All We Have To Do To Be Saved Is Forgive Others ?

A week or two ago we pointed out that if a verse stating only one condition in regards to salvation proves that is the only condition necessary, then John 5:24 would prove that a person can be saved without believing in Jesus because John 5:24 only mentions believing in God the Father in regards to salvation and doesn’t mention believing in Jesus. Another verse we can make the same point from is Matthew 6:14 which reads “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” This verse doesn’t mention anything about believing in Jesus or repenting of sins in order to be forgiven; it just mentions being willing to forgive others. Does that mean we don’t have to believe in Jesus (John 3:16) or repent of our sins (Acts 2:38) in order to be saved? Put another way, does that mean a practicing homosexual atheist can be saved? The obvious and scriptural answer is no, we must take all of what God says on the subject (Matthew 4:4), not just pick out one verse to the exclusion of all others. And when we do that, not only do we pick up belief and repentance as necessary conditions to initial salvation, we also pick up water baptism:· 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 22:16 – And now why tarriest thou? arise , and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord· I Peter 3:21 – The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus ChristWe can’t have it both ways. Either we have to accept all the conditions the New Testament places upon salvation, or all a sinner has to do to be saved is forgive others.