In today’s religious world, many sincere believers claim that salvation comes through simply believing, repeating a prayer, or calling on the Lord. These ideas often rely on isolated scriptures rather than the full counsel of God. However, the Bible clearly calls us to obey the entire gospel of Jesus Christ. This obedience includes faith, repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Ghost—just as the Apostles preached it.
Faith Alone Doesn’t Save
Many point to Romans 10:9 — “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus… thou shalt be saved” — as a complete salvation plan. Others quote Ephesians 2:8-9 and conclude that grace and faith alone eliminate the need for further obedience.
But Scripture never contradicts itself. When rightly divided, it reveals a comprehensive message of salvation.
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” — James 2:17, 24 (KJV)
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” — Mark 16:16 (KJV)
Faith opens the door, but obedience leads us through. Paul even cautioned that judgment is approaching:
“them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:8 (KJV)
The Book of Acts Reveals the Full Gospel Response
The Gospels record Jesus’ teachings and His promise of a New Birth (John 3:5). The Epistles address believers who have already responded to the gospel. However, only the Book of Acts documents how the early church preached and obeyed the gospel after Christ’s resurrection. On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the first full salvation message:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 2:38 (KJV)
The pattern continues throughout Acts:
- Acts 2: Jews repented, were baptized, and received the Holy Ghost.
- Acts 8: Samaritans believed, were baptized, then received the Holy Ghost.
- Acts 10: Cornelius’ household received the Holy Ghost and was baptized.
- Acts 19: Disciples of John were rebaptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost.
This wasn’t a suggestion—it was the Apostolic pattern.
Grace Trains Us—It Doesn’t Excuse Disobedience
Some argue that grace removes the necessity to obey the gospel. However, grace never excuses sin or disobedience; rather, it teaches us to walk in truth.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that... we should live soberly, righteously, and godly...” — Titus 2:11–12 (KJV)
God’s grace draws us to the cross, but only through obedience do we enter into covenant.
Calling on the Lord Requires Action
Romans 10:13 says: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (KJV) "For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved." (AMPC)
But Scripture clarifies the meaning of “calling on the Lord.” When Paul shared his testimony, he recalled the command he received:
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” — Acts 22:16 (KJV)
To call on His name means to invoke His authority in baptism. It’s not merely verbal; it’s an act of obedience.
Obedience Proves Lordship
Jesus gave a sobering warning:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter... but he that doeth the will of my Father.” — Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
Belief without obedience is empty. True Lordship demands surrender—and that includes obeying the gospel message.
The Way Is Narrow
Jesus described the path to salvation:
“Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way... and few there be that find it.” — Matthew 7:14 (KJV)
The wide gate leads to destruction and includes every diluted version of salvation. The narrow gate demands repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. It’s not popular, but it is powerful—and it’s biblical.
Final Word: Full Salvation Demands Full Obedience
Salvation does not rely on a single verse; it is based on the full Word of God. The gospel calls for faith, yes—but also for repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is what the Apostles preached, and it is what the early church followed.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Let us not dilute the message; instead, let us defend it, declare it, and obey it.
Additional Reading
Credits
OpenAI helped create my article outlines and generate the imagery. Grammarly fixed my writing errors and Quillbot makes everything better.