The Christadelphian Instructor/Concerning the Way of Salvation
58. Is it possible for us to be saved apart from this work of Christ? Answer: No: God has provided no other way of salvation for man than Jesus Christ.
Proof:
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12).
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24).
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. (John 6:53).
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5).
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (Eph. 2:12).
59. In what way are we brought into connection with the work of salvation accomplished in Christ?
Answer: By faith in it. Our faith is counted for righteousness.
Proof:
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Rom. 4:3).
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (Rom. 4:24).
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Rom. 5:1).
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Rom. 3:22).
60. Is faith by itself enough to secure for us the benefit of the work of Christ? Answer: No; there must be obedience, or "works" also.
Proof:
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (James 2:20-22).
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 7:21).
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Rev. 2:23).
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28:20).
61. What "works" are those who believe commanded to do? Answer: There are many things they have been commanded to do. First, they are commanded to be baptised.
Proof:
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Acts 10:48).
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16).
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).
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16).
62. What is baptism? Answer: Burial in water.
Proof:
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (Acts 10:47).
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4).
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Col. 2:12).
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (Rom. 6:5).
63. What does baptism do for us?
Answer: It is the act that God has appointed, by which a believer puts on Christ and receives the remission of sins.
Proof:
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal. 3:27).
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Rom. 6:3).
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).
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 3:21).