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One of the most successful methods of spreading false teaching is the "Study Bible." While some of these resources are great, false teachers have taken advantage of this method and are deceiving many. Why would people not accept what these books say? After all, they are reading from the Bible, right? No. They are reading a commentary that is inserted on the pages of the Bible. Below is an example:
"For the remission of sins: Is Peter saying that we must be baptized to receive forgiveness of our sins? Scripture clearly teaches that we are justified by faith alone, not by works (see Rom. 4:1-8; Eph. 2:8, 9)." "Remission of sins come to 'whoever believes.' Believers are baptized in view of God's work of forgiveness, not in order to receive that forgiveness." "Baptism is a public declaration that a person's sins have been forgiven." (Thomas Nelson NKJV Study Bible, Second Edition. Formally titled "The Nelson Study Bible.")
The author/commentator's effort here is to teach the opposite of what "for the remission of sins" means. Peter, in answer to the question "What must we do?" commanded his listeners to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. The Nelson commentator says it is not for the remission of sins but is merely a public declaration of having been forgiven.
Instead of teaching what the passage says the author/commentator endeavors to lead the reader from the truth by asserting that "we are justified by faith alone." He does cite a couple of other passages but they do not support his contention. (Follow the links below for exegesis of those passages.) The Scriptures do not teach the doctrine of "faith only." In fact, James went all out to provide inspired words to prevent such a conclusion. Note the following passages from James:
2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
If belief alone is enough to get saved, then it is enough to keep saved. However, we must consider Jesus' teaching on keeping saved: "As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:30-32)." Clearly, Jesus taught against the idea of "faith only."
What a shame it is that Bible publishers have done what the Nelson Company has done! God only knows how many have been deceived from false teachings inserted within the pages of a "Bible."
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.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
https://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-learn-truth.htm
https://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-earn-salvation.htm
https://totalhealth.bz/BAPTISM.docx
https://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-baptism-misunderstood.htm
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