PRINCIPLE 11 |
In chapter 8 we discussed the four concepts built into Paul's statement "Christ died for our sins and rose again" – his definition of the gospel. The four concepts are (1) sin, (2) separation, (3) substitution, and (4) resurrection, and they can be considered the facts of the gospel. But it is not enough merely for these facts to be true. Just because it is true that Christ died for our sins does not mean that everyone is automatically saved. God gives each individual a choice in this matter. Each one of us must make a decision in response to these facts.
The Bible describes the proper response to the gospel message as "repentance" and "faith," but we will use the words "turn" and "trust."
The word "turn" is used here because that is exactly what repentance is. One must have the knowledge (intellect) that he has done something wrong. He must also have a sorrow (emotions) for the wrong done, which brings about the actual turning (volition) from one thing to another. So when a person repents, he changes, or switches, or turns. He changes the object of his trust; he switches from a faulty solution to the real solution; he decides to turn from trusting himself to trusting Christ.
Some, when they present the gospel to the lost, fail to call for repentance. However, it is good to remember the important place that repentance had in the preaching of John the Baptist, Jesus, his twelve disciples, Peter, and Paul (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17; Mark 6:12: Matthew 11:20; Luke 15:7 Acts 2:38; 17:30; 26:20).
The word "trust" is used here because it is exactly what the original words for "faith" and "believe" mean in such passages as John 1:12; 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; and Ephesians 2:8-9. Today the word "faith" is often used to refer to a nebulous hope, and "believe" is often used to refer to mere mental assent. Thus the word "trust" is preferred. Trust also involves the intellect, emotions, and volition. Trust must be an intelligent trust in the sense that the person must understand the facts of the gospel. This trust must also be a sincere trust – no one can fool God. A person must really want to turn from himself and his sin and want to place his trust in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the trust has a twofold object. We trust both in Christ's person (his combined deity and manhood) and in his work (his suffering the consequences of sin in our place).
In a nutshell, the proper response to the gospel message is to turn from oneself and from sin and to trust in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.
For a more complete discussion of faith, see the paper Faith: Definitions and Misconceptions.
Works (good deeds done in an effort to gain favor with God) are not the way to obtain salvation. If one truly understands the gospel, he will automatically realize that he is not saved by good works. In other words, if he really understands God's absolute holiness and justice, he will realize that no amount of supposed good deeds can ever remove the problem created by even one sin. Also, if one really understands what Jesus did when he suffered for our sins, he will realize that the idea of earning one's salvation is quite out of place, since it makes the suffering of Christ unnecessary. Even if there were no Bible passages stating that works cannot save us, that fact should be obvious from the gospel itself. But, of course, the New Testament makes it clear that works cannot earn salvation.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and
this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can
boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus
Christ (Galatians 2:16)
When a person continues to believe that he must work to gain his salvation, that provides a clue that he does not adequately understand the gospel message. After all, salvation is truly a gift from a gracious God given to those who, through repentance and faith, ask for it.
What about baptism, church membership, or "going forward" at the end of an evangelistic meeting? Obviously, a person could easily be baptized, join a church, or "walk the aisle" at an evangelistic meeting without really turning and trusting in Christ. Such things by themselves are inappropriate responses to the gospel. In fact, they would actually be dangerous responses if the person feels that they are sufficient to make him right with God.
When a person turns and trusts in Christ, or "accepts Jesus as savior," the primary consequence of his sin is canceled. He was separated from God, but now he has God the Holy Spirit living permanently with him. Thus, a new positive relationship with God is established. His sins are forgiven and he is now considered part of God's family. This is the positional aspect of salvation. (For an extended discussion of this topic, see the paper The Positional Aspect of Salvation .)
But what about the practical aspect of salvation. Besides the new, positive relationship he has a new potential. Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit he now has divine help in overcoming the old spiritual problems in his daily life. But those old problems are not automatically nor instantly solved. The solution will come through a growth process rather than instant attainment. The process requires time and thoughtful attention.
Sometimes we hear the statement, "Jesus is the answer." But we must be sure we know what the question, or problem, is. Jesus is the answer to our sin problem. By accepting Jesus as savior, we do immediately have a new relationship with God. Furthermore, we potentially have the answer to all our spiritual problems. But growth depends on our choices, just as the decision to accept Christ is a choice we must make. Growth is not automatic, nor is it forced on us. When we do grow, it may well be the result of the influence of Christian friends, Christian teachers and counselors, and the Christian "therapy" group – the functioning church. With these considerations in mind it is legitimate to say that Jesus is the answer. But it is not legitimate to say that Jesus is the instant, automatic answer to all our problems, if by saying that we imply that we have no responsibility for our own Christian life and growth.