Many denominations teach: “Faith, plus nothing, minus nothing, is the way of salvation. Man has eternal life the minute he believes.” These people teach that no act of obedience is required to be saved. Evidence from the Bible proves that there is no truth in this doctrine. Notice the following:

If faith alone saves, then those that failed to confess Christ will be saved. “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” (John 12:42). No honest student of the Bible believes these chief rulers were saved even though they believed on Jesus.

 

If faith alone saves, then the devils will be saved. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). Honestly, do you expect to see devils in heaven? I don’t think so. “Faith only” cannot save you or the devils.

 

If faith alone saves, then people will be saved with a dead faith. Who can believe it? The Bible says, “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20). Under God’s system inactive faith does not justify; it condemns. Faith that obeys (works) is the faith that justifies (read James 2:14-26).

 

If faith alone saves, then obedience is unnecessary. That will not wash. Salvation is provided only for those that obey the Lord’s commands. Hebrews 5:9 says, “...he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him.” The Lord requires obedience (Matthew 7:21).

If the Bible does not teach it, then we should not believe it.