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James 2:12-3:1 –
See the discussion of this misunderstood passage in the section on eternal security. This passage is not
talking about being saved from going to hell. It is talking about believers being evaluated by Christ at the
Bema seat for discipline or reward. Those who want to be “rescued, delivered, saved” from a merciless
evaluation should show mercy. That James’ thought has not changed is demonstrated by the fact that
after all of the discussion about the need for works to help “justify” a believer at this judgement, he tells
teachers they will be judged even more strictly. The terms are similar to eternal salvation terms, but in
context they are talking about those who are saved being evaluated by Christ on His return.

1 John 5:1-5 –
1 “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the
Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we
love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the
world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the
world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Some quote verse 3 saying that if we feel obedience is a burden, it is proof we are not saved. This is
ludicrous. The passage clearly says that the victory is not our works but our faith! It is a test of love not
salvific status. Our faith overcomes the world. We then ought to love our brothers well.

Other passages could be examined but these are sufficient to show how the clear teaching of Scripture
is that Salvation is by faith alone. Faith is the only condition for salvation. Confusing passages are often
cleared up by carefully reading passages in their context.

Is Repentance Necessary to Become Justified (Saved)?
Christians love to fight over this issue. In reality, they often are exhibiting a few points of confusing
categories. First, we must ask what repentance means. Many have disagreed over this throughout
church history. Some have said it means to turn from sin and obey. Some have said it means to stop
rejecting Christ and accept Him by faith. At least four other theories have been put forth. The comical
part is that each of them is correct in a certain sense. Sometimes it is changing the actions. Sometimes in
Scripture it is changing belief. When justification is in view, what is it? Does a person have to repent in
order to be saved? It entirely depends on what is meant by “repentance.” Charles Ryrie gives the best
explanation of the varied meanings in a simple form when he explains that:

“To repent is to change your mind. However, this only defines the word, not the concept, for you
need to ask, Change your mind about what? Depending on how you answer that question,
repentance might be a synonymous concept to believing in Christ or it might become an additional
requirement for salvation. If repentance is understood to mean changing your mind about your
sin—being sorry for your sin—this will not necessarily save. There are plenty of criminals in and out
of jails who are repentant in this sense. They are sorry for making certain mistakes, but this does not
mean they give up a life of crime. People can be sorry for their sins without wanting to accept the
forgiveness of a Savior.

But if repentance means changing your mind about the particular sin of rejecting Christ, then that
kind of repentance saves, and of course it is the same as faith in Christ. This is what Peter asked the
crowd to do on the day of Pentecost. They were to change their minds about Jesus of Nazareth.

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