Bible Question:
Question reguarding salvation: In 2 Timothy 1:9 it says: 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and also in Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. and Titus 3:5 " he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit," a couple of many so I can fully ask my question... So if there is no work that can save us, please help me put in to context Deuteronomy 30:19 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants," On the key matter of making a choice...to choose either life or death. Couldn't one boast in the choice that they made? I really want to know the context of Deuteronomy, and the whole decision making theme. I always believed that salvation was a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, a gift, a calling, not something that you choose, but because God chose you. Thanks for the help :) |
Bible Answer: Greetings AJV! There are two main theological perspectives (Calvinism and Arminianism) and each one would answer your question a little differently. But, the points that both would agree on are: 1) Salvation is entirely of God. It is not based upon any personal works or merit. (Eph. 2:8-10 and Rom. 4:1-25) It is solely based upon the saving work of Christ upon the cross. (Col. 1:20, 2:14-15) 2) Salvation is a gift that must be received. On this point, the two sides begin to diverge quite a bit. Who can receive the gift? Why can they receive the gift? I don't want to delve into those differences, but I will simply encourage enter the terms 'choose', 'accept', and 'receive' in their various forms into the search box to the right of your screen and you will find many verses. Good luck in your study! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Up | Down View Branch | ID# 233089 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 4 | Author | ||
|
elder4yhwh | ||
|
elder4yhwh | ||
|
pacforrec@comcast.net | ||
|
pumpkin7471 | ||
|
Grace7044 | ||
|
justme | ||
|
wcurrans | ||
|
Tiger 21 | ||
|
AJV | ||
|
Morant61 | ||
|
G. Preston | ||
|
rbarman |