Hmmm...the Synod of Dort disagreed:p
The real soteriological divide...
Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Matt Black, Feb 17, 2009.
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Matt Black Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Interestingly enough, on one of the main divides between Catholic and Protestant theology: the difference between the infusion of the righteousness of Christ (the RCC view) and the imputation of Christ's righteousness (the historic Reformed view), Arminius finds himself agreeing with the Reformers,
"I will only briefly say, "I believe that sinners are accounted righteous solely by the obedience of Christ; and that the righteousness of Christ is the only meritorious cause on account of which God pardons the sins of believers and reckons them as righteous as if they had perfectly fulfilled the law. But since God imputes the righteousness of Christ to none except believers, I conclude that, in this sense, it may be well and properly said, to a man who believes, faith is imputed for righteousness through grace, because God hath set forth his Son, Jesus Christ, to be a propitiation, a throne of grace, [or mercy seat] through faith in his blood." ~ Vol. I Works -
We claim Justification through the merits of Christ on the Cross, period. Not by faith and works are we saved. God moves the heart that is willing. -
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Anyway, the associate preacher and I had a long discussion regarding theology and he gave me a book called: Sanctity Without Starch by Robert G. Tuttle, JR. The book is considered A Layperson's guide to a Wesleyan Theology of Grace.
This book really aided me in my spiritual journey to Orthodoxy.
Enjoy...
In XC
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You have hit the proverbial nail on the head. The only place I would differ is the use of the term Reformed. As a Baptist who believes in the Doctrines of Grace [the Sovereignty of God in Salvation of His Elect] I just consider myself Biblical. -
Matt Black Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Matt Black Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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My guess you'll find 'no' Baptist outlining a 'means to Salvation' outside of grace through faith. That doesn't mean that one's fruit might suggest one is unregenerate. Big difference. We are 'called to holiness' not to 'be saved' but to 'manifest our faith in our lives and as a witness to the world'. -
Matt Black Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I've already given an example of a 'works-based salvation' above; I suppose I would define it as any soteriology which suggests (in addition to faith) that good works (or abstaining from certain sins) are necessary in order to maintain one's salvation.
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Salvation is the font in which good works flow. They do not establish the font, itself.
If we don't find good works flowing from one whom professes Faith in Christ... there is room for concern wouldn't you agree? Are we to put to death the Old Man or what? -
Matt Black Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
But what if the Old Man is not enetirely put to death (that's true of all of us if we're honest - we all sin daily)? How much of the Old Man has to be alive before we can say that a Christian isn't saved?
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Matt Black Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
But is 'fighting' not a 'work'? Putting it another way, if we're not fighting, then are we saved?
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Think of it this way. Statistically, Anglicans, Catholics and Orthodox all have abortions on mean with the secular population. Evangelicals don't even though many Evangelicals believe in Salvation without Works. This is because 'real' Faith changes lives, not a personal determination to be saved. Now, I'm not beating up on Anglicans, Catholics and Orthodox but I am pointing out an important distinction. Even though many if not all Believers hold to Salvation without Works, Good Works manifest none-the-less. It's not about our Theology, it's about God's Grace working in us, not me... Christ in me. -
It always boils down to soul liberty; never salvation.
Some believe it is right; some wrong.
There is no one here (Baptist) that I know of that takes the position "If you drink an alcoholic beverage you will lose your salvation." That is absurd to even infer such a position. No baptist believes that, that I know of.
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