The fourth ring is the total context, namely, the entire Bible. So far, Acts 2 and 8 have helped us to see the value of context. But, for some, those examples raise a question, “What about John 3:16, which says salvation comes just by believing?” Questions are one way we seek, and Jesus promised that those who truly seek will find. For the answer, let’s explore this fourth ring.
Before we look at John 3:16, remember how Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Luke 4). Urging Jesus to jump from a great height, Satan quoted from Psalm 91, about God’s protection “…lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91 is true. But Jesus knew the full context, the larger story of the Bible. Jesus used the Bible’s balancing truth in Deuteronomy 6, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Luke 4:12). Yes, God promises protection, but that does not excuse foolish behavior that tests God’s patience. Jesus was using the Bible’s wider context to defeat Satan’s misuse of Scripture. The Bible’s truths align; they never oppose each other.
John 3:16, for example, is not at odds with Acts 2. Since both come from “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13), both are true and not in competition. They balance each other. They are parts of the whole. Together with other Scriptures, they provide the complete picture about how to receive salvation. Try this exercise by thinking first about what Christ did for us. Are we saved by Christ’s perfect life? Yes (1 Peter 1:18-19). By His blood? Yes (Romans 5:9). By His resurrection? Yes (Romans 5:10; 6:4-5). By His intercession at the Father’s side? Yes (Hebrews 7:25). By His Spirit? Yes (2 Thessalonians 2:13). By His word? Yes (James 1:21). Which one should we leave out? Surely, they go together toward building the full story of Jesus’ saving work.
In the same way, how are we to respond to be saved? By humbling ourselves like a child? Yes (Matthew 18:3; Mark 10:15). By believing in Jesus? Yes (John 3:16; 20:31; Acts 16:31). By confessing Him as Lord? Yes (Romans 10:9-10). By repenting? Yes (Acts 3:19). By calling on Him in baptism? Yes (Acts 2:21, 38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16). By obeying? Yes (Hebrews 5:9). Which response should we leave out? They are all true and necessary. Together, they paint the full picture of the trusting response our Lord requires.
What about the idea that John 3:16 says faith alone saves? Read John 3 more carefully. The same chapter requires the new birth of water and Spirit (John 3:3, 5) and doing the truth (John 3:21, 36). Nor does John 3:16 speak of belief alone. That idea came from the Reformation in the 1500s and has great influence today. The term “faith alone” does appear in James 2:24: “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Jesus warns that calling “Lord, Lord” without obeying Him leads many to disaster (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46).