Featured "The Gospel"

According to the OP you are attempting to define "the gospel" in a manner where there can be ground of general agreement. You have suggested the Apostle's Creed may provide that general ground for agreement.

However, the Apostles creed does not contain the gospel at all. There is no "good news" that Jesus died, was buried and rose again "for" anyone, but only lists a series of facts without any kind of definitive application. It does not say why he died or for whom he died or how it saves or for whom it saves. It presents no conditions, no instructions, no application whatsoever but leaves it a totaly blank check for anyone to fill with their own application from a Roman Catholic to a Baptist. Hence, it is an empty, void and vain gospel, rather than the gospel of Christ. Hence it is "another gospel" that is void of any applicable truth.

Also, if it were written by the Apostles or during their time by their followers there is a strange absence of the very issues attacking the gospel during the apostolic period (1 Cor. 15; Galations 1-5; etc.).

 

Ok, but the filioque seems scripturally supported even if it was not in the original version of the Nicene Creed. Scripturally, can we speak of the Church receiving the Spirit without the Son’s involvement? We cannot. “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.” (Luke 24:49). Clearly, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, comes through the ministry of Jesus (incarnation, resurrection, ascension).

 

The Holy Spirit was already present and actively working since Genesis 1:2. Again you are speaking of a special ministry within the covenant of redemption.

 

I agree with a lot of this - but

I do not believe that the denomination we call the Roman Catholic Church is the one that we are all supposed to belong to. I think even some of the Catholics here may agree with me on that one.

I don't believe in what the Catholic Church calls "communion of the saints" - praying to the dead.

in Christ,

Bob

 

He ascended on high and gave gifts to men. The 1Cor 12 list of gifts includes those that are not given in so general a way in the OT as they are in the NT.

However the Holy Spirit worked in the OT as well as new. Notice that Jesus tells Nicodemus (before the cross) that man must be born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. When Nicodemus claims to be totally ignorant of the fact - Jesus reminds him that he is a teacher of scripture in Israel and that as such - he should know better.

2Peter 1:20-21 we are reminded that "holy men of old moved by the Holy Spirit - spoke from God".

in Christ,

Bob

 

Isn't your OP about common unity in regards to the "gospel"???? There is no gospel in the Apostle's Creed! Can you find anything about how anyone is saved, or what is salvation in this creed? Isn't the gospel the "power of God unto salvation" in your thinking?

Are you suggesting that anyone who simply believes in this list of doctrines is all that is necessary to be born again, a child of God, a Christian?

 

Let me put it this way:
I was a Catholic for twenty years before I got saved. The gospel is not preached in the RCC. I had the Apostles Creed memorized, but it was simple head knowledge. When I got saved I had to reject much of what the Apostles Creed had to say, for reasons already given.

 

I do not believe in that either!

 

Well that is a relief! So how in the world do you expect to find common ground on the Apostle's Creed in regard to "the gospel"???????

 

Just one example.
That the word "catholic" has the meaning of "universal" is only known to those of us who debate such things. It is not widely known. Ask the person on the street the meaning of "Catholic" and they will immediately answer, "The Catholic Church" (i.e., the RCC). Put in context of a prayer and that definition is only strengthened. Right or wrong that is the meaning in the mind of the common person.

 

I can generally agree with your summation. I think that some terms are not used or understood today as prior to the existence of the Roman Catholic church.

However, my difficulty is the way you presented it in your OP as possible common ground in regard to the gospel. There is no gospel presented in the Apostles Creed. There is a list of statements to summarize essentials but no gospel.