In reply to:
[color:"blue"]Second, they must also go on to exegetically demonstrate from particular Scriptures that a sinner's mere faith in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins (i.e. trusting that God is willing, faithful and just to forgive our sins) is not in itself salvific but must be accompanied by faith in the way in which God provides salvation as described in point 1.

First of all, I think that this second point is an arbitrary one and its source questionable. Secondly, the phrase, simple faith begs the question, What is this faith in its simplicity? For example, it is the popular semi-Pelagian/Arminian "Sandamanian faith"? or is it biblical "Fiducia"? The fact is, true saving faith is very complex and anything but "simple". [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/grin.gif" alt="grin" title="grin[/img] Thirdly, if an individual truly believes what semi-Pelagian/Arminianism teaches theologically, then whatever faith is expressed is clearly not salvific. For the individual is actually trusting in his/her "decision/faith" to save and not in Christ alone and His finished work which saves. (see my article: Do Really Believe that Salvation is by Grace Alone?.

Another fact is that there are those who intellectually defend the semi-Pelagian/Arminian doctrines but aren't resting in them for salvation. In short, there is a stark inconsistency between what is in their heads and what resides in their heart. Personally, I would say that this group is under-represented and that the vast majority of professing believers are yet unregenerate.

Is semi-Pelagianism/Arminianism a false gospel and a damnable heresy? Without a doubt! The history of the Christian Church reveals that this system of error has been rejected and deemed "damnable heresy". ( cf. The Canons of the Synod of Dordtrect ).

In His Grace,


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simul iustus et peccator

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