Do you remember Orson Wells War of the Worlds? When that radio program played, thousands of people believed that alien beings from another planet had invaded the world and had taken over. They truly felt the world was under siege by Martians. We all know now they were wrong.

Were they sincere in their belief? Of course. Were they wrong? Yes. Because they didn't have all the facts.

We may feel blessed by the Lord, feel good about our relationship with Him and feel certain we are okay. But if all of that is based upon a false teaching or incomplete teaching, we could very well not be saved all the while we feel so good.

This passage says Jesus is the author of eternal salvation. When someone is the author of a book, they are usually considered an authority on the subject. In this case, Jesus is the authority on salvation. He wrote the plan.

But whom is Jesus the author of eternal salvation to? The verse says, "to all who obey Him." So, who has a part in salvation? Both Jesus and man. Jesus saves those who obey Him. It takes both Jesus and man together for man to receive salvation.

Some people will have a problem with this so let's look at an example.

In Joshua 6 we read about the conquering of the city of Jericho. In verse 2, God says, ""See, I have given Jericho into your hand." God gave them instructions about how to take the city. After marching around the city for seven days, just as God had instructed, Joshua said, "Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!" (verse 16). After their shout, the walls fell down and the city was taken. In verse 20 it says of the people "and they took the city." Who conquered Jericho? God or the people? Why not both? God delivered the city and they took it.

The setting of Acts 2 is the day of Pentecost, about 50 days after Jesus died on the cross. The Holy Spirit comes on the apostles and they begin to preach. A crowd gathers around and Peter explains that what is happening is the fulfillment of a prophecy given by Joel (vs. 14-21).

In verse 22 he begins to preach the gospel plan of salvation to those Jews. He first tells them to hear the words (v. 22). An important part man plays in salvation is his willingness to listen to what Jesus wants him to know. Peter then reminds them of Jesus (v. 22), how He died (at their hands v. 23), and was raised from the dead (v. 24). In verse 25 to 35 Peter sets forth proof that Jesus, the man, is the Messiah (Christ) the Jews had been waiting for. Once the evidence had been presented he calls on them to believe it ("know assuredly" v. 36) and know they had put the Son of God to death. When they believed and realized what they had done, they asked "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (v. 37). "And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Verse 41 says "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."