I just read a post on a popular Christian facebook page that saddens me. First, a guy posted the salvation plan. That's great. What disturbed me was the comment by the administrator of the page. He said if you read that salvation plan that you will have eternal life. That is a lie from the pits of hell. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we can simply read something and go to heaven. This made me think of another lie that is circulating around about salvation. Many are teaching that if you simply believe Jesus was raised from the dead that you will go to heaven. I hate to break it to you, but Satan believes that and I promise you that Satan is not saved!!
James 2:18-20 says this "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? So what exactly does this mean? If we give to the poor and try to live a life as a "good person" then we are going to heaven. Absolutely not. The works that James is talking about here is described in Acts chapter 2. It is not saying you have to "work" you way into heaven, but you do have to do the requirements that have been outlined in the Bible. Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. "
Prior to this verse, the people were convicted and asked Peter what they should do. Be clear on this. The Bible says if you do not complete these steps, you are not saved. 1. Believe. These people were in a believing state when they asked Peter what to do. 2. Confess. Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Notice it says, "SHALL BE" or will be. This is the beginning step. You must keep going. 3. Repent (turn away from your sins.) In other words, don't keep living a life of sin, but stop! 4. Be baptized. Many people argue against this. Jesus did and the Bible clearly states for us to do it. I don't .really understand what the problem is. 5. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 says, " Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
I pray that whoever reads this heeds these words. You are not saved by simply believing or even going to church. Every step is required. Many people leave out repentance. If you are still living a life of sin, you are not saved.