It isn't salvation through Jesus Christ and faith in God, it is salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.
That is why our differences aren't cosmic, they are essential in determining who truly is a Christian.
Hm. Well, I was writing on the fly, and your distinction seems rather pedantic. I was not giving a roadmap to salvation, but rather a partial list of the important things all Christians hold in common. Surely you can admit the difference?
That is why our differences aren't cosmic, they are essential in determining who truly is a Christian.
Uhhh, ok. Which means, of course, that you're certain that YOU are a "true Christian," and as such you feel qualified to pass judgment on everybody else.
Seriously: doesn't that statement make you just a little bit uncomfortable? It sounds more than a little like this parable:
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14)
AMEN! It is God-given faith in the completed work of Christ risen from the cross.