The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Justification

savebygrace97 said:
I just wanted to add a couple more things. All of this of course is a great way for me to think and to log down my thoughts and to straighten everything out.

1. So the issue at hand is.... does one need to actually "hear or read" the gospel to be saved?

I believe so because of what we're told in Romans 10.

2. Why do people feel uncomfortable with the part of the gospel that deals with original sin and repentance? Why are people uncomfortable with the idea that one needs to "hear" the gospel preached to them for conviction to repentance before they can accept Jesus as Lord and be justified?

Because I believe that people don't want to confront their sin and they just want a place they can go to that will encourage them and help them to be "positive" and "happy."

Ideas like sin, condemnation, repentance and hell are to "touchy."

So it's this part of the gospel that is left out.

So, while I'm a firm believer in the Law of Christ and leading our Christian lives focusing on the fruits of the Spirit rather then on total obedience to the Law, I still firmly believe that we are shown in the New Testament time and time again that the "whole" convicting gospel is essential for our Justification and Sanctification.

When we lose sight of this, when we want to just focus on "goodness" and "happiness" we have a tendency to turn our focus away from repenting from our sin to that of a works faith. If we are not humbled, if we do not recognize are weakness, then we will focus instead on our pride and our works. i.e.; self-esteem. We will try to "justify" ourselves and therefore reject that we need a savior because we deserve to go to hell.

If we go down this road, then of course our gospel will include the doctrine of people being able to be justified or have Christs' righteousness imputed to them without having to proclaim Christ as their Lord and Savior. That people can be saved through just simply obeying their conscience and or Gods general revelation. That they can have the law written on their hearts and as long as they lead a life of good works and repentance or (turning away from doing wrong and feeling sorry for their mistakes and asking a higher power for forgiveness) that from their labor and the fruit shown from it, that is clear indication that Gods Holy Spirit has worked in them to renew their hearts.

Again, the argument is "why not?" Why couldn't this be? God can do anything He wants to right?

Again I say no, God can't and won't do anything, because He is limited to His character and His promises. God doesn't work in this manner because He has been very clear about how salvation comes about in a person. (again refer to Romans 10).

So anyway, thanks again for all the inputs. Again, if I could get some more feedback, I would appreciate it. I'm still shaky on all of this and I need to be %100 sure of myself and have all my ducks in a row when I sit down with my pastors.

Why?

Well it's simple. The truth is, is that pastors are pretty stubborn and prideful. It has been my experience that to introduce a new idea or change to a pastor is practically impossible. I wish and pray it weren't so, but it seems to be the case most of the time.

So I will continue to pray and ask God to use me to work in my congregation and to prepare me to bring the truth in an effective and convicting way.

Thanks,

Dave