DANGER OF THE WORD: "ONLY"
THE DANGER OF ONE LITTLE WORD “ONLY”
Sometimes the most dangerous word in a religious statement is the smallest: "only."
We hear that salvation comes by “faith only.” Others offer a sinner’s prayer, assuring someone that repeating a few sincere words has settled the matter. Still others might speak as though baptism, church membership, or good behavior can save a person on its own. These approaches differ, but they share a problem: each risks reducing God’s plan of salvation to one favored part, even with sincere intentions.
The sinner’s prayer illustrates the danger. Modern revival movements made the practice popular, but popularity cannot establish biblical authority. Prayer is a wonderful privilege. God hears those who seek Him, and Scripture repeatedly calls people to pray. Yet where do the apostles instruct someone seeking salvation to pray a prescribed prayer in order to have sins forgiven? We ought to be able to answer that question from Scripture, not tradition.
Consider Saul of Tarsus. After encountering Jesus, Saul spent three days without sight, fasting and praying (Acts 9:9–11). His prayers were real. His conviction was real. Nevertheless, Ananias told him, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Prayer had not made obedience unnecessary.
But we must apply that same standard to our own teaching. If we object to “faith only,” we should never leave the impression that salvation comes by “baptism only.” Water does not possess saving power. A person cannot earn redemption by submitting to a ceremony while refusing to trust Christ or turn away from sin. Peter specifically explains that baptism is “not the removal of the filth of the flesh,” but is connected to an appeal to God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21).
Likewise, Scripture plainly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, “not of works, lest anyone should boast”(Ephesians 2:8–9). We must never speak of repentance, confession, or baptism as if they purchase what Jesus purchased with His blood. Our obedience is a response to God's gracious offer, not a replacement for it.
The New Testament does not force us to choose between passages. Jesus calls us to believe (John 3:16). Peter commands repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38). Paul connects confession with faith (Romans 10:9–10). James warns that faith without works is dead and says a person is “not justified by faith only” (James 2:24). These truths belong together because they come from the same Lord.
Of course, Christ alone is our Savior. No congregation, preacher, or human achievement can claim His place. The problem is not emphasizing something Scripture teaches; it is using “only” to dismiss something else Scripture teaches.
Perhaps the question we ought to ask is not, “What is the one thing I must do?” but, “What has God asked of me?” That question turns our attention away from cherished formulas and predetermined plans back to His Word.
Salvation is not found in a phrase, a ritual, or our ability to assemble a flawless checklist. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). The safest response to His grace is neither to add to His instructions nor to explain any of them away.
When God has spoken, we should be cautious about adding even one word.
~ Casey Clement
>PS. This week, challenge someone to look beyond what they have always been taught about salvation and study with you what God’s Word actually says.