There are many popular theories floating around in the 21st century scientific community, and even a few more in modern theological seminaries. But I am here to tell you that Christians do not believe in a “Theory of Salvation”. There is nothing theoretical about Christ’s teaching on the gospel. If the Bible is the inspired word of God then what Christ said about eternal life is a fact.
Basic Christianity is simple and straight forward. I don’t know of anyway to confuse the following statement by Jesus Christ: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6, KJV). Jesus made it clear that what He taught was non-negotiable, and not a single person would make it into heaven except through Him.
Jesus is not one of many ways to salvation. He is the only way to enter into the presence of God. He is the only way to get forgiveness of sins. His truth is the only truth that matters for our salvation.
It is true that we are not saved by knowledge; we are saved by knowing Christ. Yet, we must know the real Jesus. The most frightening warning that Jesus gave was about false Christs and false prophets who would deceive many. The false Christians thought they knew the truth about Jesus–and called Him Lord–but Jesus said that He never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23). The signs and wonders were a false evidence of their Christianity. They trusted in what they did instead of relying on what Christ had done for them; they were self-centered instead of Christ centered.
Don’t be fooled by those who claim that the teachings of Christ are simply a matter of personal interpretation. It matters what we believe concerning Jesus and the plan of salvation. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 5:24).
Genuine faith is not hoping or wishing something to be true, but it is trusting that God’s word is the truth. If you still have doubts about your salvation then it is time to accept the free gift of salvation paid for by the blood of Christ. His resurrection from the dead is all the proof you need to trust in the way, the truth, and the life.
~Stephen Beagles