Originally posted by Skibi:
Do not discount your true worth in God's eyes with human logic. You
are worth the blood of Jesus Christ. God judges the heart. Thus
every deed done with a sincere heart is perfect in God's eyes no
matter how insignificant it may seem to others. In this way we can
be as perfect and holy as God which is necessary for
salvation.
Of inner character, deeds and faith. Inner character is most
important followed by deeds which reflect that inner character.
Faith while commendable, is not necessary for salvation - those who
reject Jesus in this life because of the actions of
unworthy/hypocritical/bigoted christians may still be saved based
on their inner character and deeds. [b]Thus salvation is open to all and
not exclusive to christians - because Jesus died for
everyone.[/b]
Truth remains the Truth,
yes salvation is open to everyone, but only those that are willing
to humble themselves to admit their own inability and humbly
receive this gift of salvation that is by grace through faith in
Christ Jesus will be saved.
[its like a sinking ship in the middle of the ocean, the life boats
are for everyone, but only those that are willing to get into the
life boat will be saved, those that refused, goes down with the
ship]
Faith not necessary for salvation?
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone
who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who earnestly seek him.
How is it that Faith become not necessary when without faith one
cannot even please God.
If Inner character and deeds is the sole citerial for salvation,
than there is no need for Christ to die on the cross, it would have
been better if He just stick around and teach people how to have
inner character and do good deeds.
Hebrews 9:22
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with
blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no
forgiveness.
yet it is written, without blood, there can be no forgiveness of
sins.
This school of taught of salvation by works is totally un-christian
(hence I asked if you are a gnostic practioneer, for you do not
sound christian in your basic doctrine, and I find it pointless to
continue doctrinal discourse with one that do not subscribe to
it).
why unchristian?
1) It nullified the works, suffering, death, resurrection of Christ
Jesus our Lord
2) It nullified the perfect requirements of God shown in the Law of
Moses
3) It nullified the testamonies of the Holy Spirit as a witness to
the promises of God and a seal to our salvation
In short it seek to nullify the entire salvation plan of God and
reduce Christ to a status of only a good teacher.
1 Peter 3:18-22
18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body
but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and
preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God
waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,
21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you alsonot the
removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience
toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who
has gone into heaven and is at God's right handwith angels,
authorities and powers in submission to him.
You are saved by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, not by you
works, not by your inner character, not by your good deeds.....
