The Cross of Christ Alone Can Save

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by DAII

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. NKJV

This notion that we purchase our salvation be ANATHEMA.

I think that the context of what Paul is speaking about in Ephesians 2 is that the Gentiles, having always been called "uncircumcised", have now been united with Christ. They were not ushered in by a free pass. They too had to obey the Gospel.

Ephesians 2:11 "Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. 14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."

I'm not sure whether we are talking past each other, but I have issue with this in the discussion:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I must believe and have faith, but there are things that I must obey and do. Are you suggesting that you are saved by belief alone?

Originally Posted by pelathais

Suggesting? Sister, I'm shouting it.

This gives the impression there is nothing demanded on my part - just belief. I still have to respond and obey the Gospel. If all I had to do to be saved is to believe, what would be the point of repenting and baptism? My belief causes me to respond to the Gospel and to go on to perfection (maturity) in Christ.