I’m not so sure of that statement. The Gospel message and forgiveness are based upon faith alone in Christ alone. Most Christians never make it beyond a handful of basic doctrines,....spiritual 3rd graders, if you will, but our salvation isn’t dependent upon our academic advancement, as much as it rests upon simple faith in Him.
Considering it took the early Church some 300 years to express the doctrine of the Trinity, I believe many of them were still saved believers even without the maturity of those doctrines.
It took the Organized Church 300 years.
It took Peter one second to realize that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
And the Church of Christ is made up of people who realize the Truth for themselves. Upon that rock, that type of man, Jesus builds his true Church.
It took the Organized Church 300 years.
It took Peter one second to realize that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
And the Church of Christ is made up of people who realize the Truth for themselves. Upon that rock, that type of man, Jesus builds his true Church.
It took the Organized Church 300 years.
It took Peter one second to realize that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
And the Church of Christ is made up of people who realize the Truth for themselves. Upon that rock, that type of man, Jesus builds his true Church.
I see your point, but there is clearly some issues with faith in a salvation purchased by “just a man.” One would have to believe Jesus Christ Son of God is one of the three following:
1. Truly God and Truly man-which puts salvation in the firm hands of God’s Sovereignty
2. A “demigod” as “son” of a “God”
3. Just a man who was at times indwelled with God’s attributes and was empowered to follow the Law perfectly
To select 2 or 3 above one would have to answer a lot of questions about the Nature of the Holy Spirit. Also would have to answer a bunch of questions on how Jesus Christ claimed Himself as always BEING...The Alpha and Omega.
Which brings us to the discussion point of those who deny Jesus Christ is God then was He created? Since God is the Creator and everything else is the created. So if one takes the position “Jesus is not God” then they would have to concede Jesus Christ was a created Being. And if He was a created being, then the perfect spotless sacrifice for sins is called to question.
Then of course we come to the following revelation from Thomas when he doubted Christ was raised from the dead:
John 20:
26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
Was Thomas rebuked? No. Was there some language difficulty in the passage which would call Thomas’ revelation into question...No. I posted this passage 5 times with no answer from those who deny Jesus Christ as Truly God and Truly man.
I agree with that statement completely. However, that includes believing who Jesus is. If we don’t believe that He is God incarnate we don’t believe in Him and who He said He was.