In our previous article we stated our belief that the Bible is the wholly inspired word of God. In this article we show how the Bible is the only source of information for us to have a relationship with God, and how it is the source of salvation.
Source of Salvation and Faith
Because the Bible is a result of divine inspiration, it is like no other written text. It possesses qualities that make it unique and it changes the lives of those who believe its message. The following passages provide examples of these qualities and effects:
The scriptures instruct us concerning salvation and provide us with the necessary doctrine, reproof and instruction in righteousness to ensure that we bring forth the fruit of faith, good works. Salvation comes through faith in Christ Jesus and it is the word of God that produces faith:
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Being Born Again
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, the seed represents the word of God (Matthew 13:19) and it is this word that has the power to transform our lives. The beginning of this transformation is referred to in the Bible as being “born again”. The word of God plays an essential part in this new birth:
Jesus spoke about being born again in John 3 where he says to Nicodemus:
Later on, Jesus explains what he means by “the spirit”:
In other words, the word of God and ‘spirit’ are the same thing here! Once we have been born again by believing the gospel message and by being baptized into the name of Jesus, the word of God will continue to work in our lives if we continue to read and meditate upon it. It will help us to overcome sin, it will sanctify us and cleanse us. (See Psalm 119:9,11, John 17:17, John 15:3).
Conclusion
When the apostle Paul said goodbye to the new believers in Ephesus, he warned them about false teachers and he directed them to the word of God to ensure that they would not be lead astray, that they would grow in their faith, and that finally they would receive the inheritance of eternal life:
In the next article we will look at why we all need salvation. Thanks for reading!
This is a topic that is near to my heart…
Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
The Bible has some good verses to add to those above. God gives us of His Spirit when we are born again spiritually as His child through faith in Jesus.
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him [Jesus], were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
We can understand the truths of God’s Word as we are guided by His Spirit.
“’What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’ —these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?” (1 Corinthians 2:10-11)