gospel:
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation…
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. ‘
Romans 1:16
The gospel of grace was hidden from the world until revealed to the apostle Paul by the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11,12) In Acts 9:15,16 the Lord said to Barnabas “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
25 Now to Him, that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Romans 16:25
Mankind will be Judged by this Gospel:
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:16
“Anyone that believes the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 1:16) is saved, instantly sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), immediately becomes a member of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13) which is the Church, and is indwelled with the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5, 8:9) and blessed with all spiritual blessing in the heavenly’s. (Ephesians 1:3) Looking forward to that “Blessed Hope” the glorious appearing of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)”
Believe the gospel. A person must believe by faith only that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to died for their sins, was buried and rose again from the dead three days later.
The key ingredient for salvation is faith. Believing, trust, and faith all mean the same thing. A person has to believe what God says.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Faith has always been the necessary ingredient for salvation. The Bible makes it crystal clear that it is impossible to please God without faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
“Believing isn’t a mental assent to a historical fact”
It’s Always Been by Faith From the very beginning of Biblical history, faith has always been what God looks for in a person, it is always faith in what God says that saves. Chapter 11 in the Book of Hebrews makes it so clear, it has always been about faith. By faith, Abel offered God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, by faith Noah believed God, built the ark and was found righteous. By faith, the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Throughout the Bible, salvation has always been the result of a person’s faith (believing) in what God says.
What makes the gospel of grace so amazing (Amazing Grace) is all that God requires for salvation is belief. Just believe the gospel. There are ABSOLUTELY NO WORKS INVOLVED.
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
From the time the gospel of grace was revealed to the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:11,12), sometime around Acts 9 (38,40 AD), ALL MANKIND will either be saved or judged by that gospel.
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:16
Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.
Romans 16:25
The Simple Road to Salvation First, the “good news” the “gospel” message for us today is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13
Because of Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 3:6) in the garden sin and death (Romans 5:12) entered the world and all mankind became separated from God.
Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:12
Every human born (except Christ Jesus) from Adam right up to this present day and beyond are ALL be born with a SIN nature and enemies of God. (Romans 8:7) We are all born with what the apostle Paul calls our “old man”. That “old man” or sin nature is what produces the sin’s we commit.
“We are not sinners because we break the law, we break the law or commits sins because we are ALL born sinners”
When we sin it comes naturally, we’re born with a sin nature. That’s why the Scripture declares;
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isaiah 64:6
Romans 5:12 makes it so clear.
Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 5:18
There isn’t anything a person can do to change their sin nature. That’s something only God can do. No amount of good works can change it, living a good life can’t change it, donating all your money to charities will not help, trying your best to keep the ten commandments won’t help you either. You can not be saved by works or by doing something! (that’s called religion) A person’s sins and “sin nature” have already been dealt with by Christ Jesus our Lord on the cross. (Romans 6:6) When a person believes the gospel they are believing that Jesus Christ took care of their sin nature and ALL their sins past, present, and future on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
For He (God) hath made Him (Christ) to be sin for us (mankind), who knew no sin; that we (mankind) might (if we believe the gospel) be made the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 2:16
Lastly and most importantly, you’ve heard the good news and the bad news, you know there is nothing you can do to save yourself from an eternity in the lake of fire, separated from God. But now you also now know that Jesus Christ took care of your sin problem past, present and future on the cross. Do you believe it?
“You have already been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ by the cross”
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
The question is do you believe it? Do you believe the gospel? Do you believe what God said He did for you? For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor 5:21
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Believing isn’t a mental assent to a bunch of facts about Jesus Christ. First, you must believe in your heart that you’re a sinner, with no hope and there is nothing you can do to save yourself. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 5:18) Secondly, you must truly believe in your heart the only way to be saved from a certainty of complete separation from God in the lake of fire is believing in your heart by faith alone in the gospel; (Romans 1:16) that God sent His only Son to die for your sins, was buried and was resurrected three days later. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Use this Only as a Guide:
Dear Lord Jesus, I believe with all my heart, by faith alone that I’m a sinner and because of sin I am without hope in this world and eternally separated from You. But I also understand and believe by faith alone that God the Father, because of His great love, mercy, and grace saved me, by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead three days later. Never to die again, and I too will one day be raised to be with the Lord forever because I believe.
Amen.
Thank you for reading. Please consider sharing this article.
Thank you,
Jamie Pantastico, Mesa Bible Study
Mesa Bible Study provides weekly Bible classes Tuesday and Thursday’s. Our goal is to help believers grow more mature in the Word of God. So they can confidently share the gospel in and out of season. All believers are given a ministry of reconciliation! All mankind has already been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and the work of the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. God is pleading with us (believers) to share the gospel! This is powerful stuff, and we want to build the confidence of believers so they can go out and share with a fallen world the message of God’s grace. Thank you for reading this post. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to message us below. Faith, Sine Qua Non