Salvation - Introduction

Grow In Christ>>101-level Topics>>Salvation>>Introduction

What Are Heaven's Membership Requirements?

Part I - The Search for Truth

Article Posted: July 31, 2004

Dear Student of the Gospel,

Welcome to the first in a series of seven articles examining Heaven's membership requirements. This article explores the Bible's role in determining the truths about salvation.

First, here is an overview of the rest of the series:

Part II examines the role of God's grace in salvation.
Part III is devoted to sharing some of the elements of and benefits that come with inheriting a home in Heaven.
Part IV follows the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.
Part V examines the role of faith in God's ultimate plan for the salvation of mankind.
Part VI identifies the faith-driven human responses God requires.
Part VII strives to shed light on God's purpose for instituting Christian baptism.

The world contains a multiplicity of opinions regarding the requirements for salvation. Many folks believe that they will get into heaven just for living a good and respectable life. Others claim that baptism is the key to receiving salvation. Some don't worry about their lot in the after life because they don't believe that a loving, caring God could actually sentence anyone to Hell for eternity. Another common belief is that Jesus is just one of many paths to heaven. How can a person know the truth?

In II Timothy 3:16-17, the Bible claims to be "inspired by God." The literal translation is "God-breathed." According to Scripture, God's Words were conveyed to the Biblical authors through the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Truth. The Bible contains all of the instructions necessary to adequately prepare a person to live according to God's will. The Holy Spirit convicts people of the veracity of these instructions. In doing so, the individual receives glimpses into the very mind of God.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

II Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)

Jesus had twelve disciples. However, there were times when Jesus asked specifically for Peter, James, and John to accompany Him. It is the Peter from this inner circle of disciples who had the following to say:

For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"—and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

II Peter 1:16-21 (NASB)

In this passage, the Apostle Paul explains his confidence in the message he was preaching. He gives credit to the Holy Spirit's teaching.

For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

I Corinthians 2:11-16 (NASB)

The Bible is the Christian's most consistent training resource. Despite the variety of Christian thought espoused over the centuries by popes, preachers, theologians, historians, philosphers, and church attenders, the Bible has remained virtually unchanged. Archaeologists continue to discover ancient Bible manuscripts revealing how well the Bible has been preserved. [Recommended Reading: The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg (Inter-varsity Press); Archaeology and the New Testament by John McRay (Baker).]

The Word of the Lord God Almighty is the only foundation upon which a hope of salvation can be safely built. Referring to people as grass and to their greatness as the flower of the field, God had this to say:
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.	Isaiah 40:8 (NASB)

All Christians have a responsibility to strive to accurately discern and follow God's Word. With the guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit, the student of the Bible learns to how to understand and how to live by God's truths. [See I Corinthians 2:1-16.]

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

II Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

II Timothy 1:14 (NIV)

By possessing a clear understanding of the Biblical presentation of God's stance on salvation, a Christian will have more confidence, credibility, and authority when spreading the Gospel message to others. These articles record the results of my search for truth. Ultimately, however, each Christian needs to study God's Word for himself/herself. It is amazing how unified Christians can be when they are well-versed in the same main resource (the Bible).

In this series on salvation, it is not my intention to promote or degrade any particular denominational doctrine. My sole desire is to uncover what the Bible has to say about salvation. I pray that God's words will touch you in a very real and personal way. I also pray that my explanations will aid, but not supplant, your attempts to understand God's Word.

I encourage you to look up all scripture references in a Bible to ensure that I've used them in proper contexts. Read all Bible passages with an open mind. With your patience and receptive attitude, the Holy Spirit can and will convict you of and with God's truth.

As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

I Chronicles 28:9 (NASB)

The research involved in writing these articles, and the resulting personal reflection, has provided a tremendous boost to my spiritual growth as a Christian. I was forced to deal with many inconsistencies in (and prejudices of) my own thoughts. I strongly encourage all Christians to research and document their beliefs. Always allow time for the Holy Spirit to convict you of God's Word. Searching Scriptures with the intent to find a passage that will support what you already believe is dangerous. Rather, wait for the Holy Spirit to lead you to, and guide you through, the truth.

I pray you will find these articles to be helpful as you strive to learn about and to walk with the Lord. May God bless you and keep you!

Jim Rodenbeck