Answering Two Great Bible Questions

Introduction:
    A. An old debater’s trick: “Answer this question, yes or no”
        1. Some cannot be answered yes or no without embarrassment.
        2. Some can correctly be answer either way.
    B. Two great Bible questions that can be answered either way:

Discussion:
I. Can One Save Himself? (Acts 2:40; 1 Tim.4:16; Eph. 2:8,9).
    A. No, in that:
        1. He cannot plan salvation. ( Eph. 1:3-12; 3:11).
        2. He cannot buy salvation (1 Pet. 1:18-21).
        3. He cannot earn salvation (Rom. 4:1-7; Eph 2:8,9).
    B. Yes, in that:
        1. He must obey the truth. (1 Pet. 1:22; Rom. 6:16).
        2. He must judge himself worthy of eternal life. (Acts 13:46).
        3. He must keep himself in the love of God. (Jude 20, 21).

II. Is One Saved by Works? (Eph. 2:8,9; Jas. 2:24)
    A. No, in that:
        1. The works of the law cannot save him. (Gal. 2:16; 3:2-10; Rom. 3:19-4:13).
        2. The works of merit cannot save us. (Rom. 4:4; Eph. 2:9; Tit. 3:5).
    B. Yes, in that:
        1. He is justified by working faith. (James 2:24; Gal 5:6).
        2. He is judged by his works or deeds. (Rev. 20:12,13; 2 Cor. 5:10).
        3. He is created for good works. (Eph. 2:10; Phil 2:12)

Conclusion:
    A. We are saved by works, but not our own.
    B. Is baptism a work? It saves. 1 Pet. 3:21
    C. Is faith a work? (John 6:28,29)

 

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