The Misunderstanding of the Simple Gospel
The majority view of what the world considers the gospel is faith only, you ought to be extremely concerned because born of water and Spirit is the minority view. So are you on the broad way or narrow way that few find?
Many religious individuals believe that they are Christians, but there is a prevalent misunderstanding of the simple Gospel that Jesus Himself preached in John 3. He clearly states that in order for a person to enter into His Kingdom, they must be born of water and Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:5-7)
Jesus unequivocally asserts that entry into His Kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth through water and the Spirit. This spiritual birth, analogous to a natural birth, signifies a departure from spiritual darkness. He cautions that many reject this testimony. It raises the paradox of professing belief in Him while rejecting His words—an incongruity highlighted in John 3.
Those who advocate faith alone may be influenced by a stance against works, but James 2:14-26 plainly challenges the notion that faith devoid of works is salvific. The failure to recognize the spirit of the Word stems from a reluctance to embrace spiritual rebirth. James imparts the lesson that correction of those ensnared by a false faith-only gospel should be approached with love, offering the "bread" of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection and the "clothing" of water immersion baptism.
Acknowledging salvation's credit lies with the Savior, not the saved, is crucial (Luke 17:7-10). The scriptural imperative for all to be saved through belief in the Son's name is illuminated in John 6:28-29 and 1 John 5:13. Believing in His name involves recognizing His authority and obediently following His prescribed path for entering His Kingdom.
The proponents of faith-only doctrine often point to the judgment in Matthew, asserting that the condemned boasted of their works. However, Jesus emphasizes that these individuals relied on a false gospel, including faith-only claims. He satirically notes their preaching and miracles as insufficient, emphasizing the indispensability of the Spirit through water baptism (Matthew 7:21-23).
In a subsequent passage in Matthew, the righteous inquire about their actions of compassion, demonstrating that they practiced what Jesus preached in John 3. This highlights the transformative power of sharing the true Gospel, breaking chains of false faith-only beliefs (Matthew 25:31-46).
Christians emphasize the imperative of being born again by obeying the Gospel. The numerous instances of water in conversion accounts, the Apostles' and John the Baptist's teachings, Jesus' words in John 3, and the triune God's involvement underscore this necessity. Without this spiritual rebirth, one remains spiritually dead in their sins (2 Thessalonians 1:6-12).