True Salvation

[papaJP]

You left out the book of Revelation. But this is not all of it.

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You will know if you are truly saved or not. od

I can tell you that I am saved and trying and striving to walk the walk I have been called to. Just study the total Bible and seek the revelations of God. Stop questioning everything. It has to be known in the heart not just the head.

 

[Harry3142]

Crossword-

All too often 'speaking in tongues' is used to describe a person's delivering a message in an unknown tongue, which someone else who claims to be an interpreter of tongues then translates. But compare that to the original event on Pentecost:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard him speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs - we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" (Acts 2:1-12,NIV)

The 'tongues' which the apostles spoke on the day of Pentecost were unknown only to them. The people whom they were addressing understood every word, because the apostles were speaking to them in their own native languages.

 

[Mister_Al]

Deleted.

 

[Crosssword]

I think I figured out. When you receive Jesus, you receive the Holy Spirit as your personal companion and comforter. This was something I really didn't understand in my youth, but looking back I can see where he has been there.

The Holy Spirit is the guarantee / seal of salvation. Those without him are not of Jesus.

Our Passionate Pursuit: Has the Holy Spirit left me?

However; our sin, if left unrepented, can cause our hearts to become hardened toward God and the Holy Spirit. This drives a wedge between us and makes us less sensitive to them. In John 10:4 Jesus said “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (NIV) When we sin and our hearts become hardened it is almost like putting cotton balls in our ears to the voice of the Father. His voice will first become muffled and eventually be nonexistent in our lives. This causes a feeling of being abandoned but it is us who has abandoned the Holy Spirit, not the other way around.

Also, the guilt and condemnation that we feel from our sin causes us to feel separated from the Father and the Holy Spirit. It is not because they have left us, it is because we have turned away from them and built a wall between us and them. The longer we continue to live in this sin the wall becomes higher and deeper and our hearts get harder and harder. We must repent of any sin in our lives and repentance involves more than just saying “I am sorry”. It requires a 180 degree change, a complete turning away from the sin. This repentance will tear down the walls that we have built. Repentance brings restoration of the relationship with the Holy Spirit.

 

[oi_antz]

I think I figured out. When you receive Jesus, you receive the Holy Spirit as your personal companion and comforter. This was something I really didn't understand in my youth, but looking back I can see where he has been there.

The Holy Spirit is the guarantee / seal of salvation. Those without him are not of Jesus.

Our Passionate Pursuit: Has the Holy Spirit left me?

Very good observation, I too know in retrospect that the Holy Spirit had always been guiding my thoughts even when I was believing against Christ during the times I held a grudge against Him. It is true that God loves us, and it is true that He wishes all to come to repentance and live within His grace, and those who love Him will never be able to reject Him when He presents Himself to them.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

I agree with you both, repentance is an essential ingredient to salvation. We can say we believe all we want but if we want to live and enjoy sin than we are not His. Not saying we don't sin occasionally but there is a difference between living in sin versus occasionally falling for it. There is nothing good in our natural selves, we must not only repent of our sin but of our sinful nature also, we must renounce it as dead.

I know that for me, the Lord did not grant me godly repentance until about two years ago, I grew up in church and went down to the alter when I was 11 but I loved sin and never repented of it, I got involved in drugs and porn and I enjoyed it, although I still basically new the truth (not in the depth I do know though). But it was not until two years ago that the Lord scared me out of my sin, I was reading in Hebrews 6 and 10 about the Lord giving us up after willful sin when we have known the truth. I was literally scared to death for my soul.

Jesus met me one night though and I have repented of all known sin in my life, I broke contact with all friends I used to have in the drug culture and I have committed my life to the Lord, the thing is the repentance I underwent was a complete work of the Holy Spirit, I would have never wanted to be free from the pleasures of sin unless the Lord had not intervene, that is why I believe that I was not saved until two years ago, if I was saved before that than I must of been on the verge of losing my salvation because the Lord desired my repentance, no more games with God.

I do know though that God was still with me in those prodigal days, I should have been dead many times. The Lord protected me, but I was walking a thin line if I had died in that state I'm not sure what would have happened, but God is good and it says in His word that He foreknew us before the world began (try to contemplate that!) so I know He always had my soul under His control, He is merciful to us in our sin, but there will come a day when we must choose who we will serve, the Lord or the devil (quoting Bob Dylan here), I think that there is a time that His mercy runs out and we are lost, he may let us die in that state even knowing the truth. I am convinced that repentance is essential, God is holy and He will not dwell in the presence of sin and that's all I have to say.

Sorry for rambling, I just felt like telling my story, maybe it will help someone, I pray it will, God bless!

 

[oi_antz]

I agree with you both, repentance is an essential ingredient to salvation. We can say we believe all we want but if we want to live and enjoy sin than we are not His. Not saying we don't sin occasionally but there is a difference between living in sin versus occasionally falling for it. There is nothing good in our natural selves, we must not only repent of our sin but of our sinful nature also, we must renounce it as dead.

I know that for me, the Lord did not grant me godly repentance until about two years ago, I grew up in church and went down to the alter when I was 11 but I loved sin and never repented of it, I got involved in drugs and porn and I enjoyed it, although I still basically new the truth (not in the depth I do know though). But it was not until two years ago that the Lord scared me out of my sin, I was reading in Hebrews 6 and 10 about the Lord giving us up after willful sin when we have known the truth. I was literally scared to death for my soul.

Jesus met me one night though and I have repented of all known sin in my life, I broke contact with all friends I used to have in the drug culture and I have committed my life to the Lord, the thing is the repentance I underwent was a complete work of the Holy Spirit, I would have never wanted to be free from the pleasures of sin unless the Lord had not intervene, that is why I believe that I was not saved until two years ago, if I was saved before that than I must of been on the verge of losing my salvation because the Lord desired my repentance, no more games with God.

I do know though that God was still with me in those prodigal days, I should have been dead many times. The Lord protected me, but I was walking a thin line if I had died in that state I'm not sure what would have happened, but God is good and it says in His word that He foreknew us before the world began (try to contemplate that!) so I know He always had my soul under His control, He is merciful to us in our sin, but there will come a day when we must choose who we will serve, the Lord or the devil (quoting Bob Dylan here), I think that there is a time that His mercy runs out and we are lost, he may let us die in that state even knowing the truth. I am convinced that repentance is essential, God is holy and He will not dwell in the presence of sin and that's all I have to say.

Sorry for rambling, I just felt like telling my story, maybe it will help someone, I pray it will, God bless!

Hey, thanks for sharing that, it sounds like a very real experience you have had. Yes one thing you mentioned in your opening paragraph there makes an extremely important point about repentance: "We can say we believe all we want but if we want to live and enjoy sin than we are not His." - some people I speak to tend to think that because we aren't saved by works but by grace that there is no obligation to repent, but this contradicts what Jesus Himself has said: "Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will enter heaven", and "Why do you call me Lord but do not do what I say?".

You also said: "it says in His word that He foreknew us before the world began" - would you mind showing me that scripture? I can't remember having read that.

And one more thing: "I think that there is a time that His mercy runs out and we are lost, he may let us die in that state even knowing the truth." - is this opinion based on what the Bible says? I can only think of Luke 15:4 which seems to say that those who belong to Him will not be forsaken.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

You also said: "it says in His word that He foreknew us before the world began" - would you mind showing me that scripture?

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

Ephesians 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world . . ."

He knew us before we were because He has always been, He is above time.

And one more thing: "I think that there is a time that His mercy runs out and we are lost, he may let us die in that state even knowing the truth." - is this opinion based on what the Bible says? I can only think of Luke 15:4 which seems to say that those who belong to Him will not be forsaken

I am not speaking of salvation here but merely mental accent to the truth of God, there are some who may believe that Jesus came to save man but want nothing to do with His salvation if that means giving up their sin, to put it better they may agree to let Him be their Saviour but not their Lord.

Also remember the bible says that even the demons believe (and tremble) but they will certainly not be saved. Belief is important don't get me wrong but we must be born again. The Holy Spirit must produce a work of grace in us to where we repent and our justified in the blood of the Lamb. Our heart must be made new in Christ and we must leave our sinful ways. That is why the bible says "repent ye" and "believe the gospel" repentance and saving faith go hand and hand, they must be together or not at all.

 

[oi_antz]

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

Ephesians 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world . . ."

He knew us before we were because He has always been, He is above time.

Ok, got it. I had misunderstood what you meant, I thought you were saying that we existed before we were born and I've had those sorts of thoughts presented to me before, but have never found Biblical support for it. I'll continue to keep my ears peeled then, thanks!

I am not speaking of salvation here but merely mental accent to the truth of God, there are some who may believe that Jesus came to save man but want nothing to do with His salvation if that means giving up their sin, to put it better they may agree to let Him be their Saviour but not their Lord.

Also remember the bible says that even the demons believe (and tremble) but they will certainly not be saved. Belief is important don't get me wrong but we must be born again. The Holy Spirit must produce a work of grace in us to where we repent and our justified in the blood of the Lamb. Our heart must be made new in Christ and we must leave our sinful ways. That is why the bible says "repent ye" and "believe the gospel" repentance and saving faith go hand and hand, they must be together or not at all.

That to me seems to describe someone who never belonged to Him, I'd be interested to know if there is a case study of such a person you mention here that has been baptized in the name of Jesus but never accepted Him as Lord. This doesn't seem to describe those prodigal sons who have had to repent after going on a journey, which I thought was the topic we had landed on. Thanks for clarifying that

 

[SavedbyGod12]

So many different theories on True Salvation.

This means some of you are not saved.

You can't be.

You can't all be right.

Can You?

 

[oi_antz]

So many different theories on True Salvation.

This means some of you are not saved.

You can't be.

You can't all be right.

Can You?

Hi SavedbyGod12, thank you for contributing! I don't know the answer to your question and I won't pretend I do, but how about you answer a question for me if you can: whose decision you think it is, as to who is saved and who isn't?

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

No different theories here, maybe on miner issues but not on the two main points:

1. Repentance from all sin.

2. Saving faith in Jesus by His loving grace.

This doesn't seem to describe those prodigal sons who have had to repent after going on a journey, which I thought was the topic we had landed on. Thanks for clarifying that

How do you know though if someone is a prodigal or if they are resting in false assurance in cheap grace while they go and live like the devil? That was my point. I don't think God plays games with sin, yes He will forgive us if we come to Him but not if we refuse to submit to His rule in our lives. Any sin we try to hold on to and cherish in our hearts shows that we have rejected Him as Lord of our lives.

Not saying that we will not mess up and sin, this is going to happen, but when we (true Christians) do we repent afresh and don't want to do it again, but if you say you are saved but hold to a sin that you will not give up and have no desire to, I doubt your security. That was what I was saying.

What I have just said is based on this scripture: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (1 John 3:9)

You see, if we have been truly born of God we will not sin (continually without repenting) actually we cannot sin because we have the Holy Spirit (seed), if we do not have the Holy Spirit we do not have the safe guard in our hearts to keep us from living in sin.

I don't really want to get into a "once saved, always saved" debate here (although that's where its going) but I will just say that although I asked the Lord into my heart when I was 11, I believe I was not saved until about two years ago when i repented of the sin in my life.

The Lord granted me that in His mercy, I could not and would not do it on my own (repent). So I know personally that repentance and faith go hand in hand, I'm not saying that while I was in the far country God was not looking out for me and hoping I would return but I am saying that if I had died in that state I would have been lost.

I do believe this, God basically told me one day when I was coming off of some drugs; "no more games with sin, either you repent or I will let you go." I listened! I repented because the Lord scared me with a godly fear to wake me up out of that state. I realized that I had held on to sin my whole life and I had to let it go so He could be Lord and not self and sin.

I believe I was truly saved then, not when I said a prayer at 11.

 

[oi_antz]

No different theories here, maybe on miner issues but not on the two main points:

1. Repentance from all sin.

2. Saving faith in Jesus by His loving grace.

How do you know though if someone is a prodigal or if they are resting in false assurance in cheap grace while they go and live like the devil?

Only God knows, even the person themselves doesn't know that.

That was my point. I don't think God plays games with sin, yes He will forgive us if we come to Him but not if we refuse to submit to His rule in our lives. Any sin we try to hold on to and cherish in our hearts shows that we have rejected Him as Lord of our lives.

Not saying that we will not mess up and sin, this is going to happen, but when we (true Christians) do we repent afresh and don't want to do it again, but if you say you are saved but hold to a sin that you will not give up and have no desire to, I doubt your security. That was what I was saying.

What I have just said is based on this scripture: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (1 John 3:9)

You see, if we have been truly born of God we will not sin (continually without repenting) actually we cannot sin because we have the Holy Spirit (seed), if we do not have the Holy Spirit we do not have the safe guard in our hearts to keep us from living in sin.

I don't really want to get into a "once saved, always saved" debate here (although that's where its going) but I will just say that although I asked the Lord into my heart when I was 11, I believe I was not saved until about two years ago when i repented of the sin in my life.

The Lord granted me that in His mercy, I could not and would not do it on my own (repent). So I know personally that repentance and faith go hand in hand, I'm not saying that while I was in the far country God was not looking out for me and hoping I would return but I am saying that if I had died in that state I would have been lost.

I do believe this, God basically told me one day when I was coming off of some drugs; "no more games with sin, either you repent or I will let you go." I listened! I repented because the Lord scared me with a godly fear to wake me up out of that state. I realized that I had held on to sin my whole life and I had to let it go so He could be Lord and not self and sin.

I believe I was truly saved then, not when I said a prayer at 11.

Yep, well I certainly wouldn't encourage anyone to go prodigal, if you examine what that story means you'll see just how foolish the son was to take his inheritance and squander it on gluttony and prostitutes. It seems to say quite clearly that he had lost everything he was entitled to and it was extremely difficult to come groveling back to his father, but he actually had no other option than death. As for when you are truly saved, I tend to think you are probably saved as long as you believe in Him and treat Him with the respect due to Him. Once you make that decision to reject Him, I think that is when you forsake your salvation. It's not like you can treat Him like a doormat, if you have walked away from Christ before you will definitely know how valuable it is to have a father like Him. I hope this supports what you are saying here, please let me know if I seem to have overlooked something scriptural, that would certainly be appreciated.

 

[Mister_Al]

So many different theories on True Salvation.

This means some of you are not saved.

You can't be.

You can't all be right.

Can You?

You're absolutely correct in what you've said. It doesn't matter what doctrine of salvation you've been taught (unless it's specifically mentioned in the Bible) there's only ONE way to salvation and there will be few that find it.


Matthew 7:21-23 (Amplified Bible)

21) Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

22) Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?

23) And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].

These people not only thought they were saved, they obviously had ministries where they thought they were prophesying, and casting out demons, and doing other mighty works in the name of Jesus. But you'll notice that Jesus didn't listen to any of their claims but just said He NEVER knew them.

Blessings,

Alan

 

[oi_antz]

You're absolutely correct in what you've said. It doesn't matter what doctrine of salvation you've been taught (unless it's specifically mentioned in the Bible) there's only ONE way to salvation and there will be few that find it.


Matthew 7:21-23 (Amplified Bible)

21) Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

22) Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?

23) And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].

These people not only thought they were saved, they obviously had ministries where they thought they were prophesying, and casting out demons, and doing other mighty works in the name of Jesus. But you'll notice that Jesus listen to any of their claims but said He NEVER knew them.

Blessings,

Alan

Thank you Alan, that is a superb answer. Can I ask you a question about this: If someone really loves God and they are prepared to give everything to do His will, how would that person know who Jesus truly is, that he can ask forgiveness and for His Lordship in their life? How do you think this sort of person would know that the one they are supposedly trusting when they prophesy and cast out demons, is possibly not really Jesus the Christ?

 

[Mister_Al]

Hi SavedbyGod12, thank you for contributing! I don't know the answer to your question and I won't pretend I do, but how about you answer a question for me if you can: whose decision you think it is, as to who is saved and who isn't?

If God judges all as to who is, or isn't, saved then He must have some doctrine to judge everyone by. And, He would have to make everyone aware of what they must do to be saved or He wouldn't be fair to everyone. So that means that the doctrine of salvation more than likely is in the Bible where everyone can read it for themselves. Personally, I'd believe what the Bible says to do to be saved over what most of the churches teach about salvation.

Alan

 

[oi_antz]

If God judges all as to who is, or isn't, saved then He must have some doctrine to judge everyone by. And, He would have to make everyone aware of what they must do to be saved or He wouldn't be fair to everyone. So that means that the doctrine of salvation more than likely is in the Bible where everyone can read it for themselves. Personally, I'd believe what the Bible says to do to be saved over what most of the churches teach about salvation.

Alan

Thank you Alan, again I feel that you have hit the nail on the head with this statement.

 

[Mister_Al]

Thank you Alan, that is a superb answer. Can I ask you a question about this: If someone really loves God and they are prepared to give everything to do His will, how would that person know who Jesus truly is, that he can ask forgiveness and for His Lordship in their life? How do you think this sort of person would know that the one they are supposedly trusting when they prophesy and cast out demons, is possibly not really Jesus the Christ?

I'll give you a a couple of scriptures to meditate upon as an answer:

Ephesians 2:11-12 (Amplified Bible)

11) Therefore, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (heathens) in the flesh, called Uncircumcision by those who called themselves Circumcision, [itself a mere mark] in the flesh made by human hands.

12) [Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the [Messianic] promise [with no knowledge of or right in God's agreements, His covenants]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God.

According to the above scripture an unsaved (gentile) person didn't have any claim on any of God's covenant--even salvation. So that means that when they pray the sinners prayer, or ask Jesus to come into their heart, God is not under any covenant obligation to give them salvation, or even pay any attention to their prayers.

If someone wants salvation through Jesus they have to first get into that covenant with God before they can expect to get it. Once you are under (Abraham's) covenant then you have a right to it and then you can receive it from God.

Here's how to get in Covenant with God so you can receive His salvation:


Galatians 3:27-29 (Amplified Bible)

27) For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.

28) There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29) And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.


The Bible says that when anyone is baptized into Christ that they are in Him and are THEN Abraham's offspring and an heir according to God's promise.

Be Blessed,

Alan

 

[oi_antz]

I'll give you a a couple of scriptures to meditate upon as an answer:

Ephesians 2:11-12 (Amplified Bible)

11) Therefore, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (heathens) in the flesh, called Uncircumcision by those who called themselves Circumcision, [itself a mere mark] in the flesh made by human hands.

12) [Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the [Messianic] promise [with no knowledge of or right in God's agreements, His covenants]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God.

According to the above scripture an unsaved (gentile) person didn't have any claim on any of God's covenant--even salvation. So that means that when they pray the sinners prayer, or ask Jesus to come into their heart, God is not under any covenant obligation to give them salvation, or even pay any attention to their prayers.

If someone wants salvation through Jesus they have to first get into that covenant with God before they can expect to get it. Once you are under (Abraham's) covenant then you have a right to it and then you can receive it from God.

Here's how to get in Covenant with God so you can receive His salvation:


Galatians 3:27-29 (Amplified Bible)

27) For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.

28) There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29) And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.


The Bible says that when anyone is baptized into Christ that they are in Him and are THEN Abraham's offspring and an heir according to God's promise.

Be Blessed,

Alan

Thank you Alan. One more thing, do you think it is possible to have thought you were baptized into Christ but not to have actually been baptized into Christ? Or do you think that if you truly trust Jesus Christ and follow Him, as you have already said, to believe the Bible over your fellow man, is it possible to receive this baptism into Christ by virtue of your own faith despite that the person who baptized you may not be representing the same Holy Spirit that Jesus represents?

The reason I ask is because there seem to be an aweful lot of people who profess to be Christian, but they don't come across as being very good examples of Jesus' likeness. And when doing a search for "false baptism", I came across this article: The High Spiritual Cost of a False Water Baptism . Do you think this story is true, that these people did in fact receive a curse when they were expecting a blessing?

I am aware of the verse 1 John 4:1-6 which shows us how to identify the ones who aren't of God, and I understand that if you ask such a person whether they believe Jesus came in the flesh and rose again, they may be inclined to lie and say yes, being such the deceiver they are. I understand that these people will never confess this of their own accord though, because this is not the sort of message they want to promote.

So thank you for showing me those verses, they have helped to answer the question I had, but there is still a little bit left: how does one know that the spirit they have come to know to be Jesus is really Jesus and not a spirit of the occult, or is it not even possible because those spirits will never confess themselves to be Jesus but will gain a person's trust some other way? Thank you for your help with this.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8)

We are saved by faith in the Son of God.

The Bible says that when anyone is baptized into Christ that they are in Him and are THEN Abraham's offspring and an heir according to God's promise

What of faith, grace and repentance? Are they not needed? The bible teaches that salvation hinges on our response to the gospel message of Jesus in faith (although a faith that can only be produced in us by His grace).

The thief on the cross next to Jesus was not baptised and yet he was saved. (I'm not saying that baptism is not important just that it is not essential to ones salvation; faith is).