John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The First Christians always believed that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the atonement for the sins of the world. That one must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved, then be baptized, and then start living their life for Jesus Christ. This means turning away from sin and start doing the works of God. We are not saved by our good works, but we do good works because we are saved. A person who believes in Jesus Christ that does not do good works will stand before God as an unprofitable servant. A person who says they believe in Jesus Christ and continues in sin, does not know Jesus Christ.
This is the teaching of the scriptures and the early church.
