Prescriptions for salvation

I had influenza A recently, and although the meds my doctor prescribed were effective, I was still weak with no appetite for a few days. To justify not eating, I read up on feeding colds and starving fevers, and learned the nearly 650-year-old saying was based on myths and most medical professionals now say there’s only one proven remedy for a cold or fever — plenty of rest and fluids.

That statement caught my attention — one remedy with multiple components. The Bible says Jesus is the only way to salvation for everyone (John 14:6; 10:1-11; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:11-18; 2 Peter 2:4-8). The Bible is all God’s word and to be completely followed based on the covenant in effect (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Revelation 22:18-19; Hebrews 8:6-13; Colossians 2:9-15).

Obedience to God is the single umbrella command under the new covenant based in Jesus’ blood, but there are many aspects to obedience, and those who don’t teach or obey every aspect are guilty of disobeying all of it, which is why teachers are held more accountable by God (Hebrews 5:8-9; John 15:9-10; 14:15-21; James 2:10-11; 3:1-2). So we need to find out and teach the whole counsel of God (Ephesians 5:17; Acts 20:26-31; Ezekiel 33:1-9; Jude 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Matthew 28:18-20).

Some teachings directly contradict the Bible. For example, many teach we’re saved by faith alone (faith only), but James 2:24 clearly says man is justified (saved in God’s eyes — Romans 3:21-26) by what he does and “not by faith alone.”

Jesus also said only those who do God’s will can be in his family and enter heaven (James 2:18-19; Matthew 12:50; Luke 6:46-39; Matthew 7:21-27; note these people believed, confessed and called on Jesus as Lord and did lots of good things, but not all God’s will — Romans 10:8-13).

Galatians 3:26 to 4:7 states we become God’s family member when we’re baptized because of our faith. Faith by itself only gives us the right to become children of God through a new birth (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; 1 John 5:1-5; 3:1-3; Acts 19:1-5; Mark 16:16). God wills that we’re sanctified through Jesus’ blood, having been washed with water according to the word to crucify our sinful nature and begin our new life at which time we also can truly begin learning God’s will with guidance by the Holy Spirit through Bible study (Hebrews 10:19-29; Ephesians 5:25-27; Romans 6:3-5; 8:1-17; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:12-13). First Peter 3:21 says the water of the flood “symbolizes baptism that now saves you also” (Acts 22:16; 2:36-41).

I recovered from the flu, but we never get over our sinful desires (Romans 7:14-25). Continued cleansing for Christians comes by trying to please God including seeking forgiveness as we do sin (1 John 1:5-9).

Have you obeyed all God’s commands as the only way to come to God through Jesus and have fellowship with him? That’s the prescription for salvation — the only complete remedy for sin!

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].