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Abundant Life in the Son: A Study of Salvation

death and burial of the sinful nature and the birth of the new nature
(Romans 6:3–5). Peter wrote that baptism is a symbol of obedience
and has no value in washing away bodily dirt (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism
also has no value in washing away and removing sin and the effects
of the Fall (Hebrews 9:22, 26–28). While baptism is the scriptural duty
of every believer, it simply testifies to the reality of regeneration. It is a
public expression of one’s faith in Christ.

Error: Regeneration Makes Perfect
I’m reminded of a saying that was coined to answer such an error:
“Christians aren’t perfect; they’re just forgiven.” Let’s compare the new
birth to natural birth. While a baby has within him or her the possibility
for maturity, he or she is still a
baby. In the spiritual realm, a
new believer is a spiritual baby.
Regeneration does He or she has the possibility for
not produce a fully maturity but is still just an infant.
Regeneration does not produce a
developed spiritual fully developed spiritual person;
person; nevertheless, it nevertheless, it does begin a
spiritual relationship between
does begin a spiritual Christ and the believer. “No

relationship between one who lives in him keeps
on sinning” (1 John 3:6).
Christ and the believer. Instead, this person begins the
journey and progresses toward
Christian maturity.

Error: Good Works Cause Regeneration

Regeneration does not come by performing good works. People who
believe it does reason that since they are good, God will be fair and
grant them salvation. However, the Bible says that all have sinned and
need a Savior (1 John 1:10). Whoever has the Son of God has eternal
life, and whoever does not have the Son of God does not have spiritual
life (1 John 5:11–12). God would never have provided so costly a
sacrifice to save people unless they were completely and hopelessly lost
(John 3:16–18). It is only as we believe in Him and commit ourselves to
Him that we can be changed and made ready for heaven. Good works
are the fruit of a changed life; they are not the root or the source of it.

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