Salvation is by grace through faith. The question that presents itself to all of us is "When does this occur, when are we saved by grace through faith?" Many claim that we are saved at the first moment of faith. But is this consistent with the Scriptures?
First, we have several examples of people and even demons who believed but their faith did not appear to be effective. Consider: John 2: 22-25; 12: 42; James 2:19
Second: we are told exactly what happens when we first receive Jesus by believing in His name. We are begotten by God! (John 1: 12, 13) We are not saved but we are given the right to become children of God! The word (the seed) is implanted in our hearts. (James 1: 21) How do we become children of God? By faith through baptism. (Gal. 3: 26, 27) By faith when we are born again of water and Spirit! (John 3:16, 5)
Third: the Scriptures tell us exactly when we are saved by grace through faith! Consider Abraham. He is the one of who it was written, "Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." Some claim that this statement was made without regard to any works of faith on the part of Abraham. But when this statement was made Abraham had already obeyed by faith when he was called. (Heb. 11:8) And by faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise. (Heb. 11: 9) But the most convincing evidence was yet to come. By faith when he was tested, offered up Issac. He believed that God was able to raise men even from the dead. (Heb. 11: 17- 19) James, in writing about this event, said Abraham was justified by works (of faith) when he offered up Isaac and as a result of works, faith was perfected! "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. (James 2: 23) If you recall at the time God said, "FOR NOW I KNOW THAT YOU FEAR GOD, SINCE YOU HAVE NOT WITHHELD YOUR SON, YOUR ONLY SON, FROM ME." (Gen. 22: 12) Faith is perfected when we obey God through love. (Gal. 5: 6) We are saved by grace when we obey God in love. God bless.