THE CHURCH: How Do We Enter The Church? Part 2

Isn’t Faith Enough? John 1:12-13; 3:16-17; 6:28-29 To believe: Faith, faith, faith To believe: “to hold to be true, unwaveringly” James 2:19 “To trust in or rely on” Ephesians 2:8-9 Works don’t earn salvation, but are still required

Baptism Is Required Matthew 28:19-20 Mark 16:16 Acts 2:37-39 Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Mark 16:16 Need to both believe and be baptized Acts 2:37-39 Baptism is required for all

But Grace and Faith… Romans 3:21-31 Romans 4:1-8 James 2:21-22 Baptism isn’t boasting Romans 4:1-8 Abraham not justified by works? What kind of works? James 2:21-22 Abraham was justified by works

1 – Works of Law (not justified) knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. -- Galatians 2:16

2 – Works of Merit (not justified) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. -- Ephesians 2:8-9

3 – Works of Faith (justified) James 2:24

But Grace and Faith… Romans 5:1-2 Jesus is the one who provides salvation – faith and baptism are means of accessing that gift

The Importance of Baptism Romans 6:3-4 Emulate Jesus’ death and resurrection with baptism Romans 6:5-6 We are crucified with Jesus through baptism

What About Those Not Baptized In The Bible? Romans 7:6 Old Testament believers? We are not under the old law Luke 23:39-43 Criminal on the cross? New Testament not yet in effect

Conclusion 1 Peter 3:21 James 2:14-26