Bible Question:
Dr. Norman Geisler, in the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL, Vol. 28 No. 06 2005 page 29 has a list of essential Christian Doctrines. In paragraf three Dr Geisler has a list of "It is not necessary, however to believe in." "Christ's virgin birth,...Christ's bodily ascension...Christ's present service, or...Christ's second coming and final judgement as a condition for obtaining a right standing with God (justification)." What is your reaction? Do you agree or not agree with Dr. Geisler. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND WITHOUT SCRIPTUAL EVIDENCE BACKING YOUR OPINION. |
Bible Answer: justme: While I have not been exposed to the article by Dr. Norman Geisler from which you have lifted a fragment without benefit of full context, I am familiar with a great deal of Dr. Geisler's work and hence do not believe that he is speaking adversely of such orthodox Christian beliefs as Christ's virgin birth, His bodily ascension and His Second Advent. The key point of Dr. Geisler's article appears to be that it is not necessary to be an accomplished theologian in order to be saved. There is good evidence that Paul and Silas thought much the same way. When, in Acts 16:30, the Philippian jailer put to them the question, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" neither Paul nor Silas presented him with a long list of doctrines that he must espouse, or a lengthly creed he must memorize, or a confession of faith he must recite every Lord's Day. Neither did they tell him to enroll in a theological seminary and get a doctorate degree! [If there is any reader of this post who doesn't know what the jailer was told to do in order to be saved, please turn in your Bible to Acts 16:31.] --Hank |