We needn't create a controversy in the mind of a believer who has decided for Christ (where controversy shouldn't exist). But it is possible to try and justify ourselves before God, not comprehending the true meaning of the gospel, adopting formulas or traditions to facilitate our own salvation instead of exercising faith. In such cases, we still need to believe the gospel.

Does that make formulas and traditions bad? Not necessarily; but let’s agree to the truth of God's word and come to a consensus as to what it actually means to be “saved,” and what it does not mean.

Regeneration (being born again) is an act of God, the fruit of which decisions are made to follow Jesus. This is referred to as “repentance.” When we hear the gospel and believe, we repent of our unbelief and pursue a life of turning away from sin. Jesus refers to this as having “passed from death unto life” (John 5:24 KJV). So then, it is the gospel that maintains the power of God that turns the heart toward surrender to Christ, (Romans 1:16 KJV). No true believer wants to take the credit for saving his own soul. 

God must act and praise the Lord He has in Christ. Our justification before God is based completely on our faith in what Christ has done. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8 KJV). 

 
Toni Babcock is author of The Stone Writer, and Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus. Contact

Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant letter of the law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross.