STUDIES ON SAVING FAITH Part II SAVING FAITH
A.W. Pink emphasizes that saving faith is the indispensable condition for eternal life, distinguishing true faith from mere belief, and warns of the eternal consequences of unbelief.
In this teaching sermon, A.W. Pink explores the vital nature of saving faith as the essential condition for eternal life, distinguishing it from mere intellectual belief or ritual baptism. He warns listeners of the grave consequences of unbelief and the danger of false assurance. Pink urges a diligent and thorough examination of what true saving faith entails to avoid eternal condemnation.
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STUDIES ON SAVING FAITH
Part II
SAVING FAITH
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:16). These are the words of Christ, the risen Christ, and are the last that He uttered ere He left this earth. None more important were ever spoken to the sons of men. They call for our most diligent attention. They are of the greatest possible consequence, for in them are set forth the terms of eternal happiness or misery; life and death, and the conditions of both. Faith is the principal saving grace, and unbelief the chief damning sin. The law, which threatens death for every sin, has already passed sentence of condemnation upon all, because all have sinned. This sentence is so peremptory that it admits of but one exception—all shall be executed if they believe not.
The condition of life as made known by Christ in Mark 16:16 is double: the principal one, faith; the accessory one, baptism; accessory, we term it, because it is not absolutely necessary to life, as faith is. Proof of this is found in the fact of the omission in the second half of the verse: it is not "he that is not baptized shall be damned," but "he that believeth not." Faith is so indispensable that, though one be baptized, yet believeth not, he shall be damned. As we have said above, the sinner is already condemned: the sword of Divine justice is drawn even now and waits only to strike the fatal blow. Nothing can divert it but saving faith in Christ. My reader, continuance in unbelief makes Hell as certain as though you were already in it. While you remain in unbelief, you are "having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12).
Now if believing be so necessary, and unbelief so dangerous and fatal, it deeply concerns us to know what it is to believe. It behooves each one of us to make the most diligent and thorough inquiry as to the nature of saving faith. The more so, because all faith does not save; yea, all faith in Christ does not save. Multitudes are deceived upon this vital matter. Thousands of those who sincerely believe that they have received Christ as their personal Saviour and are resting on His finished work, are building upon a foundation of sand. Vast numbers who have not a doubt but that God has accepted them in the Beloved, and are eternally secure in Christ, will only be awakened from their pleasant dreamings when the cold hand of death lays hold of them; and then it will be too late. Unspeakably solemn is this. Reader, will that be your fate? Others just as sure they were saved as you are, are now in Hell.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of Christ's last words on faith and baptism
- Faith as the principal saving grace
- Unbelief as the chief damning sin
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II
- The law's condemnation on all sinners
- Faith alone as the condition for salvation
- Baptism as accessory, not absolutely necessary
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III
- The fatal consequences of unbelief
- The necessity to understand what true saving faith is
- Warning against false assurance of salvation
Key Quotes
“Faith is the principal saving grace, and unbelief the chief damning sin.” — A.W. Pink
“"While you remain in unbelief, you are 'having no hope, and without God in the world' (Eph. 2:12).” — A.W. Pink
“Thousands of those who sincerely believe that they have received Christ as their personal Saviour... are building upon a foundation of sand.” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Examine your own faith to ensure it is true saving faith and not mere intellectual assent.
- Do not rely on baptism alone for salvation but place your trust fully in Christ.
- Recognize the seriousness of unbelief and respond with repentance and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baptism necessary for salvation according to this sermon?
No, baptism is considered accessory and not absolutely necessary; faith alone is the indispensable condition for salvation.
What is the chief damning sin mentioned?
Unbelief is identified as the chief damning sin leading to eternal condemnation.
Can all faith save a person?
No, not all faith saves; even faith in Christ can be insufficient if it is not true saving faith.
What is the consequence of continuing in unbelief?
Continuance in unbelief makes Hell as certain as if one were already there.
Why is it important to understand saving faith?
Because many are deceived about their salvation, and understanding saving faith is crucial to ensure eternal life.