Conditional Salvation

FALLEN MAN CANNOT MEET ANY CONDITIONS FOR SALVATION

The bible explicitly excludes conditions placed upon man for eternal salvation. Man’s depravity makes it impossible for him to meet any such conditions (Psalm 14:1, Romans 3:10-18). The bible teaches that ALL of the conditions for eternal salvation were placed upon Christ (Romans 5:19). That’s why salvation is by sovereign grace (Ephesians 2:5). Many say that man must bring forth "repentance and faith" as conditions for salvation, but an unregenerate man has no faith (II Thessalonians 3:2). He is is devoid of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God of which faith is a fruit (Galatians 5:22, Romans 8:9). Without faith it is impossible to please God, because a repentance devoid of faith is insincere (Hebrews 11:6). It follows that making "repentance and faith” the conditions of eternal salvation is a recipe for universal damnation.

CHRIST MET ALL OF THE CONDITIONS FOR SALVATION

The truth is, Christ met ALL of the conditions of salvation for his covenant people (Hebrews 1:3, 9:12, 10:14). Faith is a provision of that saving work (Ephesians 2:8-9) not a condition or prerequisite to obtaining eternal salvation. God’s people are given the faith to believe spiritual truth in regeneration (John 5:25, Galatians 4:6) apart from any preaching whatsoever. Gospel ministry presumes a spiritually living (i.e., regenerate) subject as its beneficiary (John 3:3, Matthew 13:9). It brings brings "life and immortality to LIGHT. " It is an illuminating revelation of spiritual truth (II Timothy 1:10) directed toward the spiritually minded, who alone are able to receive it (I Corinthians 2:14, Romans 1:17). It follows that faith is an evidence of eternal life already imparted (Hebrews 11:1) not a condition of eternal life.

WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT?

As vehemently as I've declared this truth among those willing to listen to it, I must admit that it has met with little reception beyond my Primitive Baptist brethren. This leads me to wonder, as Isaiah did, "Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1)

- Elder Daniel Samons