Introduction

• Romans 5:1

• Acts 16:31

• John 3:16

• We studied about baptism being required for salvation, but these verses all talk about belief only!

Something’s going on

• What about repentance? (Acts 3:19; II Peter 3:9; Galatians 5:19-21)

• … and the demons? (James 2:19)

• … and these Jews? (John 12:42-43; Matthew 10:32-33)

• … and Saul? (Acts 9; 22:16)

  • Saul believed, but still had sins until he was baptized!

• … and these other Jews? (Acts 2:36-38)

Figurative language?

• John 2:19-21; 6:51-52; Matthew 16:6, 12

• Synecdoche – a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole, or vice versa.

  • Example: “give me a hand”

• A synecdoche would explain how ALL the passages about salvation are true and not contradictory.

• If taking a statement literally forces it to contradict a known truth, then the statement is either wrong or figurative.

  • John 3:3; 10:9; Luke 13:32

• “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”

  • But … repentance (Acts 3:19), confession (Romans 10:9), baptism (I Peter 3:21)

Synecdoches are commonly used in the Bible.

• Genesis 3:19; Romans 10:15; Acts 11:21

• Acts 16:31-34