Baptists/Salvation by faith alone

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/27/2009


Question
Hello,

  Do Baptists believe in Salvation by faith alone?

Answer
Some do and some don't. Some Baptists would teach that while God will never walk away from you, you can walk away from Him. You have free will and can choose to be unsaved.  Others would say that you really don't have free will and so if you are elected then you are saved by faith alone and secure only because you didn't have any say in it at all or some limited similar concept as the faith was given to you.  

Then there are the biblical Baptists.  ;-)  You do have free will and when you place your faith in the gospel of Christ you are born into and adopted into the family and thus saved by faith alone.  Once born, and especially adopted, you are in the family and cannot be lost.

Examples of free will decisions that resulted in a no chance of a change of mind though the people still had free will.

Adam and Eve- Once they freely chose to eat there was no second chance or ability to change their mind though they still had free will.

Noah - Once he and his family freely chose to go into the ark, God shut the door and even if one of them tried to get out because of fear or whatever they could not get out.  Neither could those who chose to not enter the ark by their free will change their mind and get in though they still had free will.


Exodus - If you chose not to use the blood on the doorpost, it was too late when the death angel came through.  Once the Jews were across the Red Sea there was really no way to go back.  Other examples are in there as well.

Lots of examples throughout Scripture, including the Rapture.  Those who chose to not believe before the Rapture cannot believe afterward.  

So, once you are in Christ, the ark of this age, the Holy Spirit seals you, shuts the door, and you are in the Father's hand and no one can take you out, not even you.

So, since it is the work of Christ that gives you something to have faith in then faith/trust in that work saves, not your works.  It is Christ and Him alone or nothing.  Faith in Christ plus yourself, baptism, circumcision, keeping the law, etc is not going to save you.  It is His work.  Trust in it.

Hopefully, this was of some help to you.  God bless you as you study His Word and walk in faith with Him.

Baptists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.