Righteousness by faith, repentance, baptism, and justification are essential parts of the salvation process, and when empowered by the Holy Spirit, they can guarantee salvation.
# Righteousness by Faith:
Righteousness by faith means that we receive God's righteousness as a gift, not through our own efforts or works. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are counted for His righteousness (Romans 3:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
# Repentance:
Repentance is the act of turning away from sin and toward God. It is a change of heart and mind, recognizing our sinfulness and our need for God’s forgiveness and mercy. Repentance is essential for salvation, because it shows our willingness to submit to the will of God (Luke 24:47, Acts 3:19).
# Baptism:
Baptism is considered essential to salvation. Here are some reasons why baptism is essential to salvation
# Biblical Significance
1. *Symbol of faith*: Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, showing a person's commitment to follow Him (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:3-4).
2. *Union with Christ*: Baptism represents a person’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, symbolizing the death of the old self and the new birth in Christ (Romans 6:3-5: Or do you not know that so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death through the righteous Father through death as Christ was raised from the dead. So we too should walk in newness of life Colossians 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
3. *Washing of sins*: Baptism is associated with the forgiveness of sins, as seen in Acts 2:38; Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and 22:16. And now why are you waiting? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
# Theological Perspectives
1. *Initiation*: Baptism is a rite of initiation, marking a person's entry into the Body of Christ (Church).
2. *Consensus. In general, baptism is considered essential to salvation because it symbolizes faith, union with Christ, and the forgiveness of sins. However, the specific role and significance of baptism varies among different Christian denominations and traditions.
# Justification:
Justification is the work of God declaring us righteous, based on our faith in Jesus Christ. When we are justified, we are cleared of our sins, and God's righteousness is imputed to us (Romans 3:24-25, 5:1).
# The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guaranteeing our salvation.
1. *Conviction and Regeneration*: The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and regenerates our hearts, allowing us to respond to God's offer of salvation (John 16:8-11, Titus 3:5-6).
2. *Sealing and Assurance: The Holy Spirit seals us as children of God, giving us the assurance of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
3. Empowerment and Sanctification:
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that honors God, and He sanctifies us, setting us apart for God’s purposes (Romans 8:1-4, 1 Corinthians 6:11 1.
1. Eternal Life: The Holy Spirit gives us eternal life, which is a gift that can never be taken away (John 10:28-30, Romans 6:23).
2. Sealed for Redemption: The Holy Spirit has sealed us for redemption, ensuring that we will be redeemed and glorified at the return of Jesus (Ephesians 1:13-14,
3. Assurance of Salvation: The Holy Spirit gives us the assurance of our salvation, giving us confidence and hope in our eternal future with God (Romans 8:16, 1 John 5:13).
In summary, righteousness through faith, repentance, baptism, and justification, empowered by the Holy Spirit, guarantees our salvation by giving us eternal life, sealing us for redemption, and giving us the assurance of our salvation.
