The Cross of Christ Alone Can Save

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Why do some have problems accepting this?

I have a hunch why. And I have a hunch why in our human nature is a hesitancy to accept. But most would be tradition.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by pelathais

We could not and we simply cannot do anything to save ourselves (Ephesians 2:12-13 and Acts 2:21-40). We must call out to Him for salvation (as you have said) and then trust in His salvation, the cross of Calvary.

How do you reconcile this scripture, Pel?

Acts 2:40 "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I believe this to be false. Obviously Christs death on the cross was the BASIS for our salvation. But Paul never thought anyone would try to segment his teachings like we see today.

How does this doctrine that the cross only saves play out? I suppose that all one must do is believe Christ died on the cross for us.

Paul himself added somethings to this.

8: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9: 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.
10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:8-12

Was Paul a heretic? He said we must CONFESS the Lord Jesus in order to be saved!

He also said we must CALL ON HIS NAME in order to be saved!

All part of the same Mike all part of the same!

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Neck

All part of the same Mike all part of the same!

Some of us believe Acts 2:38 works the same way!

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Some of us believe Acts 2:38 works the same way!

You make Acts 2:38 a doctrinal creed, when it was never intended as such. In doing so, you frustrate yourself by making a circle fit like a square in the rest of scripture. That a believer should be baptized and is promised the Spirit is understood as part of Luke's fast-moving story. When a person is saved is not answered, but we can't find it any clearer than by Paul, who labors on this subject in Romans. It's not incomplete writing he gives us.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Some of us believe Acts 2:38 works the same way!

The difference is many make the beginning of a true believers salvation an election a sure thing only after completing the 3 Acts in Acts 2:38. Some believe that the seal is applied by believing that Christ died for our sins and repenting for our sins. Then the opportunity to walk into the waters of Baptism and to seek the spirit is part of the Christian experience.

[Jeffrey]

What is the root of this confession? (Hint v8 gives a great lead in with "the word of faith" that's near your heart and mouth. Calling on the Lord, confessing the Lord are all ways faith is expressed. The saving comes by believing in Jesus and the Gospel story. Bottom line. We can justify things like confessing and believing to be add-ons to justify the dozens of other steps people connect it to, but you're missing the point of what Paul is claiming.

You said it right in how we "segment" his teachings today.

[Jeffrey]

"believing" is not on the head level, it's on the heart level.
The Satan didn't believe God at the heart level, that He is on the throne and was a Provider, the proof was his actions of Pride, in attempt to lift himself up toward God. The devil is reprobate and believes his own lie.

His believing is a head knowledge -- not a heart level response and realization that Jesus is LORD, the conqueror of all:

The demons are not atheists; they believe there is a God, and tremble at the thought of Him. They know all about Him and His power. They knew Christ when He was here. We hear the legion of demons in the man of Gadara say, "What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?" (Matt. 8:29). They not only recognized and acknowledged Christ, but they actually prayed to Him and had their prayers answered. "So the devils besought Him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go" (Matt. 8:31, 32). Yet for all this, demons are not saved, nor can they be.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by notofworks

"Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting. Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are doing it for just one reason. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save."

Galatians 6:11-12 NLT


These things really hit me today as I read this today:
1) The cross of Christ alone can save.
2) If we add one thing at all to the saving power of the cross, we can add anything. When does it stop?
3) Among all the debates as to how many steps there are to salvation, we seem to miss the fact that the only step that matters is the step taken by Christ on the cross.
4) There clearly is a cost to pay if one teaches that the cross of Christ alone can save.

amen!

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by notofworks

"Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting. Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are doing it for just one reason. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save."

Galatians 6:11-12 NLT


These things really hit me today as I read this today:
1) The cross of Christ alone can save.
2) If we add one thing at all to the saving power of the cross, we can add anything. When does it stop?
3) Among all the debates as to how many steps there are to salvation, we seem to miss the fact that the only step that matters is the step taken by Christ on the cross.
4) There clearly is a cost to pay if one teaches that the cross of Christ alone can save.

amen