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When asked about their beliefs, many people in this country are quick to label themselves as Christians. However, upon further questioning, they will often produce general justifications for this label, such as their parents' faith, being baptized, or performing religious actions such as going to church weekly. Unfortunately, these answers demonstrate a dangerous ignorance of what Christianity truly is, indicating a lack of the faith necessary to be a true believer.
This ignorance or, in many cases, outright rejection of the Bible's truths is an alarmingly prevalent epidemic in our culture and even in many of our churches. This was recently shown by a 2023 study from Arizona Christian University, finding that only a mere 4% of Americans hold to a biblical worldview (tracymunsil, 2023). This severe situation requires us to both understand and teach the lost about the true saving faith found only in the Bible.
A crucial requirement of this faith is a spirit-quickening belief in biblical facts. This is clearly stated by Paul in Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” When unbelievers hear the Gospel accurately preached through the Holy Spirit, it provides them the opportunity to mentally agree with what they hear, allow the Spirit to work these truths into their hearts, and then place their faith in Christ through their spirits' quickening. Of note are the specific facts necessary for salvation. Although discussing other Scriptural truths is helpful, our preaching to the lost should always focus on Christ, specifically on why we need Him (Rom. 3:23), what He did for us (Rom. 5:8), and how we receive His salvation (Joh. 3:16). It is through believing these facts, not just mentally but also spiritually via the Holy Spirit's quickening that true saving faith is produced.
Furthermore, true saving faith requires giving all credit to Christ for His salvation. Many people believe they can at least partially earn their salvation or are required to maintain it to avoid losing it. However, Ephesians 2:1-10 disprove these beliefs. For example, verses 1-3 note our helpless state before God, being enslaved to our lusts, dead in our sins, and under the influence of Satan. Also, verses 4-7 note how God, out of His perfect love for us, graciously sent Christ to die for our sins to provide not only salvation but an eternal inheritance in Him. Finally, verses 8-10 note how this salvation was purely God's gift and cannot be earned or improved by man's works. Thus, true saving faith comes only from believing these truths, which requires us to admit our inability to save ourselves and look solely to Christ for salvation.
Finally, true saving faith requires a complete and personal dependence on God. Although many people rely on others such as their parents, spouse, or pastors for their faith, such impersonal behavior towards God never brings a soul to salvation. This is because true saving faith is a matter solely between God and the individual. The latter, if he or she wishes to seek God for salvation, must do so earnestly and wholeheartedly, as Jeremiah 29:13 notes. Romans 10:9-10 also state that salvation only results from this seeking when one places a personal confession and belief in Christ. Finally, Philippians 2:12 notes how a truly saved believer will personally express and live out his or her faith, not relying on others to do so. Thus, true saving faith is not produced through relying on other people, but solely through a complete and personal dependence on God.
As biblical ignorance unfortunately continues to progress in our culture and even churches, it is crucial that we understand and preach the truths required for true saving faith. Specifically, such faith only comes from believing biblical facts, giving all credit to Christ for salvation, and making this commitment wholeheartedly and personally. It is through preaching the Gospel through these truths that the Holy Spirit can bring the lost to the perfect and life-changing salvation that can never come from religion, baptism, or good works.
tracymunsil. (2023, February 28). "Biblical Worldview Among U.S. Adults Drops 33% Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic." Arizona Christian University. https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2023/02/28/biblical-worldview-among-u-s-adults-drops-33-since-start-of-covid-19-pandemic/
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