SAVING FAITH IS ACTIVE, OBEDIENT FAITH

When Bible passages are studied in their context, it is clear that active faith is the only faith the Lord accepts.  An obedient faith does not mean that the sinner is saved by works through which he merits salvation.  However, when one is saved by "grace through faith," the faith which saves is active and obedient.  The apostle spoke of "the command of God... that all nations might believe and obey him" (Romans 16:26).  Passages that teach that one is saved by faith (such as John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9) should not be isolated from passages that require spiritual responses for salvation.  Jesus said one must be "born of water and the spirit" (John 3:5).  Jesus' disciples must "listen and follow" Him (John 10:3-4).  Many leaders "believed," but "would not confess their faith" (John 12:42).  In order to saved, one must do all God requires, including faith, repentance, confession, and baptism.  The Bible says, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17).