We believe and preach the
doctrines of the free and sovereign grace of God: Total Depravity,
Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance
of the Saints. These are truths plainly taught in the Word of God and
established in our hearts by the gracious teaching of the Holy Spirit. We
rejoice in them. I am frequently asked this question - "Can a person be
saved and not believe these things?"
Obviously, the answer is, "Yes". It is not
a proper understanding of doctrinal truth that gives life in Christ, but just
the reverse; life in Christ gives a proper understanding of doctrinal truth.
There is but one criterion for salvation - "Dost thou believe on the Son
of God?" Faith in Christ, and that alone, is salvation. But, mark this
down, faith in Christ produces submission to Christ. No man is saved who is a
rebel to the Lord Jesus Christ.
If a man is a true believer, he bows to the authority
of the Word of God. Show him plainly that something is taught in the Bible, and
he will receive it. His prejudices, his religious background, and his reason
submits to the authority of God's Word. He may not understand all that is
written in God's Book; but he believes it all and submits to it all.
Any man, or woman, who rebels against anything which
he knows is taught in the Word of God is lost. The true believer bows to what
God has revealed in all matters: Creation - Redemption - Salvation -
Resurrection - Eternity, etc. Are you a believer or a rebel; you cannot be
both.