Salvation in Christ Jesus is by Grace, through Faith.
Grace is unmerited favour, or someone doing something for you that they are neither compelled to do nor you deserve.
Faith is trust that is specific. To have faith in something I need to trust it, and it's working on my specific behalf. It must be trust worthy and effectual.
The extreme Reformed position is that a person must be devoted to Christ to be saved. However, devotion does not match the meaning of Faith. It is dedication, or consecration as Dictionary.com puts it. Not trust.
The GES position would have faith be desire. I desire to be saved. So I will believe Jesus for the fulfilment of my desire.
One goes beyond faith, the other falls short of it.
It comes down to reconciliation. We are reconciled to Christ when we repent to trust Him. Both devotion and desire are natural workings of the Spirit in the life of a Believer. Neither is the basis for Salvation.
Just a quick thought. I've been very busy trying to get the manuscript finished.
2 comments:
I love this blog and am glad I found it! Amen to this post!
Hi Jean,
Thanks for the encouragement!! I'm traveling and won't be around the blog much for the next week or so.
I checked out your latest post on your blog and commented.
Thanks for your heart to search the Scriptures and encourage others.
Kev
Post a Comment