There is Nothing You Can Do to be Saved!

In John chapter 3 verses 3-8 Jesus tells Nicomedus that he must be born again. He must be born of the Spirit in contrast to being born of the flesh (or from water, i.e. the birth canal). Being born of the Spirit, not baptised with water, indicates the person is truly bought and paid for by Jesus Christ’s blood shed on the cross.

There is no “sinner’s prayer” that can save you. You cannot just make Jesus Lord of your life and be saved. “Lordship salvation” is a deception of Satan.

And the “sinner’s prayer” probably has doomed more people to Hell than any other doctrine in the churches. Those who made their “decision” from such a prayer may believe they are saved, and some may be, but not from their action of repeating some words spoken by some preacher. They are deceived, but believing their place in heaven is secure they go about living a life devoid of any fruits of the Spirit.

Many “Christians” will end up in hell because of this. Popular preachers (false teachers) such as Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes usually make an invitation for “salvation” in a formulaic prayer. But is it a true way to salvation? The following short video compilation sets out biblical truths with Voddie Baucham, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, and John Henry.

John McArthur explains the issue very well. He points to the key verse in the passage in John 3, that is, verse 8. God’s Spirit is the one doing the rebirthing. It is totally determined by Him, not by you or me or anyone else making a decision.

I think the KJ3 version really explains this very well.

The Spirit breathes where He desires, and you hear His voice; but you do not know from where He comes, and where He goes; so is everyone having been generated [or born] from the Spirit.

John 3:8 KJ3

So when John the Baptist said to repent, he was calling the hearer to change his or her mind, to do a 180 degree turn in his or her life, but it is only the power of the Holy Spirit that enables a person to do so.

The good news (the gospel) is that Jesus paid the price of your redemption. You do not have to work for the free gift of eternal life. Romans 6:23. In fact, you cannot do anything to be saved. Only by God’s power can you even trust in Jesus Christ. If you do hear his voice and respond, you will be saved.

For every one, “whoever may call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 KJ3 (also Act 2:21, Joel 2:32)

And your response does not save you. Jesus chose those who He will save. It is totally a work of God, and not of you. John 6:29, Ephesians 2:8,9.

Comments welcome below.

Join me on Telegram.org: @GideonHartnett https://t.me/gideonhartnett 

If you want to be notified by email each time I add a new post click the “Email” button below and add your email address.

Recommended Reading

1. Salvation
2. How do you know you are saved?
3. Can you do anything to be saved?
4. Particular election
5. Eternal salvation