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Keep It Simple, Stupid
“KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!”
One of the most endearing qualities of the Bible is its simplicity. While there are some passages that are difficult to understand, the plan of salvation is not one of them. God has been exceedingly plain in presenting His plan of salvation for mankind. There are no intricate or difficult things that must be done to receive His salvation.
Over the years, we as humans have tried to present various analogies to help others understand the plan of salvation. Many have tried to use the rungs on a ladder as representing each step of salvation. Some have depicted the plan of salvation as steps on a stairway. Another has frequently compared the steps of salvation as a combination lock. He would explain that like the numbers of the lock that must be entered in the right combination, so should the steps of salvation be followed in order to achieve success. While illustrations may be helpful, we should be careful not to get carried away so that we actually distract from God’s simple plan.
It seems to me that we are trying harder and harder to add fancy words and descriptions of the plan of salvation. Somehow, we believe that it cannot be that simple, so we must add flowery words to the plan of salvation to help others understand. Wednesday night invitations are now stretching to 25 minute mini-sermons. God has made His plan of salvation so plain and simple that those with the most basic reasoning abilities can understand it. We need to get back to the basic principles of people’s souls and their eternity. We need to teach them the plain and simple steps of salvation so that it cannot be misunderstood.
In case you have forgotten, here is that “combination” for salvation.
Hear the word (Romans 10:17)
Believe (Hebrews 11:6)
Repent of sins (Luke 13:3)
Confess faith in Jesus (Romans 10:10)
Be baptized for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38)
As Christians, we should know these by heart and be ready to share the plan of salvation with others. It is God’s plan for salvation. So very simple, but so very, very important. Do not get confused by flowery words or wonderful illustrations, but cling to the simple principles of God’s Word.
Written by Larry Schneider
