As previously stated in this document, the purpose of this Thesis is threefold. In these final conclusions reflecting over the discoveries of this Thesis, and research; let us review the main tri-purpose of this paper.
The first goal of this Thesis was set forth to examine the ways different branches of Christianity publicly declare to be the true path of salvation. For the reason and overwhelming concern that if a branch of Christianity adds works to that which The Scriptures declare, then the sinner is still under a law, and not under Grace. Or, if a branch of Christianity promises salvation via less than what the Scriptures demand, then it is propagating a lie, and promoting a damnable heresy that will result in a false conversion, and
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The Roman Catholic Church claims salvation is through belief, baptism into church membership, and obedience of the sacraments of the church. The Baptist Brethren not being a unified assembly, but largely unified in their claims of salvation. As shown in this Thesis research, the Baptist Brethren declare that salvation is through the belief in Jesus, and acceptance of the forgiveness offered as a free gift from God himself. Baptism and obedience is directed from discipleship, and the following Christ as a student, and member of his church; but not for salvation and redemption of ones eternal sinful soul. The Lutheran Churches unify over the historic creeds, and the 95 Thesis of Martin Luther; declare that salvation is through belief, acceptance of the Creeds, baptism, and an evidence of good works in this world. The Lutheran churches publicly profess that salvation requires steps of faith, and action; not necessarily in any particular order as the church accepts infant baptism which is definitely prior to any obedience, of profession of faith. The required conclusion of any learned observer is that all three cannot be correct. Each of the three researched in this Thesis profess that a …show more content…
In the words of Jesus recorded in John 3:16 [KJV], salvation is offered to “whosoever believeth” for God “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” To be saved one must first confess that they need to be saved, and that they are a sinner, as recorded in Romans 3:23 [KJV] “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. To be saved the sinner must confess that Jesus is the Messiah, the blood sacrifice unto the Father in heaven, and that Jesus is who he said he was, “GOD”. To be saved they must confess that Jesus is LORD, as recorded in Romans 10:9 [KJV] by Paul, and in this confession believe that Jesus died on the cross in their place, and rose again on the third day to prove he has the power over death, hell, and the keys to heaven “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” As Paul stated to be saved one must believe in the heart that Jesus rose from the dead. He is eternal. He is in heaven now, waiting to stand
One of the most debated topics within the Christian churches today is baptism. This debate began during the 16th Century reformation, where on the base of Scripture many theologians separated from the Catholic Church. A prime example of this debated topic can be seen in The Augsburg Confession, "Concerning Baptism." "Concerning baptism they teach that it is necessary for salvation, that the grace of God is offered through baptism, and that children should be baptized... They condemn the Anabaptists who disapprove of the baptism of children and assert that children are saved without baptism." Luther centered his baptism theology on the salvations promises of God. He stressed forgiveness of sins received by baptism when the believer puts his or her trust in that promise. Luther's emphasis on the saving work of Christ Jesus, and his belief that the Church of Rome still had some things right, led him to accept the baptism of infants. Luther saw baptism as a sign of the covenant God had made with us at Calvary. The understanding and acceptance of infant baptism is seen widely throughout by modern Christian denominations such as: Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Episcopalians. The idea of infant baptism is contested by some denominations as well including Baptists and many Church of Christ congregations.
This great “Father of the Church,” wrote a handbook on the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love was written in the year 420. It is a brief handbook on the proper mode of serving God, through faith, hope, and love. It is easy to say what one ought to believe, what to hope for, and what to love. But to defend our doctrines against the slander of those who think differently is a more difficult and detailed task. If one is to have this wisdom, it is not enough just to put an enchiridion in the hand. It is also necessary that a great eagerness be in the heart.
There are several aspects to consider when exploring the Christian worldview. There are many facets or denominations and they each have their own distinct beliefs and practices, but they all share the same fundamental beliefs. In this Paper we will explore the character of God, His creation, humanity and its nature, Jesus’ significance to the world, and the restoration of humanity, as well as my beliefs and the way that I interact with Christianity and my personal worldview.
With this in mind, the objective of this essay is to focus on the main ideas of each theologian, and discuss how each theologian’s ideas are compensatory to the other. This is important because even though each theologian’s writings were inspired by the harsh realities of the societies, and also by the effect each writer experienced in their moment in history, their critiques specifically of Christian institutions remain a consistent amongst all three writings. Furthermore, not only are their critiques consistent, but their goals for providing new frameworks for the future of the Church and Christian discipleship are consistent as well.
God’s written law is something that is and should be continuously turned, to not only when Christians find themselves in need, but also throughout in one’s daily life. The four gospels tell to story of Jesus’ life and his teachings he gave while on the earth making it possible for there to be a true example of Christ-like faith. The proposition that there are differences in the story of Jesus and in his teachings seems to question the basis upon which the Christian faith is found upon. Rather than proclaiming the gospels as falsehoods because on the differences they possess, by analyzing the differences in the context of the particular gospel it can be understood that the differences are not made by mistake, rather as a literary device. While
Justification by faith is of great importance, it is the foundation of our whole position and standing with God. Martin Luther wrote, “When the article of justification has fallen, everything has fallen.” John Calvin called it, “the main hinge on which religion turns.” Thomas Watson said, “Justification is the very hinge and pillar of Christianity.” The issue of Justification was the primary dispute between the reformers and the Roman Catholic Church, and the problem was, and still is, between salvation by faith alone and salvation based on good works.
What is Christianity all about? What are the basic beliefs of Christianity and how did it begin? According to (AllAboutReligion, 2010),” Christianity began about 2000 years ago in Judea, [presently known today as Israel] with Jesus Christ and His faithful group of disciples”. This paper will address the viewpoint of the Christian faith and its outcome. The central message of Christianity is based upon the teachings of Jesus and his promises.
Salvation or "being saved" means redemption from the power of sin. In practical terms, God 's salvation is what we need to get to heaven or attain eternal life. (Leitch, 2010) Salvation is a major theme in the many parts of the Bible and the Qur’an. It was written in to the stories so that followers of the religion would adhere to the rules and regulations set by God and achieve the common goal: eternal life in heaven. Salvation in religion will be explored through a brief overview of Salvation and what it means in the general sense, Salvation in the texts in the Bible, the teaching of salvation in Christianity and Islam and how this differs.
To attempt to address these questions, Gundry compiles a collection of responses from the views of five scholars representing the Weslyan (Melvin E. Dieter), Reformed (Anthony A. Hoekema), Pentecostal (Stanley M. Horton), Keswick (J. Robertson McQuilkin), and Augustinian-Dispensational (John F. Walvoord). Each contributor provides an overview and introduction to their specific evangelical position and at the same time compare and critique as they response to the other views presented. This is an excellent study as it helps to clarify the essentials as well as the distinctiveness of each position.
Every human on the planet aspires to be his or her best, yet most will fail. One way or another, the distractions in the world today have brought mankind to an age in which salvation may be precisely what is needed. Undoubtedly, the strongest force on the planet needs saving from itself. Salvation in religion has always been fascinating to me. I was prompted to accept salvation through the church at a young age.
Salvation, in Christianity, is defined as the state of being saved from sin or evil (Merriam-Webster). The word salvation is mentioned in one hundred and fifty-eight different verses in the Bible (The Holy Bible: KJV). It is written in John 3:16 that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” According to that verse, God loves us so much that he gave the life of his only Son so that we could obtain salvation from the sin and evil within the world. The verse also explains that by believing in God and that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins we can have life everlasting in heaven with him. Numerous times salvation and the Christian faith can seem confusing to those who are not Christians. However, as the verse John 3:16 explains, salvation is in actuality simple. Hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of the one true God, repenting of sin, and confessing that Jesus Christ is God’s son who was sent to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind is how we can obtain salvation and have eternal life in heaven.
The doctrine of salvation contains various aspects. The intent of this research paper is to provide a general overview of salvation from the angle of justification, propitiation, grace, redemption, and sanctification.
There are many views of the assurance of salvation. Most current denominational systems are based on one of these views of salvation. This research will only look at three of the most popularly held views.
Within the Bible it reveals the essentials and key concepts of the Christian faith. There are a few essential principles that most Christians believe, which are as follows; the deity of Christ, belief in the resurrection and the power it gives us over death and sin and, salvation by God’s grace and not by works but salvation is through Jesus. It would s necessarily that we understand these key principles and believe in them if we are truly to be followers of Jesus Christ. In today 's society it is import that the Christian faith values its historical past and be flexible enough to reach the generation today. In this paper I will briefly discuss the essentials of Christian faith
Lutzer, Erwin. The Doctrines That Divide: a Fresh Look at the Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1998.