Salvation is ours by faith...
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Salvation is ours by faith, not by works. We can't earn our way to heaven by obeying all the rules. If we could, then we wouldn't need Jesus. We live by the gospel of grace, not by accumulating merit badges or earning points for good conduct. Too many Christians are still fighting the works/righteousness battle which began at Antioch.
My neighbors belong to a splinter group from a mainline church. Their entire concept of salvation is tied up in rules, regulations, and distortions of scriptural passages. They often come up short on grace, forgiveness, and love. My theology of justification through faith in Christ and the gospel of grace fall on deaf ears. Likewise, their legalism fails to move me.
One day a mutual friend asked me, "How are you getting along with your neighbors?" In exasperation, I replied, "Just fine. They're sure I'm going to hell, and I'm equally convinced they are!"
There were two serious issues involved in the dispute at Antioch: the first one was the danger of splitting the church, and the second one was the nullification of the principle of justification through faith in Christ. For some folks, the issues were resolved when the Jerusalem Council met, but for others, the issues are still being strongly debated today.
Personally, I'll take the gospel of grace!
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found;Was blind, but now I see.
My neighbors belong to a splinter group from a mainline church. Their entire concept of salvation is tied up in rules, regulations, and distortions of scriptural passages. They often come up short on grace, forgiveness, and love. My theology of justification through faith in Christ and the gospel of grace fall on deaf ears. Likewise, their legalism fails to move me.
One day a mutual friend asked me, "How are you getting along with your neighbors?" In exasperation, I replied, "Just fine. They're sure I'm going to hell, and I'm equally convinced they are!"
There were two serious issues involved in the dispute at Antioch: the first one was the danger of splitting the church, and the second one was the nullification of the principle of justification through faith in Christ. For some folks, the issues were resolved when the Jerusalem Council met, but for others, the issues are still being strongly debated today.
Personally, I'll take the gospel of grace!
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found;Was blind, but now I see.
