The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Any other reformed Baptist Systematic Theologies?

Must I repeat myself yet again? HOW can anyone who sits under false teaching and a false gospel be saved? Salvation ONLY comes from hearing, embracing, loving the truth via the saving work of the Holy Spirit who ONLY works in and through the TRUTH. As Paul clearly states in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of THE Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Notice the correlation between THE Gospel, the power of it (Spirit's inner working) and belief. A false gospel can only produce a false faith and a false faith can only produce a false salvation!!

I was an Atheist for 28 years. I was persuaded, looking back, by the Spirit of God, to begin reading the Bible and it was through that reading of it that the Spirit brought a conviction of sin upon me and opened my eyes to the beauty of Christ and my need of His righteousness in order to be reconciled to God and receive the remission of my sins. I then began to attend a local church that was your typical "evanjellycal" variety. The pastor was a very kind and loving man. He was very sincere in all that he preached and taught. However, as I continued to devour Scripture it became quickly apparent that what my pastor was teaching and what I was reading in Scripture were at variance. Within a short time, the Lord led me to a wonderful Christian bookstore where I purchased books written by many of the notable Puritans and modern writers, e.g., Jonathan Edwards works, the 16 vol. set of John Owen, Berkhof's Systematic Theology, John Flavel, etc. What became clear is that what I believed had a name... Calvinism. I was the black sheep of the church and ridiculed by many. But the Lord sustained me and convinced me that I should be formally educated, which I did; beyond my own intelligence. So yes, one can be saved outside of a false church but not because of the teachings of a false church.

Oh, and I probably already mentioned this before (memory loss does come with old age), but I will do so again. One is not saved by believing right doctrine. But one is not saved without right doctrine. There are myriad members of Calvinistic churches who believe Calvinism is biblical and some can articulate it near perfectly. Yet, they are still dead in their sins and in need of salvation in Christ.