Those who are proponents of “faith only” salvation, need to understand that there is a world of difference between salvation “by faith” and salvation “at the point of believing” (James 2:19). The Bible teaches salvation by faith (John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Acts 16:31-34; Mark 16:16; Romans 4) but it does not teach salvation by "faith only."
If anyone doubts that statement, then let’s deal honestly with the following observations:
1) Saul obviously believed while on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:6). However, if Saul was saved “at the point of faith,” then he was saved from his sins while he still had his sins. Note that when Ananias appeared to Saul "three days" after his encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:9), he told Saul he must "do something" (cf. Acts 9:6; Acts 22:10), “And now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
2) On the day of Pentecost, the Jews were convinced that they had murdered the son of God, coming to believe what they had previously denied. Being convinced by Peter’s inspired message, they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Now, if they were saved at the exact time of belief, there was nothing else for them to do. When Peter answered their question, he told them to do something: “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins….” (Acts 2:38). The expression “for the remission of sins” means “in order to have sins remitted.” One cannot have sins remitted unless he still has his sins, which proves that their sins were not removed at the point of their faith or belief.
The real difference between those who believe that “faith only” saves and biblical salvation, is the exact point in time sins are forgiven. Since "sin is contrary to God’s law" (1 John 3:4), it must be God who forgives sin. Therefore, it is God who gives us the answer as to "when" sins are forgiven.
God says that it is at the point of one’s baptism, that he is buried with Christ and dies to his old sins (Romans 6:3-7). Furthermore, it is in baptism that one’s sins are remitted (Acts 2:38) and “washed away” (Acts 22:16). It is in baptism that we come into a relationship with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). And Peter says it is "baptism that saves us" (1 Peter 3:21). Predicated upon man’s faith and repentance, God regenerates us in baptism so that we are raised to "walk in newness of life" as a "new creation" (Titus 3:5; Romans 6:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is when God says He forgives us – not one moment before.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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