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To: Natural Law
My question is really quite simple; do you believe that all of what is necessary for Salvation is found in Scripture (sufficiency) or that Salvation can only be found in Scripture (exclusivity).

Yes; but it's TOO simple.The excluded middle calls out for representation.


With what you've got here; I'll say 'yes' to the first and "huh?" to the second.

I'd elaborate more on #2, but it would descend back into the abyss of

1. What is 'scripture'
2. You would not have 'scripture' if not for the CHURCH
3. Philip and the Eithopian would show the NEED for the CHURCH to 'explain' 'scripture' to you
4. Go back to #1

962 posted on 12/14/2012 5:07:17 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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To: Elsie
"but it would descend back into the abyss of..."

In these forums that is not a bad prediction, but that was not where I was going with the question. Whether sufficiency or exclusivity is the sola model followed I would like to show a common ground between Protestantism and Catholicism.

Although all Scripture is profitable, is it all necessary for Salvation? I will argue that it is not. Some say that 100% of Scripture is necessary, some say 100% plus, some say only the New Testament, or only the Gospels, and others say only the beatitudes. Everyone can cite versus that detail specific items as necessary for Salvation; faith, belief, baptism, works, etc. but a comprehnsive reading of ALL of Scripture will lead us to the conclusion that there is a plan for Salvation unique to each of us based upon our gifts, trials, opportunities and circumstances. Ultimately, Salvation is dependant ONLY on the will of God and one size does not fit all.

If we fight over the specifics of our doctrines we claiming that all who do not believe exactly as we do are damned we are implying Salvation comes only through superior knowledge and that is no where to be found in Scripture OR Tradition. It implies that until we achieve complete knowledge with complete fidelity to the intent of the Holy Spirit we cannot be saved. That was the heresey of the Gnostics.

"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

"Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me." - Philippians 2:12-18

Peace be with you.

1,030 posted on 12/14/2012 11:44:23 AM PST by Natural Law (Jesus did not leave us a Bible, He left us a Church.)
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