Salvation by Faith “Alone?” (2)
Tim Haile
Tim Haile
In last week’s study we learned that salvation is not accomplished by any one thing “alone.” But, that it is actually attributed to several things in the Bible. This second article will show that not all “believers” will be saved. It is possible for one to "believe" without being saved.
The Bible actually teaches that some believers will not be saved. Consider John’s words from John 12:42, 43:
42: Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Though these people “believed on” (Jesus), yet they met with God’s disapproval. Why was this? It was because they “did not confess Him.” Their desire to please men was greater than their desire to please God. They feared men more than they feared God. They believed, but refused to confess. The fact that they were rejected by God proves that faith alone does not save people from their sins. More is required. One must do everything that God requires in order to please Him. We may not merely choose the thing that least offends others and that most conveniences us. Peter said that we must fear God and work righteousness in order to be accepted by God (Acts 10:34, 35). The inspired James wrote,
19: You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20: But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19, 20).
James’ argument is that if men are saved by faith alone, then the devils will also make it to Heaven, for they believe in God as much as any man, provided that one defines “belief” as belief alone! Of course, we know that these believing devils will actually be cast into Hell (Rev. 19:20; 20:10). So, what do we make of the fact that they believe? The answer is obvious, especially in the context of James chapter two: the devils have faith alone. They have, therefore, a dead faith which cannot please God or save the soul. James 2:19 proves that salvation is not by faith alone.
I find it particularly interesting that James described the devils as both believing and trembling. It should be noted that, even though their faith will not save them, the devils have a faith that causes them to tremble at the mere thought of God’s existence and power. I fear that many advocates of the faith-alone doctrine do not fully appreciate the implications of James 2:19. The devils have far more than a mere acceptance of God’s existence: they have faith in God’s omniscience and omnipotence, His eternal attributes. My point is that even this kind of faith will not save! Obedience to God’s commands is essential, as is indicated in the very next verse.
Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com.
