Should We Trust Professions of Faith Right Away?
When an earthquake struck Philippi, Paul’s jailor asked him and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered without hesitation, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” I take that to be normative. When someone believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, they will be saved. Granted, four soils make up the visible church. So not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will in fact pass through judgment on the last day. And certainly churches may discipline members whose lives do not match their profession. Despite all of this, there are good...