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You may have heard of the Reformation doctrinal stance of Martin Luther, which has now become a doctrine so imbedded in the minds of some, to say anything different is to be branded a heretic. It is said by man that one is justified by faith alone through grace alone. When I ask about where this is taught in the Bible, or better yet, when I ask where “alone” is ever used with “grace” and/or “faith,” not one person can say. There is a reason for this: the word “alone” (or something similar) is not found except in one location, James 2:24 (be sure to read that).
The New Testament teaches one is saved by faith through grace (Eph. 2:8-9). The word “alone” has no place in that passage, so why is it that many insert it? Because of the failure to accept what the Lord says about baptism. In the minds of man, baptism is a work, and man is not saved by works, they conclude. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, the Bible still reads, “Baptism which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21, ESV).
Those who add the word “alone” add to the Word of God and, thus, go beyond the teachings of the New Testament (2 John 9-11).
Ron Thomas
Sunrush church of Christ
Chillicothe, OH