Introduction:
Hello, this is a post I've been working on for a long time. My intention with it is to first and foremost, build the body of Christ in unity. Simply put, I hope you can read my words and find yourself firmly resting in the Grace of God and knowledge of Jesus. It's a theological document, meant to quote, explain, and apply the Bible when it comes to the subject of Salvation. It will be multiple parts, released first, today, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The next post will be Monday, March 13th. Each release after will be on the following Monday. Please use the comment section to reply to the post. If you feel the need to ask a question, or address an issue in private, please email qrprat77+salvation@gmail.com . Thank you for reading, I hope you are encouraged.
Like the Creeds of old, churches/religious institutions/parachurch organizations and non-profits create “statements of faith” so that people can understand where they stand on issues pertaining to matters of faith. Some of these are modern versions of ancient creeds. Ultimately what they claim should answer the question the people in the crowd at Jerusalem asked of Peter during his Pentecostal sermon:
“Brothers what shall we do?”[1]
The answer to this question is important. This is the first Gospel Sermon after Jesus has ascended into Heaven. How Peter answers it sets a precedent for all other Christians to follow. You would think that Christians could widely agree on what the answer to that question is, but there are a surprising number of differences among various religious bodies claiming to be Christian. I think the question and issue of salvation is simple from the biblical perspective. Mankind has a problem, God has solved it, we should all be ready to enjoy the benefits of salvation God has provided us. While I don’t believe that Salvation is as simple as a set of instructions to follow in step, it is helpful to start a study of salvation that way. Here, I propose an outline for studying some essentials about what the Bible teaches about salvation. I believe that this outline is helpful because it will communicate the truth about what Salvation is, why it’s important, and how we acquire it. Think of it as a recipe for a cake. Follow it, and we’ll have a happy birthday. Mess it up, and it will be flat, tasteless, and not much cause for celebration.
I. What is Salvation?
A. Salvation is the Forgiveness of Sin
B. Salvation is the Deliverance from depravity
C. Salvation is renewal for the fallen world
II. Why is it necessary?
A. God's Holiness
B. God's Love
III. How does it Happen?
A. Grace of God
B. Faith in Jesus
C. Repenting of Your Sins
D. Confessing that Faith
E. Baptism
IV. How do I keep it?
A. Past
B. Present
C. Future
As we explore each point, we will see that the Bible is clear on salvation, its purpose, its method, and its endurance. I can’t answer the question as to why so many people who claim Jesus’ name argue over it. I don’t think we think enough about the consequences of not doing God things God’s way. I simply ask: Why don't we simply do the things God has called us to do, instead of trying to do things our own way?
Link to Second Post:
3 comments:
I'm interested to see how you develop this.
I'm assuming you're coming from a Protestant point of view, since the Roman Catholic Church has published its views through its Catechism.
I do note your use of the word "depravity." Are you coming from a Calvinist background? Are you going to be talking about Total Depravity at all?
Hey Michael,
I've never considered myself a traditional Protestant in the reformation sense of the word, and I'm certainly NOT a Calvinist, although I think I understand where he was coming from. I also am not Roman Catholic, although I do believe I follow what I would consider a Christian Catholic faith, meaning that my faith is universally applicable to everyone and is unifying to all believers. I believe I am one in Christ with all Christians from the earliest Disciples to now. If you're looking for a particular denomination, I belong to a group traditionally known as the "Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ", a particular group that started in the late 18th century partially as a result of revival among protestant groups to "get back to the Bible". In this sense, we are "non-Denominational", but I've learned to try to allow for certain verbage to further discussion.
as far as depravity goes, we will discuss something of that, but not Total depravity, which i believe to be a false doctrine and the source of so much division.
Thanks for following along.
Glad to see you’re publishing your thoughts
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