Who can be saved?
Introduction. Almost the same question was asked the Lord by His disciples in Matthew 19: 25. The young rich ruler asked Jesus, "Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matt. 19: 16) Jesus told him, "...keep the commandments" (vs. 17). Jesus than addressed the ruler's real problem - covetousness (vss. 20-22). The wealthy man rejected Jesus' teaching to "sell that thou hast, and give to the poor", Afterwards, Jesus remarked to His disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom. Perhaps thinking wealth was a sign of God's favor, the disciples were greatly astonished and asked, "... who then can be saved?" (vs. 25).
Those who deny their own selfish will. Jesus placed much emphasis on denying our own will. Hear Him: "... if any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9: 23). Immorality and false doctrine are results of such selfishness. Repentance involves self-denial (Matt. 21: 29; 2 Cor. 7: 11).
Those who do the Lord's will. The scriptures could not be plainer in this matter (Matt. 7: 21-23). All we believe and do must be because God teaches it. It is written of Jesus, "And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Heb. 5: 9). Selfish men want to call this "legalism" or falsely claim that is "salvation by works".
What obedience includes. The non-Christian must believe, repent, confess Christ's deity, and be baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sin (John 8: 24; Acts 17: 30-31; Rom. 10: 9-10; Acts 2: 38). When the Christian sins, he is taught to repent and confess that sin to receive God's forgiveness (1 John 1: 6-10). The Bible warns us that only a few will be willing to deny themselves and accept God's will (Matt. 7: 13-14). However, those who are so inclined can enjoy salvation (Acts 16: 30-34). Do not be as the young rich ruler who went away in sorrow (Matt. 19: 22). Instead, you can submit to God's will, be saved, and go away rejoicing (Acts 8: 39). The choice is yours. As 2 Cor. 6:2 urges in part: "... behold now is the day of salvation".
Those who deny their own selfish will. Jesus placed much emphasis on denying our own will. Hear Him: "... if any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9: 23). Immorality and false doctrine are results of such selfishness. Repentance involves self-denial (Matt. 21: 29; 2 Cor. 7: 11).
Those who do the Lord's will. The scriptures could not be plainer in this matter (Matt. 7: 21-23). All we believe and do must be because God teaches it. It is written of Jesus, "And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Heb. 5: 9). Selfish men want to call this "legalism" or falsely claim that is "salvation by works".
What obedience includes. The non-Christian must believe, repent, confess Christ's deity, and be baptized (immersed in water) for the remission of sin (John 8: 24; Acts 17: 30-31; Rom. 10: 9-10; Acts 2: 38). When the Christian sins, he is taught to repent and confess that sin to receive God's forgiveness (1 John 1: 6-10). The Bible warns us that only a few will be willing to deny themselves and accept God's will (Matt. 7: 13-14). However, those who are so inclined can enjoy salvation (Acts 16: 30-34). Do not be as the young rich ruler who went away in sorrow (Matt. 19: 22). Instead, you can submit to God's will, be saved, and go away rejoicing (Acts 8: 39). The choice is yours. As 2 Cor. 6:2 urges in part: "... behold now is the day of salvation".