If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Before a person can be placed into Christ it is necessary to realize that we are born outside of Christ. In Romans 1:18-3:20 Paul in no uncertain terms proves that gentiles, moralists, and law-keeping Jews are all under the wrath of God. We all sin in many ways, not only personally, but we are all counted as sinners because of the sin of the “one man” Adam.1 We may think we are not that bad, but under the scrutiny of God’s law interpreted by the Holy Spirit there is no escaping the fact of sin. Trying to hide our sin only reveals the depth of our wicked heart as Achan2 and Ananias with his wife Sapphira3 can attest.
Because of our sinful human nature we cannot of ourselves ever work our way out of sin into righteousness. But the good news is that Christ has provided the answer to our sin.
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all (1 Tim. 1:15).
Repentance
Today there is much discussion as to the nature of saving faith as it relates to repentance. Some hold that repentance which means a change of mind, life direction, or purpose is required for salvation. While this may well be true, it often must be assumed to be part of saving faith. John clearly states the purpose of his gospel.
…These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (Jn. 20:31).
John speaks of “believe”, “believing”, or “believed” about 85 times yet never mentions repent or repentance even once.
Paul in his masterful treatise on the gospel in Romans only speaks of repentance one time.
But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Rom 2:3-4).
Elsewhere Paul uses repentance for those who have erred in their lifestyle or have not yet come to a saving knowledge of the gospel.
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Cor. 7:9-10).
…with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will (2 Tim. 2:25-26).
Near the end of his gospel Luke records some of the final instructions Jesus gave His disciples.
Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Lk. 24:45-47).
While not mentioned in John’s gospel, repentance can be assumed in the act of genuine faith. For saving faith includes more than just intellectual assent to the facts of the gospel. It is a movement from self-reliance to dependence upon the merits of Christ. Repentance is a gift of God, it is closely associated with forgiveness and saving faith, and it can be proclaimed with the gospel.
“In Christ”
What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Is it just another way of saying that a person is a Christian? Some may understand the term this way, but I do not believe it represents the totality of the biblical usage of this term. My study leads me to believe that the three key prepositions: “into”, “in”, and “with” when used in connection with Christ often describe important relationships for the true believer.
Placed “into Christ” by the baptism of the Holy Spirit
We start with the first preposition, “into” , as used in connection with Christ. The New Testament is clear that all believers are placed “into Christ” by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Note carefully the following three references.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13).
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Gal. 3:27).
Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? (Rom. 6:3).
In the above references “were baptized” and “were made to drink” are aorist passive in Greek meaning that our being placed “into Christ” by the Holy Spirit was done at a specific point of time in the past (if we have believed). It is not water baptism that places us “into Christ”, rather, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to baptize believers “into Christ.” Water baptism is the ritual entrance sign of the new covenant. Spirit baptism usually takes place before water baptism as in the case of the gentiles in the home of Cornelius.
Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he? And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:47-48).
Some churches insist that baptism of the Holy Spirit must be accompanied by the speaking in tongues. This was true in a few cases in the days immediately after Pentecost to give visual evidence, however, it is not true for Christians today, nor was it true for many in the apostolic church. All true believers are baptized by the Holy Spirit. Yet in 1 Corinthians 12:30, just a few verses after 12:13, listed above we read:
All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?
We conclude, then, that Spirit baptism happens to all believers who are placed “into Christ”. This is the “one baptism” spoken of in Ephesians 4:5. Water baptism is the picture or symbol of Spirit baptism which takes place the instant we are incorporated “into Christ”.
The important thing for us to take away from these verses is that believers are placed “into Christ” by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Placed into Christ by faith at salvation
It is true that all true believers are placed “into Christ” by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, the New Testament is clear that there is a response of faith that is required. The root meaning of faith in Greek is more than just belief; it includes the idea of trust. Saving faith is trusting God’s work of grace for us.
The content of saving faith
As one reads through the Gospels it will be seen that the content or object of saving faith evolves with the progressive revelation and/or understanding of who Jesus is. For example, there are a number of incidents where it appears that the main content of faith is belief that Jesus is a healer or miracle worker. When Jesus made water into wine at Cana, Scripture states that “His disciples believed in Him”.4 True, John the Baptist had proclaimed Jesus to be “the Lamb of God”, but it is evident that the disciples’ understanding of who Jesus is came in stages. In John chapter two we read that “many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing.”5 For the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well the content of faith was that Jesus was the coming Messiah who wanted people to worship in Spirit and in truth.6 Today some might consider the content of this woman’s faith was too minimal for salvation. However, Jesus’ promise to give her the living water so that she would never thirst again seems to have been fulfilled by John’s subtle statement, she “left her water pot”…. What her concept of the Messiah was is unclear. However, the record states that after Jesus stayed with the Samaritans two days, the content of saving faith was enlarged from the woman’s testimony,
He told me all the things that I have done (Jn. 4:39).
to,
for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world (Jn. 4:42).
In conversation with the Jews in John 8 Jesus said “before Abraham was ‘! AM’”, clear reference to YHWH (Jehovah) at the burning bush.7 The man who was born blind was healed by Jesus with the understanding that Jesus was “a prophet”.8 Later, however, Jesus expanded the content of the healed man’s faith so that he understood Jesus as “the Son of Man”. Then he responded, “Lord, I believe and he worshiped Him. “9 In the final discourse after Jesus had told His disciples that He had come forth from the Father and was going back to the Father, the disciples answered,
“Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?” (Jn. 16:30-31).
Prior to the cross/resurrection event the content of saving faith seems blurry at times. Nevertheless, the undergirding principle was belief and trust in the person of Jesus. I found it insightful that John’s stated purpose in writing his gospel comes after his account of the resurrection and implies not only belief that Jesus is the Christ, but includes the belief that Jesus died for sin, was buried, and rose from the grave. John seems to define his expanded faith in his account of going to the tomb on Resurrection Sunday. He records how he and Peter raced to the tomb. John outran Peter; however Peter went into the tomb first. When John went in we have this poignant statement,
So the other disciple [John] who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead (Jn. 20:8-9).
Here John is saying that He believed Jesus rose from the dead when he saw the empty tomb and the grave cloths lying there, even though at that time he had no Old Testament Scripture in mind to support the resurrection.
It is after this event that he records the purpose in writing his gospel.
Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (Jn. 20:30-31).
After the resurrection the content of saving faith becomes more precise. When Peter went to the home of Cornelius the points of his gospel presentation were: (1) Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power. (2) He went about doing good and God was with Him. (3) He was put to death on a cross. (4) He rose from the dead on the third day. (5) The disciples were witnesses to all these things and they actually ate and drank with him after the resurrection. (6) He is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. Then, (7) we have the most important gospel truth.
Through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:38-43).
In the Epistles, the content of saving faith becomes even more succinct.
That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Rom. 10:9-10).
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which | preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the twelve (1 Cor. 15:1-5).
Here we have a well-defined four point gospel formula:
- Christ died for sin according to the Scriptures—this implies a fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies pointing to Christ.
- He was buried —this proves that Jesus really died.
- He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures—this teaches us the reality of the bodily resurrection of Christ.
- He appeared (to Cephas, then to the twelve)—this tells us that there is reliable, credible eye witness evidence that Jesus really did rise from the dead.
These four points are now the content of saving faith for the Christian church. One may add to this content based upon biblical revelation,10 however, these four points are sufficient.
The necessity of a faith response to the content of the gospel
When the four points of the gospel are presented,11 the Holy Spirit is present to give us saving faith. Saving faith is a “gift” and it is “not of ourselves”. And yet a response to the gift of faith on our part is necessary. We cannot of ourselves produce saving faith, rather it is a trustful response to the facts of the gospel generated by the Holy Spirit, yet it is required. The emphases in the following verses are mine.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (Jn. 11:40).
And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all (Acts 3:16).
And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37).
…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom. 10:9).
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus (1 Thess. 4:14).
…having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead (Col. 2:12).
While saving faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit these verses underline the necessity of a faith response to the facts of the gospel.
The prescribed order of salvation
We cannot say that the prescribed order of events is set in stone. Rather, God’s great love for us draws us to Himself in various ways, nevertheless, there seems to be an approved or prescribed order that is generally true.
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13).
This important verse lists the three constituent parts of the one event of being placed into Christ by faith at salvation:
- We hear the gospel.
- We respond in faith—we believe and trust our life to Christ.
- We are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Salvation terms
There are a number of terms used for the one event when we are placed into Christ:
- Believe in Christ
- Baptized by the Spirit
- Sealed by the Holy Spirit
- Saved
- Justified
- Redeemed
- Receive eternal life
Change of family
The moment we are placed “into Christ” by the baptism of the Holy Spirit we are moved from the fallen, condemned family of Adam into the redeemed, justified family of Christ. It is at this point that the great exchange takes place.
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous (Rom. 5:17-19).
God has no grandchildren. No one can be saved by the faith of a parent, mentor, or anyone else. Relationship with the Risen Christ must be a personal thing. The Holy Spirit does His work when we hear the gospel and respond in faith. It is a personal work that no one can do for another. As Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again, or born from above”12 There is no other way.
Placed into Christ summary
Scripture uses many terms to represent our placement “into Christ”. However, no matter what the term used, usually the following events happen in the order listed:
- There is a four point gospel presentation:
- Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
- He was buried.
- He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
- He appeared to credible eye witnesses.
- There is a faith response to the gospel. We believe and trust all four points of the gospel.
- At the instant of saving faith we are placed into Christ by the baptism or sealing of the Holy Spirit.
- At this same instant, we are moved from the condemned family of Adam into the justified family of Christ.
- God has no grandchildren, only sons and daughters. One cannot rest on the faith of another. One cannot trust his/her own theology for salvation. Being placed “into Christ” is not the same as “conversion to a system of truth”. Rather there must be a personal encounter with God.
Endnotes
- In Romans 5:12-20 Paul speaks of the sin of “one man” and “one transgression” that brought condemnation to all men. Studied in context this section shows that we are sinners, not only because of our personal sin, but we also participate in the sin of that “one man”, Adam. In the same way, by “one act” of righteousness by “One Jesus Christ”, justification results to all men when they believe.
- See Judges 6-7.
- See Acts 5:1-10
- Jn. 2:11.
- Jn. 2:23.
- Jn 4:24-26.
- Jn. 8:56-58; Ex. 3:13,14.
- Jn. 9:17.
- Jn. 9: 35-38.
- For example, Christ’s deity and eternal existence, etc. which are implied in these four points.
- We must not limit the saving grace of God to the necessity of these four points. There are examples in Scripture and Christian experience where a person was saved without a complete understanding of these four points. However, it is clear that these are to be the content of saving faith for the Christian church.
- The Greek word can be translated either “again” or “from above”.
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