A Fancy Word For A Simple Term

“Synecdoche,” (don't worry if you can't pronounce it) is a $50 sounding word for a figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, such as “bread and butter,” which represents one's entire livelihood.

For example, in Acts 14:1 we read “A great multitude ... believed.” When such an expression is used in the New Testament, "believed" is used as a figure of speech meaning everything that is involved in becoming a Christian.

Spiritually dangerous religious error does not take the use of “synecdoche” into account and wrongly teaches that faith only is the admission into God's kingdom.”

We read in Acts 9 of Jesus appearing to Paul, who was formerly known as Saul, on his way to persecute the church at Damascus. Jesus personally told Paul he was alive even though Paul as a high ranking Jew knew Jesus had been crucified.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:6 Underlining – MW)

In the city Paul is commanded by Ananias, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. ” (Acts 22:16 NKJV) Paul had faith, and faith only, in Jesus for three days by then and was miserable and still in his unforgiven sins and was told to “be baptized, and wash away your sins,”

In fact, Ananias' command is the ONLY thing the Bible records Paul was told to do in the city. In Acts 26 Paul says he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

Faith only teachers tell us that our sins are forgiven at the moment we believe in Jesus. Paul's conversion, and other conversion examples in New Testament scripture, shows that is not so.

The “faith only”expression that is so commonly taught is plainly unscriptural, anti-scriptural and a useless doctrine of man. The “faith only”expression flies in the face of other belief connected scriptures such as John 3:3 and again in John 3:5, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 13:3 and again in Luke 13:5.

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born [a]again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16)

3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)

5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)

The only mention of “faith only” in the New Testament is found in James 2:24...

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (James 2:24)

And the verse says “NOT by faith only.” One must work the ordained works of God, not man's ordained works to be saved.

The overwhelming percentage of the "Christian" denominations teach there is absolutely NO work involved in salvation. Merely believe and you are saved.

Jesus disciples asked him what they must do to work the works of God.

28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Jesus plainly says belief is a work.

Belief is a work man must perform. Repentance is a work man must perform. Being faithful until death is a work man must perform, Confessing Christ is a work man must perform. Salvation belief is made up of a number of God directed works man MUST perform to be saved.

One obeys Christ Jesus' words in Mark 16:15-16 to be saved and then one obeys Christ Jesus' words in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10 to remain saved.

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16)

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

Salvation is by faith AND works. You cannot be saved from sin and spend eternity with God without faith and obedience.

"Belief" in the scriptures is used as a figure of speech for God's whole salvation plan.

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17)

We invite you to come worship and study with us