Oneness Pentecostal beliefs about salvation come under scrutiny, especially regarding the role of works versus grace. The discussion clarifies that baptism is seen as an expression of divine grace, not a human effort to earn salvation. It emphasizes the vital connection between faith, obedience, and grace, asserting that true belief is evident through actions like repentance and baptism. The speakers delve into biblical teachings, explaining how the journey of salvation encompasses God's gift and our commitment to His instructions.
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Quick takeaways
Salvation is a divine gift, emphasizing that it is by grace through faith, requiring an active response from believers.
True faith is intrinsically linked to obedience, where genuine belief manifests through actions like repentance and baptism.
Deep dives
Understanding Salvation by Grace
Salvation is viewed as a gift from God, emphasizing that it is by grace through faith. The concept of grace is clarified as not being passive but active, demonstrating God's work within believers. Dr. Bernard stresses that while humans do not earn their salvation, they must actively respond to God's offer of grace, akin to accepting a gift that requires action. This is illustrated through the example of Cornelius, who pursued God and was led to salvation despite lacking the fullness of truth initially.
The Role of Faith and Obedience
Faith and obedience are intricately linked, with real belief necessitating action in accordance with God's commands. The podcast explains that claiming to believe without following through on that belief is contradictory, using practical examples to underscore this relationship. The notion that true faith is demonstrated through obedience is reinforced with references to biblical passages that highlight this principle. Consequently, believers are encouraged to understand that their faith is evidenced by their compliance with the teachings of the Bible, such as repentance and baptism.
The New Birth Experience
The new birth experience encompasses a threefold process: repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit, which collectively signifies full salvation. This process is described as a response to God's grace, where believers are not performing works to earn their salvation but are fulfilling the essential steps outlined in scripture. The discussion also emphasizes that God is the one who performs the transformative work during this experience, showcasing His grace at every stage. Dr. Bernard reiterates that each component is crucial and biblically based, reflecting a holistic understanding of spiritual initiation.
Oneness Pentecostals sometimes are accused of preaching salvation by works, particularly because they insist that full salvation includes water baptism. Often the person leveling the charge will cite Ephesians 2:8–9, where Paul wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this accusation and examines what the Bible says about the connection between faith and obedience.
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