What is the true basis of salvation according to this teaching?
Salvation is based totally upon faith in the Gospel—what God has said concerning the finished work of the cross. It is not based on repenting, baptism, church membership, tithing, good works, or similar requirements; those have their rightful place after salvation, not as its requirement.
Les teaches that people often assume things not written in Scripture are requirements for salvation. He gives an example of reading a verse as though it said salvation comes to everyone who repents, is baptized, joins the Church, gives ten percent of income, does good works, and believes. But it does not say that. Such things are not requirements for salvation. Les explains they are all right in their rightful place after salvation, but salvation itself is based totally upon faith in the Gospel, in what God has said concerning the finished work of the cross. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and in it God’s righteousness is revealed.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
More Questions
What does salvation imply according to Paul's teaching?
According to Paul's teaching, salvation implies a whole body of truth that involves justification, sanctification, forgiveness, being redeemed, baptized into the Body of Christ, and indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and more.