On Holy Tradition #
In discussions of questions of faith, Baptist sectarians acknowledge only Holy Scripture as the sole source of doctrine and always demand proof “from the line of Scripture.” Therefore, when conversing with them about Holy Tradition, one must first of all demonstrate the insufficiency of Holy Scripture as the sole source of doctrine, and explain to listeners that before one can be guided by Holy Scripture, it is necessary to be assured that it is authentic and divinely inspired. How can we be assured that the books of Holy Scripture are genuine, and truly those that proceeded from the hands of the sacred writers? We know that there are non-canonical and spurious books—apocryphal writings.
Our reason is not capable, by itself, of resolving this question, for it lacks the necessary evidence. Where the arbitrary reasoning of man leads in such cases is evident from the example of Luther, who rejected the Epistle of James, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the Apocalypse. Nowhere does Holy Scripture provide a proper account of its own number and composition; this we can know only from Holy Tradition. Without the guidance of Holy Tradition, we cannot properly understand and interpret Holy Scripture. When interpretation is left to the individual, there are as many interpretations as there are minds, as we see among the sectarians.
Holy Tradition is older than Holy Scripture: in Paradise and until Moses, men were guided by Tradition alone:
John 1:17
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
The source of Christian teaching must be both Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. Our Lord Jesus Christ handed down His divine teaching and His Church ordinances to His disciples by word and by example—not by writing (except for John 8:8):
John 8:8
“And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.”
The Holy Apostles likewise at first established the Church and spread the Christian faith in the same manner:
Matthew, Chapter 10
[This chapter contains the sending forth of the Twelve Apostles and Christ’s commands to preach, heal, and cast out devils, along with instructions not to take gold or script for their journey, and foretelling persecution.]
Only some of them left behind writings. These writings, composed in response to various incidental circumstances—
John 1:4
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
2 Corinthians 1:8–10
“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”
Philemon 1:21
“Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.”
—did not aim to present in a systematic and complete form all the Christian ordinances:
1 Corinthians 11:34
“And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.”
Thus, without Holy Tradition, we do not even know how to perform the holy sacrament of baptism or the other sacraments.
Since not everything necessary for our salvation is written down in Scripture with sufficient fullness:
2 John 1:12
“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
John 21:25
“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”
Therefore, even having Holy Scripture, we must also keep Holy Tradition, if it is in agreement with revelation and with Scripture. For the Apostle Paul writes:
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
2 Timothy 3:14–15
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 2:2
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
1 Timothy 6:20
“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.”
2 Timothy 1:13
“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 1:5
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
The sacred writers themselves made use of Holy Tradition. Such are, for example: the Evangelist Luke, who wrote his Gospel on the basis of Tradition:
Luke 1:2–3
“Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,”
The Apostle Jude believed the Tradition concerning the dispute between the Archangel Michael and the devil:
Jude 1:9
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
The Apostle Paul, in none of his writings, disclosed what it was that hindered the Antichrist from appearing prematurely, but spoke of it orally to the Thessalonians:
2 Thessalonians 2:5–6
“Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.”
Then, the Apostle taught in Ephesus for three years:
Acts 20:31
“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
—but his epistle to the Ephesians contains only a few words. It is clear that much of what he taught there—many of his counsels and instructions—was not written down. But should these be forgotten by the faithful? Certainly not. Hence, it is evident that among the dogmas and preachings preserved in the Church, some we have from written instruction, and some we have received from apostolic tradition, passed down in secret succession; and both possess the same authority for piety.
The sectarians—Baptists—call the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church “the traditions of the elders,” and to condemn the Orthodox, they cite:
Matthew 15:1–9
“Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Mark 7:3–4
“For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.”
Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Therefore, it is necessary to clarify to the listeners the true meaning of the above-mentioned passages of Scripture and to show that the “traditions of the elders,” the human, Pharisaic traditions, are not the same as Holy Tradition—whereas Holy Tradition is the Word of God just as Holy Scripture is, only not written with paper and ink, but passed down from mouth to mouth:
2 John 1:12
“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
3 John 1:13–14
“I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.”
The words of Holy Scripture in Matthew 15:1–9 and Mark 7:5–13 do not condemn all instructions from the elders (e.g., the holy fathers), just as they do not condemn the instructions of John the Theologian, who also calls himself an elder:
2 John 1:1
“The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;”
3 John 1:1
“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.”
Baptists, based on 2 Thessalonians 2:15, attempt to argue that by “Tradition” the Apostle refers to Scripture. Therefore, it must be pointed out to the Baptists that the Apostle clearly distinguishes between the spoken word and the written epistle:
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
2 Timothy 1:13
“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
Colossians 4:16
“And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”
1 Thessalonians 5:27
“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.”
The texts from the Word of God upon which sectarians—the Baptists—rely in their denial of Holy Tradition are the following:
Deuteronomy 4:2
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
Joshua 1:7–8
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Acts 1:1
“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,”
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Luke 16:29
“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.”
John 20:31
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
2 Peter 1:19
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
Matthew 15:6 and 9
v.6: “And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”
v.9: “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Mark 7:13
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
1 Corinthians 4:6
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”
Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Titus 1:13
“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;”
1 Timothy 1:3
“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”
1 Timothy 6:3
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”
Galatians 1:8
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
Revelation 22:18
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:”
The texts from the Word of God that refute the Baptist sectarians’ false teaching denying Holy Tradition are as follows:
Genesis 18:19
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
Exodus 10:2
“And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 32:7
“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”
John 1:17
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
John 20:30
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:”
John 21:25
“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”
Luke 1:2
“Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;”
Acts 1:3
“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”
Acts 20:35
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
2 John 1:12
“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
3 John 1:13–14
“I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.”
1 John 2:24
“Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.”
Acts 15:27–32
“We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.”
Acts 20:31
“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
1 Corinthians 2:1–2
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
Philippians 4:9
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
1 Timothy 6:20
“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:”
2 Timothy 1:13
“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
2 Thessalonians 3:6
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
Among other things, when discussing Holy Tradition, it is necessary to pose the following question: “By what written law were the Israelites guided before Moses wrote the Pentateuch?”
On the Necessity Not Only of Faith but also of Good Works and Grace in the Work of Man’s Salvation #
The sectarians—the Baptists—teach that man receives justification and is saved solely by faith in the redeeming sacrifice of Christ, without any regard to his own deeds, whatever they may be. But the teaching of the Holy Orthodox Church is the opposite: for justification and salvation, man must, in addition to true faith, perform works and spiritual struggles; for without good works, faith alone cannot justify or save man.
The entire Holy Gospel confirms this. Christ the Savior teaches:
Matthew 7:21
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Also:
Matthew 7:13
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:”
—meaning, by labor and spiritual struggle (podvig) one must enter.
And again:
Mark 8:34
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
—that is, whoever desires to be a follower of Jesus Christ must, with great patience, imitate His ascetic life on earth.
To a certain young Jew who asked how to save his soul, the Lord answered that one must labor to keep the commandments of God:
Matthew 19:16–18
“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,”
The Lord, in the parable of the talents, clearly expressed that He rewards not for faith alone, but for labors and efforts in good works. The same is confirmed by the holy Apostles. For example, the Apostle James teaches that faith itself is made perfect by the effort of good deeds:
James 2:22
“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”
And again:
James 2:24
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
And the holy Apostle Paul likewise teaches that God renders to every man according to his deeds:
Romans 2:6
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds:”
Romans 2:13
“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”
And:
1 Corinthians 3:8
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”
Therefore, for the salvation of man, not only faith is necessary, but also works—without which faith is dead:
James 2:14–26
v.14: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
v.17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
v.18: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
v.20: But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
v.24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
v.26: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Matthew 7:21
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 16:27
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
John 5:28–29
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
Romans 2:6–13
v.6: “Who will render to every man according to his deeds:”
v.13: “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”
1 Corinthians 3:12–14
“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Titus 3:8
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
But even faith and works together are not sufficient for salvation:
there is still required the saving grace of God:
Acts 10:22
“And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.”
Acts 11:16
“Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.”
This saving grace is given through the holy mysteries (sacraments) of the Church of Christ:
in Baptism—
John, Chapter 3
v.5: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
(The entire chapter recounts Christ’s conversation with Nicodemus on the necessity of rebirth through water and the Spirit.)
Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts, Chapter 10
(Verses 22 and onward recount how Cornelius and his house were baptized upon receiving the word.)
Acts, Chapter 16
(This chapter includes the baptism of Lydia and her household [v.15], and the baptism of the jailer and all his house [v.33].)
in Repentance (Confession)—
Matthew 16:19
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 18:18
“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
John 20:22–23
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
Acts 19:18
“And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.”
Living here on earth, we cannot say that we are already saved. Even great righteous men sinned deeply and fell, and how much more so we, ordinary mortal men. At present we are only “saved in hope”:
Romans 8:24
“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”
And we shall be saved finally only in the future, when each one is justified according to his own works:
Matthew 12:32, 36–37
v.32: “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
v.36: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
v.37: For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
1 Corinthians 3:8–15
v.8: “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
v.13: Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
v.14: If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
v.15: If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
1 Corinthians 4:4–5
“For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
Consequently, even Baptists—like all people—will be judged according to their deeds, which they mistakenly consider to have no significance in the matter of salvation:
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Revelation 22:12
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
Now then, the question arises: What is necessary for our salvation?
First, it is necessary to believe and be baptized; for:
Mark 16:16
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
John 3:5
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Second, one must be a branch on the Vine—Christ:
John 15:5
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Third, he must be a member of the Church of Christ, as Christ said:
John 10:16
“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
And again:
Matthew 18:17
“And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
Fourth, one who believes in Christ must keep His commandments:
Revelation 22:14
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
The texts from the Word of God upon which the Baptists base their teaching of salvation by faith alone, without good works, are the following:
Mark 1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Mark 16:16
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
John 14:1
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
John 6:47
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
John 11:25–26
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
Acts 15:8–9
“And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
Acts 26:18
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
Acts 16:31
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
Acts 10:43
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
Acts 13:39
“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
1 Peter 1:9
“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
Romans 1:17
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 3:20–22, 24–25, 28
v.20: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
v.21: “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;”
v.22: “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”
v.24: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
v.25: “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
v.28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Romans 4:2–6
“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,”
Romans 5:1–2
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Galatians 2:16
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The texts from the Word of God which refute the false teaching of the Baptist sectarians on the matter of salvation by faith alone, without good works, are as follows:
Matthew 7:21
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Acts 14:22
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
James 1:25–27
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
James 2:10
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
James 2:14, 17, 19–24, 26
v.14: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?”
v.17: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
v.19: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
v.20: “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
v.21: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?”
v.22: “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”
v.23: “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”
v.24: “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
v.26: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
John 8:39
“They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.”
Acts 26:20
“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
1 Peter 1:17
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:”
1 Peter 3:11
“Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
Titus 2:14
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Revelation 3:1–2
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”
1 Corinthians 13:2
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
1 John 3:18, 10
v.10: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
v.18: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
1 John 4:20–21
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”
1 John 5:2–3
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
John 3:5
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 5:6–7
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Romans 2:13
“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”
Matthew 19:17
“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Romans 2:5–6
“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:”
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Matthew 16:27
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Revelation 22:12
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
Matthew 25:34–36
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
Published in:
T.S. Tulupov, The Path of Life: Collected Works. Samara: OOO “Ofort”, 2008.