Subject: NIV...Gods...? |
Bible Note: Hello G. Preston, As far as your "three things we need to know from the Bible to receive eternal salvation", I'd respectfully disagree. I think we have a very different perspective on what constitutes salvation to begin with:-) Here's why: 1. Repentance. This is certainly part of salvation, but not THE entirety of it. I think you've confused the order (ordo salutis)of salvation. Is not the major aspect of salvation predicated upon faith in the completed work of Christ? (Rom. 4:3, Eph. 2:8-9). Scripture definitely supports this. Note, it is "Faith's Hall of fame" in Hebrews 11, not repentance! There is a difference; 2. Baptism. Does the Bible teach that we must be water baptized to be saved? Church History and a clear majority of those within Orthodoxy would proclaim- as I- that, no it does not! Though this is is continually debated, If it is a requirement for my and your salvation, then we are saved by works! Period! This negates the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice. We also have something about which to boast (1 Cor. 1:31) What then of Rom. 11:6?; 3. Living righteously. This follows the process of sanctification, but does not nullify the grace of God. We don't live righteously to gain merit, favor or keep our salvation. We live 'the obedience of faith" because of what He did for us.(Eph. 1:3-14) We set ourselves apart because we are new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17). We walk by faith, not sight (2 Cor. 5:7) because we are in Him (En Christo). I believe that one of the single most important motivations to live godly is His grace and our understanding of it: Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, Titus 2:12 "instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age",(NASB) Keeping the law as a Christian would seem to be empirically an excercise in futility!If we must keep the Ten Commandments, then again Christ profits us nothing and He died in vain (Gal. 2:16, 21) No, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes".(Rom. 10:4). "The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But after faith has come we are no longer under a tutor" (Gal. 3:24-25) Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |