By Steve A. Hamilton 

Introduction:  On the day of Pentecost, when the church was established in Acts 2, Peter preached a sermon on repentance and the remission of sins (Acts 2:37-38).  As a result of this sermon, 3000 souls were saved from their sins and were added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47).  However, there were Jews who did not obey nor responded to the Lord’s calling though they believed in Christ (John 12:42-43).

          Is it possible for a person to believe in Christ and not receive forgiveness of sins?  Did the Jews in John 12:42, receive forgiveness of their sins though they didn’t confess Christ nor did anything else but believe?  It is obvious from these verses, that there is a relationship between belief and obedience. In particular, one can not receive forgiveness of sins by faith alone.

I.  Faith is essential to salvation.

          A.  Eph. 2:8.

          B.  Heb. 11:6.                

II.  Faith alone will not save.

          A.  James 2:14-26.

                   1. vs. 14:  “Can faith save him?” answer, “no.”

                   2. vs. 17:  Faith without works is dead faith.

                   3. vs. 19:  Demons believe in Christ.  Are they saved by their faith? No!

                   4. vs. 20:  Those who believe faith alone will save are called “foolish.”

                   5. vs. 22:  Faith is perfected by works.  They go hand in hand.

                   6. vs. 24:  We are justified by works and not by faith only.

                   7. vs. 26:  Faith without works is dead faith.

          B.  Obedient works are required.

                   1.  Abraham was justified by his work of obedience (vs. 21). 

                   2.  Rahab the harlot was justified by her work of obedience (vs. 25).

                   3.  Matt. 7:21, these people believe in the Lord.  Yet, their faith didn’t save them because they didn’t obey.  He that DOES God’s will is justified!

                   4.  2 Thes. 1:7-8, God will take vengeance on those who do not obey Christ’s word.

                   5.  Heb. 5:9, salvation is for those who obey Him!

                   6.  If you believe in Christ and don’t obey Him, you will lose your soul!

III.  The ways of disobedience.

          A.  By doing what God has forbidden (Gal. 5:19-21).

          B.  By failing to do what God has commanded.

                   1. Naaman in 2 King 5:1-4.

                   2. James 4:17.  Its sinful not to do what is right.

          C.  By acting without God’s authority.

                   1.  The taking of authority which rightfully belongs to the Lord (Rev. 22:18-19).

                   2.  In regards to works, our own works (by our authority) will not save us (2 Tim. 1:9).  We can not earn a ticket to heaven (Eph. 2:8-9).  We must obey God’s will His way only.

Conclusion:  Even if we have the obedient faith required for salvation, we will only enter heaven by God’s grace (1 Pet. 4:17-18).  Remember, the wise man was the one whose works of obedience was like one who builds his house on a rock (Luke 6:46-49).  Are you like the foolish man or the wise man? 

Last modified: 05/02/08