Salvation in Jesus Christ:
Introduction to the 12-Part Series

Introduction to the series · Salvation in Jesus Christ: The New Testament Witness to Grace, Faith, and the Blood

I want you to know where this series is going before we take the first step.

Here is the central thesis in plain words. The New Testament teaches, from beginning to end, that salvation is provided by the grace of God and accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was paid for by His shed blood, it is received through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is applied by the Holy Ghost, who gives the new birth. Water baptism is commanded, important, and meaningful. But we must never give it the saving power that Scripture gives to Jesus Christ alone.

Over twelve parts, we will test that conclusion against the words of Jesus, the preaching of Peter, the teaching of Paul, the witness of John, the history Luke recorded in Acts, and the new covenant teaching of Hebrews. We will also face the main passages people use to argue that baptismal water forgives sin, gives the new birth, or saves: Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Titus 3:5, Romans 6:3–4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, and 1 Peter 3:21. I will not skip the hard verses.

My purpose is not to make baptism small. My purpose is to keep baptism in the place the Bible gives it, and to keep Jesus Christ and His finished work at the center, where He belongs.

The rule for this whole series comes from Acts 17:11. The Bereans “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Do the same with me. Do not accept anything here just because I said it. Read every passage in its context, compare Scripture with Scripture, and weigh the witness of the whole New Testament.

One question will guide us in every part: what does Scripture itself say is the basis of forgiveness, justification, the new birth, redemption, and eternal life?

Here is the answer this series will show from the Word of God. Jesus Christ saves, and His blood redeems. The grace of God provides salvation, and faith in Jesus Christ receives it. The Holy Ghost gives life, and water baptism follows in obedience.

Search these Scriptures for yourself: Acts 17:11; Romans 3:21–28; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Peter 1:18–19.

Next in this series: Part 1, Search the Scriptures: What Saves?

Old Testament companion series: Without Shedding of Blood: Hebrews 9:22 and the Passover (Part 1 of 7)

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“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (KJV)