When a person studies God's word, it becomes immediately apparent that there are many factors which enter into a person's salvation. For instance, the scriptures teach that we are...- Saved by God: 1 Timothy 1:1; 2:3; 4:10
- Saved by Christ: Luke 19:10; John 4:42
- Saved by the Gospel: Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
- Saved by love: John 3:16
- Saved by grace: Ephesians 2:5, 8-9; Acts 15:11
- Saved by mercy: Titus 3:4-5
- Saved by Christ's blood: Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7
- Saved by the name of Christ: Acts 4:12
All of the above factors which are necessary for a person to be saved are related to God's part in our salvation. Yet there are other factors on the human part which are necessary for salvation. The scriptures also teach that we are:
- Saved by calling on the name of the Lord: Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13
- Saved by belief/faith: John 3:16, 3:36; Acts 15:9
- Saved by repentance: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38
- Saved by confession: Romans 10:9-10
- Saved by baptism: Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21
- Saved by obedience: Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9
- Saved by works: Philippians 2:12; James 2:17-18
- Saved by hope: Romans 8:24
- Saved by pure doctrine: Acts 2:40; 1 Timothy 4:16
- Saved by enduring: Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10
There is a tendency among some to stress one factor of salvation while ignoring others. For example, we are not saved by "faith only," (see James 2:14, 17). If we would please God, we must accept all that His word teaches. We must never refer to any command of God as "non-essential". "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY word that proceeds out of the mouth of God," Matthew 4:4.