What does John 1:12 mean by the right to become children of God?
Claim examined: Faith, grace, and obedience
Scriptural Answer
10. Another asks: “If these passages in John do not mean salvation by faith without baptism, how do you account for those to whom Jesus said, ‘Thy faith hath saved thee,’ and again ‘THY sins be forgiven thee.’ Was Jesus teaching one thing and practicing another?” Answer: 1) The first mistake of the querist is a failure to rightly divide the word of truth. Before one dies, his will can be changed. A man may give his wealth away on different conditions or on no conditions. After his death, it must be dispensed according to his will. Before Jesus died, He could forgive sins on different conditions, or on no conditions. Hence, He could say to the sick of the palsy, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," or ''Thy faith hath made thee whole.'' (This latter case was merely a case of healing and not of salvation.) This was before the terms of pardon for the Gospel Age were given. It was after the death of Jesus that He spoke the Great Commission: (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15,16; Lk. 24:46,47). Why can't people see this? (2) Repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus first began to be preached in Jerusalem after his death, after His ascension, and after the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide the Apostles into all truth. (Lk. 24:46-53; Acts 1:5,8). This was fulfilled Acts 2:1-47. The New Testament is now in force. (3) The theme of the Book of John is faith. (Jno. 20:30,31). The primary purpose is to establish the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. (4) In the first chapter it is revealed that the believer has a right to BECOME a child of God. (Jn. 1:11,12). Therefore, one is not a child of God by faith only; but must do something else to become a child of God. He must be born of water and the Spirit. (Jno. 3:5). This is the plan of salvation in a figure. The new birth is fully explained and illustrated in the Great Commission and in the Book of Acts, and it is clear that to be born again is to believe, repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins. No inquiring sinner is ever told to be born again, but is told plainly to believe, repent, and be baptized. (Acts 2:38-41; 16:29-34; 22:16). (5) It should be observed that all conditions of salvation are not always mentioned together. For instance, John 5:24; 3:16; and 6:47, passages often used to teach salvation by faith only without baptism, do not mention repentance. Is repentance, therefore, non-essential? They do not mention grace, or the blood of Christ. Are these, therefore, non-essential? Because baptism is not mentioned in every passage that faith is, the conclusion should not be reached that baptism is not essential. Where it is mentioned, it is clear that it is essential. Moreover, there are a number of passages that mention baptism that do not mention faith, grace, or the blood of Christ. Peter said, "baptism doth also now save us," (I Pet. 3:20,21), and Ananias told Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16). Man is not saved by anything only. Jesus saves those that obey Him, and do the will of the Father. (Matt. 7:21). 1. Obedience to Christ is essential to Salvation (Heb. 5:9). 2. Baptism is a command (Acts 10:48). 3. Therefore, baptism is essential to salvation.
KJV Scriptures Used
Read each passage in its chapter and compare the Scriptures together.