Imagine a child in first grade taking a math test. One of the questions ask what two plus two is. Most people would answer four but this child responds with the number 5. Naturally, the teacher marks it wrong, explaining why 2+2=4. After class, the student protests the answer. The child explains to the teacher that they thinkthe answer should be five. They don’t argue the fact that the question deals with addition but they believe the answer should be five. As a matter of fact, the student explains, this is what the child’s parents have always taught them. Now, based on this argument from the student, that they think, believe, and have been taught that 2+2=5, will the teacher change the grade?

Now think about what the Almighty God has said about salvation:

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“I tell you no, but except you repent, you shall perish.” Luke 13:3

“With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10

“He that believes and is baptized will be saved.” Mark 16:16

Based on what is called the constituent argument, if all the parts are scriptural, than the whole is valid. We find God’s requirements for salvation – Hear, Believe, Repent of sin, Confess Jesus as Lord, and Be Baptized. Adding all these things together gives us the correct answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?”

But some think baptism is not necessary for salvation, that it’s just a sign that I’ve already been saved. Never mind the fact the inspired writer Peter wrote “Baptism now also saves us” (1 Peter 3:21), and that Jesus said we must be “baptized to be saved” (Mark 16:16), what I think is all that matters, right?

Well, some will argue, I believe that faith alone is all I need to be saved. Even though the Holy Spirit inspired writer James said “You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24), what I believe is all that matters, right?

Okay, some might say, I believe in salvation but my parents taught me that God has already chosen some to be lost and some to be saved, despite the fact that God always gives people a choice as Joshua declared “choose this day who you will serve” (Joshua 24:15), what my parents taught me is all that matters, right?

Understand this point, God has revealed His plan for us. It is not up for debate. It does not matter what I think, believe, and have been taught by family, what matters is what God has told us through His Word. Let us lay aside our wants and man-made plans and follow the only plan that can save our souls!

By: Justin Odom