If the video above is not available, here are two other ways to view:
Short Clip
We are saved by hearing, and responding to the truth of the Word of God. The Gospel flows only from God’s Word, and nowhere else. Only by believing the Gospel contained in God’s Word the Bible can a person be saved.
The Jesus that a person believes on, determines their destiny. If you believe in the Jesus that comes from Joseph Smith then you become a Mormon, not a born-again follower of Christ. If you believe is the Jesus that comes from Judge Rutherford then you become a JW, not a born-again follower of Christ. If you believe is the Jesus that comes from Muhammad then you become a Muslim, not a born-again follower of Christ.
Only by believing the Gospel contained in God’s Word the Bible can a person be saved. That means:
3. SALVATION IS GOD IMPLANTING HIS WORD INSIDE US
Move onward to James 1:21, from what may be the earliest book of the New Testament written by James who was the Pastor of the First Church of Jerusalem. Here is how he explained salvation to his congregation while Paul was still being trained.
James 1:21 (NKJV) Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Again we see that receiving God’s Word, believing God’s Word, and acting upon God’s Word are all tied to our salvation. We were saved when we heard the truth of the Gospel contained in God’s Word the Scriptures, and responded by faith to Godās truth. Think about that in light of what Paul said in Col. 2:6. The same way we were saved is the way we live the rest of our lives.
We hear truth from God.
We believe that truth from God.
We respond to that truth from God.
God transforms us.
That is how God has always operated. Before His Word was written down by Moses, God spoke, people heard, believed, responded, and were transformed. Now Godās Word is complete. We hold everything God wants us to know.
Just as in salvation we heard, believed, responded, and God transformed us by salvation: so each new day:
GOD TOUCHES OUR LIFE THROUGH HIS WORD
We spend time with God in His Word, as James says in this verse:
To hear His voice speaking truth into our life; and
To hold onto that truth from God by faith; and
To respond obediently to what God has said; and then
To see God transform us.
One of the greatest confirmations of our salvation is seeing this happen each day. That is exactly what we see the Apostles teaching as they planted and established churches in the First Century.
Now move onward to 1 Peter 1:22 to 2:3 and see how Peter describes this exact same process when he explains the relationship between salvation and our daily walk in Christ. Peter reminds us that both are tied to God’s Word.