A PREACHER 
 Promoting faith through knowledge —Romans 10:17

For starters...

I believe and teach that there is truth and it can be known (John 8:31-32).

I believe and teach that God is (Genesis 1:1).

I believe and teach that the sixty-six books of the Bible are inspired by God
(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I believe and teach that the Bible is sufficient for equipping man to live pleasing to Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I believe the Bible teaches that Jesus of Nazareth was 100% God and 100% man (John 1:1, 14).

I believe the Bible teaches that there is salvation from sin in no one else beside Jesus (John 14:6).

I believe the Bible teaches that those who will receive the gift of eternal life are only those who:

  1. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:13-17).

  2. Believe that Jesus was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9).

  3. Confess Jesus as their Lord (Romans 10:9).

  4. Repent of their sins (Acts 17:30).

  5. Are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins
    (Acts 2:38).

  6. Live faithfully unto death (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

I believe the Bible teaches that the apostles Jesus chose laid down a pattern in the New Testament for the work and worship Christians and churches are to do (1 Corinthians 4:16-17).

I believe the Bible teaches that to deviate from the pattern is unlawful
(2 Thessalonians 3:6).

About being baptized for salvation...

Some claim that teaching and submitting to baptism as a necessary condition for salvation is “works-based” salvation and disregards the grace of God.  It is true that someone being baptized could be doing both of these!  But, it is just as true that baptism done in faith does neither of these!

Consider, for example, this statement in Colossians 2:12: “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working
of God” (NASB). 

Baptism done in faith understands perfectly well that it is not the act itself or the one being baptized himself that is saving him.  In fact, look closely at the statement and see that it isn’t even the faith itself that is saving him.  God is saving him.  Again, he has faith, and he is baptized, but neither of these are what actually save him; only God’s working saves.  True baptism, just like true faith, understands this and does not disregard God’s grace. 

(While we’re considering these things, note carefully that New Testament baptism is salvation “by works”
God’s works!)

In Ithaca, New York, from July 2020.     Calls and texts: 607.319.3040.     Email: lee@lmtosti.com.