In the discussion of salvation from sin, it is critical to state and be reminded that: (1) it is man who does the sinning, and (2) it is GOD who does the saving! Our salvation is only possible by the grace of God (Eph. 2:5). We do not deserve it (Rom. 3:23), and we certainly cannot earn it (Eph. 2:9). However, the Bible does teach that man has a part in his salvation, and the foundation of that response to God is FAITH.
When talking about “faith,” it is essential to understand and use that word in the way that the Bible uses that word. The Bible describes faith in Hebrews 11:1 as the “substance” or “assurance” (i.e., the very foundation) of things “hoped for” that are promised by God, and it is the “evidence” or “convicting proof” that Bible things we have not seen are indeed real. This is NOT a leap in the dark! It is based upon solid evidence.
But Biblical faith is not merely a mental assent to Bible teachings or simply trusting Jesus to be who He claimed. The Bible illustrates in Hebrews 11 what true faith is, providing numerous examples of how “faith” was the motivation and foundation of active obedience. Read the words “by faith” throughout Hebrews 11, and then read the verbs that follow, emphasizing a faith that acts. This Biblical description of faith corresponds precisely with the definitions that scholars have given of the Greek word. W.E. Vine and J.H. Thayer have both noted three common components of Biblical faith: (1) firm conviction, (2) trustful surrender, (3) obedience. Therefore, when one uses the word “faith” in the way that the Bible uses the word, it goes hand-in-hand with actively obeying.
The Bible repeatedly teaches that faith is required in order to be “saved” from sin (Acts 16:31; Mark 16:16; Eph. 2:8), to be “justified” (Rom. 5:1), to “receive the remission of sins” (Acts 10:43), to have “everlasting life” (John 3:16), to “become children of God” (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26), to avoid “the lake [of] fire” (Rev. 21:8). However, there is no verse in Scripture that teaches man is saved from sin by faith alone.
The Bible affirms that “a man is justified… not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24), for “faith by itself…is dead” (2:17). “Faith alone” does not save, otherwise “the demons,” who “believe and tremble,” would be saved (2:19). If one is saved by faith alone, then he is saved before and without repenting of his sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38), confessing his faith in Jesus (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10), being baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), calling on the name of the Lord (Rom. 10:13-17), and becoming a child of God (John 1:11-12).
Man has a part in his salvation. He must believe Jesus is the Son of God! A true, saving faith will obey God’s will fully.