Yes, but it is very rare, as God typically uses human instruments to convey His Word.
Les Feldick states that he is only aware of one or two people who came to a knowledge of salvation by simply reading the Bible, like a man snowbound in northern Canada with nothing but Scripture. However, the normal pattern is that God uses a human instrument, such as Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch, to lead someone to salvation. Moreover, salvation is entirely a work of God, not something humans can achieve by their own efforts.
Romans 10:17 — Faith comes by hearing, implying a human messenger is typically involved in bringing the Word.
The Bible presents faith as coming through hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This hearing is usually facilitated by a human messenger, as seen in Acts 8 where Philip is directed to the Ethiopian eunuch to explain the Scriptures. The eunuch acknowledges he cannot understand without someone to guide him (Acts 8:31). Thus, Scripture indicates that while God can work directly, His normal method involves human instruments.
Les Feldick emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of God; human effort, whether through good works, church membership, or baptism, cannot contribute to salvation. He points to the example of the Ethiopian eunuch, where Philip served as the human instrument. He notes that while it is possible for someone to come to salvation by reading the Bible alone, as in the rare case of a man snowbound in Canada, it is not the norm. God typically uses human instruments to bring the Gospel message.
Les Feldick teaches that human effort cannot earn or contribute to salvation. He uses the illustration of a dead car battery: cleaning it up externally does nothing unless outside power is brought in. Similarly, people cannot clean up their lives to become Christians; God takes them as sinners and infuses divine life. Works done in the flesh to gain salvation actually cancel the work of the cross.
Les Feldick stresses that God typically uses human instruments to lead others to salvation. He cites the example of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, where Philip was the human instrument. He also notes that in his experience, he has only heard of one or two people who came to faith solely by reading the Bible, indicating that human involvement is the common pattern.
Les Feldick acknowledges that there have been rare instances where individuals, such as a man snowbound in northern Canada with only a Bible, came to a knowledge of salvation through reading Scripture alone. However, he emphasizes that this is exceptional and that the normal means is through human instruction.
God's Use of Human Instruments
Les Feldick explains that even the apostle Paul relied on God's power and the Holy Spirit, not his own ability, emphasizing that God uses willing instruments but the power is from God.
Why Mixing Law and Grace Cancels the Work of the Cross
If he is doing something to fulfill his salvation, or put the frosting on the cake, however you want to put it, they're lost as lost can be because the Book says so. Christ can profit you nothing, and the only way you and I are ever going to get into God's heaven is because of what Christ profits us on our behalf. So we have to warn people, don't depend on something that you can do.
Rare Cases of Self-Discovery
Les Feldick says he has only known one or two people who came to salvation by reading the Bible alone, illustrating rarity, and notes that Philip as a human instrument is the norm.
Salvation Requires God's Power
Les uses the dead battery analogy to show that human efforts cannot save; only God's infusion of divine life brings salvation.
Works Alone Cannot Save
Les teaches that any work done for salvation, like baptism or good deeds, is futile and cancels the cross; justification is by faith alone.
No Condemnation: What It Really Means to Be "In Christ"
How are you going to know what sin cast you out? Well they don't know, so what do they have to do? They have to live a life of perpetual insecurity, because no one has the wherewithal to hang on of our own. And so I come back to these promises of Scripture.
Be Not Conformed: What Romans 12:2 Really Means for You
Now once we've had that renewing of the mind, the salvation experience, that creating within us a new man, then we can prove or live out daily what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. You know I've had so many people over the last 25 years say, Les how can I find God's will for my life? And it is a good question, but how do you start? Well first you have to start by becoming a chi…
The Righteousness of God Without the Law Explained
And now you just analyze, maybe even someone here, I don't know all of you that well. If you think you can try your dead level best, if you think by just simply going to church, and again, don't ever misconstrue that I'm against church. I'm an active church member myself. But that going to church doesn't gain you points for salvation.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
This shows that faith typically comes through hearing, often from a human messenger.
Acts 8:31: And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
The Ethiopian eunuch could not understand the Scripture without human guidance, illustrating the need for outside input.
Les Feldick notes that it is rare but possible, citing a man who was snowbound and read only the Bible. However, God typically uses human instruments to bring the gospel.
Les teaches that God uses human instruments to lead people to salvation, as Philip did with the Ethiopian eunuch. This is the common pattern.
No. Les Feldick teaches that any work done for salvation cancels the work of the cross. Justification is by faith alone, not by deeds.
Watch the Teaching: Is the Church the Bride of Christ? 2 Corinthians 11:2 Explained