Misunderstood Bible Verses on Salvation
Here
are the most confusing and often misunderstood verses in the Bible regarding
Salvation.
James 2:24, James 2:14, James 2:20- James does NOT say that we are saved from Hell by our good works.
James
is NOT contradicting Paul or denying Salvation by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone.
It is important to notice that James is addressed to "brethren" or "believers" and not to unbelievers. So, James is not saying that we must do good works to earn or keep salvation.
So what does "dead faith" mean?
It is possible for a believer who is saved by grace and is on the way to heaven to be carnally minded and be un-fruitful. This person's faith is lifeless. This person cannot escape the consequences of his/her fruitless life in this earth and the next. Every Christian who is disobedient and unfruitful will be chastened by God in this life. After death, in the judgement seat of Christ for believers, they have to give an account for their wasted life. They will lose their rewards in heaven.
After
explaining dead faith, James himself explains that Salvation is by Faith Alone,
by using the example of Abraham's faith.
James
2:23 - “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and
it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of
God.”
· Acts 16:31- You and Your family
“And
they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house.”
This
verse is often misunderstood in the sense that if one believes in Jesus, both
him and his family will be saved. This is not true. The verse simply says that
you and your family should believe in the Lord Jesus to be saved. Each person's
faith is independent of others.
· Philippians
2:12 – Work Out Your Own Salvation
12"Wherefore,
my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling. "
This verse says "work out your salvation", not "work for your salvation". This
verse is talking about the good works after Salvation. Please note that it says “your own salvation”. This is not the
free Gift of Salvation offered by God. This is about your own salvation –
towards sanctification and Christlikeness.
Also,
Fear and Trembling does not mean the fear of punishment. It simply means that
we must continue in our good works with great respect and reverence that the
Lord deserves. As Psalm 2:11 says, we can rejoice with trembling. It is
impossible to rejoice with the Fear of Hell.
Psalm 2:11
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with
trembling.
All the Bible Verses that are used to support
Salvation by Works, are actually supporting Salvation by Grace, through Faith
alone. God wants us to be sure of being saved, without which we cannot love Him
as He expects us to.
