What Does the Bible Say About What Saves Us

Introduction (James 2:22):
The Word of God declares that many things work together to save us. Faith alone is incomplete without obedience. As James wrote, “Faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect.” Salvation is the result of all that God commands, working together in harmony with His will.

God Saves Us
Salvation begins with God Himself. He is the source, the author, and the finisher of our hope. Isaiah proclaimed, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2). Peter affirmed that through God’s mercy we are begotten to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4). God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Jesus Saves Us
The centerpiece of salvation is Jesus Christ. Paul declared, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Hebrews 5:9 teaches that He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. His life, death, and resurrection form the foundation of our redemption, and through His obedience we have hope of life eternal.

The Spirit Saves Us
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our salvation. Paul reminded the Corinthians, “Ye are washed, … sanctified, … justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The Spirit convicts, renews, and sanctifies us through the Word of truth.

Grace, Love, and Mercy Save Us
God’s grace is the unmerited favor that made salvation possible (Ephesians 2:8). His love gave His only Son (John 3:16). His mercy provided forgiveness when we deserved wrath (Titus 3:5). Grace, love, and mercy are the heart of the gospel, drawing us to repentance and reconciliation with God.

The Cross and the Blood of Christ Save Us
The cross stands at the center of God’s plan. To the world it is foolishness, but to the believer it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Through the blood shed there, we are cleansed from sin (1 John 1:7). “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). The cross and the blood testify that salvation was purchased at a great cost.

The Word, Preaching, and the Name of Christ Save Us
The gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). It pleased God through the preaching of the gospel to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21). There is salvation in no other name but Jesus (Acts 4:10-12). When we hear and respond to His Word, we obey the saving message of the cross.

Baptism and Obedience Save Us
Peter declared that baptism “doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21). It is not a mere ritual but “the answer of a good conscience toward God.” Jesus Himself said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). True faith responds in obedience, and Hebrews 5:9 affirms that Jesus saves “all them that obey Him.”

Faith Working Through Love and Endurance
Faith without works is dead (James 2:24). Genuine belief produces repentance, confession, and perseverance. We are told to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Endurance, patience, and a love of the truth mark those who will receive the crown of life (Matthew 10:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Revelation 2:10).

Man’s Role and God’s Grace
Grace represents God reaching down to man. Faith represents man reaching up to God. God has done His part; we must do ours. Salvation is not earned, yet it requires obedience. When man’s faith responds to God’s grace, salvation is made complete. “By grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).

What Does the Bible Say About What Saves Us Sermon Outline:
I. Introduction (James 2:22)
• Faith is made perfect by works.
• Salvation results from the harmony of all God’s commands.

II. God Saves Us
• Source of all salvation (Isaiah 12:2).
• Hope given through His mercy and resurrection of Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4).

III. Jesus Saves Us
• Came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
• Author of eternal salvation to those who obey (Hebrews 5:9).

IV. The Spirit Saves Us
• Washes, sanctifies, and justifies believers (1 Corinthians 6:11).

V. Grace, Love, and Mercy Save Us
• Grace is God’s unmerited favor (Ephesians 2:8).
• Love gave His Son (John 3:16).
• Mercy offers forgiveness (Titus 3:5).

VI. The Cross and Blood of Christ Save Us
• The power of God to those being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18).
• Redeemed and forgiven through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).

VII. The Word, Preaching, and the Name of Christ Save Us
• The gospel is God’s saving power (Romans 1:16).
• Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).
• Preaching brings salvation to believers (1 Corinthians 1:21).
• Salvation in the name of Jesus only (Acts 4:10-12).

VIII. Baptism and Obedience Save Us
• Baptism saves as a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21).
• Jesus commands belief and baptism (Mark 16:16).
• Obedience required for salvation (Hebrews 5:9).

IX. Faith Working Through Love and Endurance
• Faith justified by works (James 2:24).
• Work out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
• Endure to the end to be saved (Matthew 10:22).

X. Man’s Role and God’s Grace
• Grace: God reaching down to man.
• Faith: man reaching up to God.
• Salvation completed when faith obeys grace (Ephesians 2:8).

Call to Action:
Salvation is the greatest gift ever offered, yet it requires our faithful response. God’s grace has opened the door through Jesus Christ. We must hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for the remission of sins. Let us live faithfully, walking in obedience to His Word until we receive the crown of life.

Key Takeaways:
• Salvation comes from God through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 12:2; 1 Timothy 1:15).
• Grace and faith work together (Ephesians 2:8).
• Obedience completes faith (James 2:22).
• Baptism is essential to salvation (1 Peter 3:21).
• Endurance, patience, and love of truth secure the promise (Revelation 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Scripture Reference List:
James 2:22 — Faith perfected by works.
Isaiah 12:2 — God is our salvation.
1 Peter 1:3-4 — Hope through resurrection.
1 Timothy 1:15 — Christ came to save sinners.
Hebrews 5:9 — Salvation through obedience.
1 Corinthians 6:11 — Saved by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:8 — Grace through faith.
John 3:16 — God’s love for the world.
Titus 3:5 — Mercy saves through renewal.
1 Corinthians 1:18 — The cross is God’s power.
Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption through His blood.
Romans 1:16 — The gospel saves.
Romans 10:17 — Faith by hearing.
Acts 4:10-12 — Salvation in Jesus’ name.
1 Peter 3:21 — Baptism saves.
Mark 16:16 — Believe and be baptized.
James 2:24 — Justified by works.
Philippians 2:12 — Work out salvation with fear.
Matthew 10:22 — Endure to the end.
Revelation 2:10 — Faithful unto death.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Additional Resources

Online KJV Bible

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