What about when the Apostles answered the question, "What must I DO to be saved"? Or when they asked Peter, after coming under conviction for crucifying Jesus, what must we DO, and Peter says, "Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins". It seems that some would consider this work based salvation. It seems like they were explaining, 'How to become a Christian'.

A distinction that people have told me that has helped me on this issue, is that we are passive in regeneration, but active in salvation. That is, God takes out our wicked, God hating, Adamic heart and gives us a new heart(Eze 36.). He implants spiritual life to us. Am I justified at this point? No. Now with a new heart that is in accordance to the things of God, the Gospel is given and I freely, actively, respond to the Gospel. I place my trust in Christ and repent of my sins, and have the 'benefits of the atonement applied
to me by faith'.

So, there is something for someone to do to be saved. Repent and Believe the Gospel. That is how they can become a Christian. The benefits of the atonement can be applied to them if they repent of their sins and trust in Christ.

__________________
Andrew Clerebout
Joy Baptist Church, IFB (Westland, MI)

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