WHAT BAPTISTS BELIEVE ABOUT THE WAY OF SALVATION

Men have added rituals, ceremonies, and human effort to the Bible teaching of the way of salvation until it is necessary that this plain Bible truth be affirmed over and over. The very destiny of souls in eternity is dependent upon what they believe.

I.   THE SALVATION OF SINNERS IS WHOLLY OF GRACE. (EPHESIANS 2:8; ISAIAH 45:22; JONAH 2:9)

II.  ALL MEN NEED THE GRACE OF GOD. (PSALM 14:1-3; ACTS 18:27).
     1. Every New Testament example of a child of God is that of one who became such by the grace of God.
     2. Grace means: to grant as a favour or gift expecting nothing in return. 
     3. It is impossible to work one’s way into favour with God. (Romans 2:4)
     4. God’s saving grace cannot be mixed with works or anything else. (Romans 11:5,6)
     5. Salvation cannot be earned. (Romans 4:4)

III. MEN NEED THE MEDIATORIAL OFFICE WORK OF THE SON OF GOD.
     1. There is only one mediator. (I Timothy 2:5)
     2. There is only one way to come to God. (John 14:6).
     3. Jesus suffered that He might be the mediator for man. (Philippians 2:8-11)
     4. Jesus’ death made full payment for man’s sins. (Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 2:9)
     5. Jesus is now enthroned in Heaven, having risen from the dead. (Hebrews 1:3)
     6. Jesus is in every way qualified to be a suitable and compassionate Saviour. (Hebrews 7:25)

IV.  GOD’S GRACE NOW ABOUNDS (ROMANS 5:20)
         He still extends His grace to men. (II Peter 3:9)

V.   HOW GOD’S GRACE IS OBTAINED IN SALVATION. SOME EXAMPLES:
     1. “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble”. (I Peter 5:5)
     2. “But He giveth more grace”. (James 4:6)
     3. Luke 23:39-43; Acts 9:1-5; 16:31; John 1:11,12.