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Recently someone asked, "Some
preachers place a lot of emphasis on repentance these days, this causes me to
wonder if one does not have a real deep feeling of repentance at the time of
his baptism then how sound is that baptism? I have always felt that faith in
Christ as the Son of God was the most important thing."
God has given his divine plan for man to follow. This divine plan is
clearly revealed in the New Testament in a number of different ways. For
instance, there are times when Bible writers will express, in a general way,
the fact that we are saved by faith (Rom.
5:1), which, of course, is an obedient faith (see James 2:24, 26). There are other times when Bible writers are
very specific and tell us precisely what is required (see Acts 2:38; 22:16).
To put special emphasis on one part of God's plan of salvation to the neglect
of other essential elements does an injustice to the word of God, and causes
one to fall short of God's expectations. Each aspect of God's plan of
salvation is equally important. Notice, we must hear God's word. Perhaps
there are people who would take this important step in the process of
salvation for granted, but one can hardly do so and still expect to receive
the blessings of forgiveness God has in store for us. Many times God has told
his people that "He that hath an ear, let him hear" (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6, 13, 22). The essential nature of this
point is seen, as scripture teaches that faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17). We must listen to God and what he
expects, making hearing extremely important in the plan of salvation. Surely,
all would recognize the essential element of faith in God and in his word
(Heb. 11:6). Jesus said, "For if you believe not that I am he you will
die in your sins" (John 8:24).
Man must confess the name of Chris (Rom. 10:32,
33); he must, also, repent. Acts 2:38
teaches that both repentance and baptism are of equal importance in the
matter of forgiveness. The construction of the language found in the passage
makes both of these matters of vital importance. As one reads verse 41, he
finds Luke recording the results of Peter's sermon when he says, "Then
they that gladly received his word were baptized." Our responsibility to
the Lord certainly does not stop here; this, in one sense, is only the
beginning. God expects us to live faithful Christian lives, regardless, of
what the cost might be (Rev. 2:10). Revealing for us the fact that one can
lose this salvation from the guilt of sin that one now enjoys as a Christian
(Gal. 5:4), manifold are the warnings and admonitions for God's people to
remain separate and apart from sin (Eph. 5:11; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 2:12). It
should seem obvious, then, that we may not pick and choose which of these
important elements to obey and which to ignore and at the same time remain
pleasing in the sight of God. However, there are times when this is done. For
instance, denominationalism has long ignored the divine command to be
baptized in water for the remission of sins as the New Testament teaches.
This cannot be done and at the same time say that we have truly obeyed from
our hearts the Lord's commands (see Acts 10:48).
Take another example, one can not take repentance
out of God's plan, either. Conversion to Christ means that the wicked life
style has been put behind one, and that it is an obsolete facet of their
lives. The impure habits that often characterize wickedness, the language
that is spawned from the gutter, the malice, envy, and hate that is often
found in the sinners heart, have been replaced with godliness, righteousness,
and loving kindness. How can that be? The Christian is one who has repented.
He has, as Paul explains, changed his life. He has turned from "darkness
to light and from the power of Satan unto God" (Acts 26:18). Therefore,
we cannot place one command of God contrary to the other when it comes to the
matter of forgiveness, as well as, living the faithful Christian life.
 Is radio program worship?
The meaning of Matthew 11:
28-30
If only God can forgive?
Chastening of the Lord
Is Water Baptism
Essential to Salvation
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