The Cross of Christ Alone Can Save

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by pelathais

The title of the thread is "The Cross of Christ Alone Can Save" - not "faith alone..." In our discussion of the cross we obviously need to have some sort of language that will explain how an event 2,000 years ago could even have any sort of impact on our lives today. The way that we "reach across time and space" to place ourselves at the foot of the cross along side the centurion and the repentant thief is through faith.

It is a Calvinist maxim that "faith alone" saves (Sole Fide) and I'm not a Calvinist. Though I do have some respect for that particular strain of thought, I have also noticed that even most Calvinists will scurry to add something like "Faith alone in Jesus Christ alone..." so even they don't really appear to mean "faith alone."

If we say, "The Cross of Christ alone can save", then I will have to say that the message Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost is the message of the Cross. It includes what the Cross entailed. I can then agree that the message of the Cross is what saves. That there is no other message.

Due to the prevalence of Pauline writings using the word "works" and how that clearly is never applied to repentance (nor even baptism) I chose to just stay away from that application altogether.

Technically, anything that is a verb can be said to also be a "work." Verbs are action words. They describe and action or a response to an action that in itself is just another action anyway. That is why it's important to see how the words and terms are being used in their specific context.

"Believing" is a verb; but it is never described as a "work" in the NT. When people's reasoning has become so broken down that they demand upon expounding this sort of confusion - well, then the least of their problems is the need for an English lesson from me.

I agree we need to be careful with our wording and explanation of "works".

But, I also want to remember that the Word says that Abraham believed God, had righteousness imputed to him and was called the friend of God. Yet, James states that we see how he was justified by his works and not by faith only. James 2:23-24

Abraham's faith caused him to be obedient. The Bible says that he was not only justified by his faith alone, but by his works. It's hard to read that and not say that our obedience is not a work. If we have obeyed the Gospel, I believe we have done a work. Not in obtaining our own righteousness, but in our obedience to Him.

James also speaks of Rahab being justified by her works, which not only brought her salvation, but into the lineage of David.

I enjoy talking to PO. I think we're both on the same page generally speaking, we just have different ways of articulating it. As you pointed out earlier, I do have my reasons having chosen to take this tack. I also believe that in the long run it will be more beneficial for everyone.

Enjoy talking to you also, Pel. I think we are, generally, on the same page. But, I am a strong proponent of Acts 2:38. If that makes me a three-stepper, than I willingly accept that tag. LOL!