Foolish Preaching On Salvation By Faith Only (II.)
Those who preach the theory of salvation by faith only quote the Bible, which teaches that we are justified by faith, but will add the word "only" to what the Bible says. In our last article we referred to a statement in the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, USA, chapter XI, section II, which says, "Faith ... is the alone instrument of justification . . ." In the footnote, the Confession of Faith lists five passages which they think substantiate their position. I want to notice those passages and see if they do.
The first is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This passage teaches that God loved the world to such a degree that he sent his only begotten Son into the world, that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The Bible says, "whosoever believeth in him .. ."; it does not say "whosoever only believeth in him." The doctrine of faith only is not taught in this passage. It is adding to the Word of God to force the doctrine of salvation by faith only upon this passage. It makes the Word of God contradict itself, for Jas. 2:24 says, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only." James is not contradicting Jesus. If we leave the words of the Lord as he spoke them, they are readily harmonious with what James said. But, if we add the word "only" to what Jesus said, we make him contradict what the Spirit inspired James to write.
At this point, let me suggest a principle that will help us understand the true meaning of this passage. This axiom will hold true in all cases. "Where salvation is promised to a person, or affirmed of him, on certain named conditions, though it may depend on more conditions than those named, it can never depend on less." To this rule you will find no exception in the Bible. Now, apply it to John 3:16. Salvation is promised to a person on condition of faith. The axiom says "it may depend on more conditions than those named, it can never depend on less."
Let's see how the rule would work with regard to the condition stipulated in Acts 22:16. Ananias told Saul, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Saul still had his sins; he needed to be saved. The condition is "be baptized." Nothing is said here about faith, nor is repentance mentioned. The rule suggests that "it may depend on more conditions than those named; it can never depend on less." To this we agree. It does not teach that baptism only would save Saul from his sins. If we added the word "only" to the statement, we would be as guilty of twisting and perverting the scripture, as those who espouse the doctrine of salvation by faith only when they add the word "only" to Jno. 3:16. This rule will apply to Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; and any other passage stating conditions of salvation.
The next passage suggested in John 3:18, "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." This passage says no more about salvation by faith "only" than does Jno. 3:16. To add the word "only" is to pervert it. I accept John 3:18, but refuse to accept the interpretation forced on it by those who advocate the doctrine of salvation by faith only.
The next passage is John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Again, the word "only" does not appear. When that little word is added to this passage, it perverts the meaning of our Lord's words. Salvation may depend on more conditions than the belief mentioned here, but it can never depend on less.
The next passage is Rom. 3:28, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." This passage teaches the truth, but doesn't mention faith "only." Justification may depend on more conditions than the faith mentioned in this verse, but it can never depend on less. To use Rom. 3:28 to teach salvation by faith only is to pervert the Scripture.
The last passage suggested is Rom. 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." What we have said about these other passages will hold true here. Justification may depend on more conditions than faith mentioned here, but it can never depend on less.
Those who believe in salvation by faith only add the word "only" to what the Bible says. Martin Luther added the word "only" or "alone" to Rom. 5:1. He made but little change in the number of words, but that one word changed the meaning of the passage.
The Devil knows that he can't just re-write the Bible and deceive men. He knows that he must make it read almost like God gave it, but he only has to change one word here and one word there to suit his purposes. The devil added but one word to God's statement in the Garden of Eden. Where God has said, "ye shalt surely die," the devil added but one word, "ye shalt not surely die." He only adds one word to Rom. 5:1, but it accomplishes his purpose. It perverts the teaching of God's word and deceives many into accepting a false doctrine that had its origin with Satan.
The devil only adds, or changes one letter in Peter's statement in 1 Pet. 3:21, but he changes the meaning of what Peter said. Peter's words are, "The like figure whereunto even baptism cloth also now save us . .." The devil, through his preachers, comes along and says baptism "cloth not save us." He just changes one letter. Peter said N-O-W. The devil, said N-O-T. The difference between God's word and the devil's word is only one letter, but that difference perverts God's word.