The following articles are related to the topic of SALVATION

Acts 10 & 11 – Was Cornelius Saved before Being Baptized?

Was Cornelius, the Roman centurion, saved before and without baptism? Some so claim. They reason in this fashion: Cornelius received the Holy Spirit prior to being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). But only a child of God receives the Holy Spirit. Thus, Cornelius was a child of God before his baptism. The argument is invalid for several reasons. First, Cornelius' reception of ... read more »

1 Timothy 2:4 — Salvation through Knowledge

There are many strange ideas in the religious world regarding salvation. Some contend that all people will be saved (Universalism). That notion is contradicted by dozens of passages (see Matthew 7:13,14). Others, like the Calvinists, argue that before the world was created God chose some, the elect, to be saved, and others He predetermined to be lost. That notion is ... read more »

What About Salvation in ‘Hard Cases’?

"Do 'hard cases' negate the biblical teaching that baptism in water is essential to the forgiveness of sins?" A case made the news media recently that has breathed new life into an old quibble that seeks to nullify the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins. In the Bakersfield area, prison officials, in collusion with a Pentecostal chaplain, were ... read more »

Logic and the Plan of Salvation

In his classic work, Biblical Hermeneutics, Milton S. Terry, one-time Professor at the Garrett Biblical Institute, declared there is a "general harmony" which pervades the entire Scriptures. Consequently, "no single statement or obscure passage of one book can be allowed to set aside a doctrine which is clearly established by many passages" (1890, 449). This procedure is called "the analogy ... read more »

An Analysis of the “Salvation Army”

Street corner bands, trucks collecting repairable items, red kettles, ringing bells at Christmas time, and soup lines are well-known marks of the internationally publicized Salvation Army. This is an organization that is hailed as a paragon of virtue by most religious people. The Salvation Army is widely acclaimed for its charitable thrust. It operates hostels for homeless men and women, ... read more »

A Common Faith and Common Salvation

The word "common" is a very common word, both in English and in Greek, the language in which the New Testament was composed. In fact, the particular form of Greek employed in the Mediterranean world of the first century was Koine (common) Greek because it was "used and understood throughout the civilized world, being spoken freely on the streets of ... read more »

Does the ESV Translation Promote “Faith Alone” Salvation?

"Does the English Standard Version of the New Testament promote the doctrine of 'salvation by faith alone' in Romans 10:9-10?" This text, in the ESV (2001) reads as follows: "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart ... read more »

What Role Does Child-bearing Play in Woman’s Salvation?

"Please explain the meaning of the phrase that suggests woman 'shall be saved through child-bearing,' as that language is found in 1 Timothy 2:15." Paul wrote to Timothy: But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not beguiled, ... read more »

God’s Plan of Salvation for His Lost Children

It is truly a tragedy that so many Christian people labor under the illusion that it is impossible for them ever to be lost. Unfortunately, though, the Calvinistic dogma of "once-saved, always-saved," has infected the brotherhood of Christ-at least practically, if not intellectually. It is a grim reality that there may be more lost people in our Sunday morning assemblies, ... read more »

Must We Do Something To Receive the Free Gift of Salvation?

"Paul says that we are 'freely' justified (Rom. 3:24), and later he describes salvation as a 'free gift' (Rom. 6:23). Why do some claim that one must 'do' something, such as be baptized, in order to be saved?" There are several factors to be considered in responding to this excellent question. Reflect upon the following: Salvation is wonderfully described in ... read more »