We believe that in order for a person to be saved he must comply with the commands of the New Testament. The New Testament commands that a person hear and believe the truth in order to be saved -- “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17); “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
The New Testament further commands that we repent of sins, and that this demands a change of life -- “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30); “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
The New Testament further requires that we confess our faith in Christ before men -- “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
The New Testament further calls for us to be baptized in water -- “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-38).
This baptism is for the forgiveness of sins -- “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38); “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). This baptism allows us to be added to the church -- “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).
By baptism we are added to the body of Christ -- “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body...” (I Corinthians 12:13). By baptism we are saved -- “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us...” (I Peter 3:21).
Having done these things, we are to seek first the kingdom of God (cf., Matthew 6:33); add the Christian Graces to our lives (cf., II Peter 1:1f); be faithful in attendance (cf., Hebrews 10:25); avoid the works of the flesh while bearing the fruit of the Spirit (cf., Galatians 5:19-23); and glorify God in the church by Christ Jesus (cf., Ephesians 3:21). We are then promised the crown of life in eternity (cf., Revelation 2:10, II Timothy 4:6-8).
Each of these things is commanded by the New Testament, and we practice them because they are commanded. We do not wish to impose any requirement not given by the Lord, and we do not have the right to so impose; we do not wish to free men from doing all that the Lord commands, nor have we the right to do so.
Tim Smith 1272 Enon Road, Webb, AL 36376 (334) 899-8131
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