How is a person saved: by works, repentance, and baptism, or by believing the Gospel?
A person is saved by believing the Gospel, not by works, repentance, or baptism. The Gospel is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Salvation is not in the Law or human effort; it is received by faith in this message.
Les explains that the ascended, glorified Lord revealed to Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, that salvation is not in the Law, not in works, and not in repentance and baptism, but in believing the Gospel. Paul delivered what he received: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Les notes this Gospel is too simple for most people, yet so complex it must be taken by faith. First Thessalonians chapter 4 then identifies the vehicle for being in on this great event.