Attempting to rank aspects of salvation is in view, today. There is no BATTLE AXE. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “ Big Mo” (Level 7 with 31,594 points, a member since November 15, 2008) posted the following:
Which is most important for salvation? Baptism, repentence, faith, or good works?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1st Corinthians 13: 9-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Salvation is Conditional? (01/30/2014); Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Bible Justice? (01/26/2014)
“Big Mo”, here are a few points from my understanding that also may nourish Christian belief:
(1.) Because GOD is a spirit, the various aspects of salvation should not be thought of as discrete, limited, and temporal (having only a fixed duration). When all the demands for completeness, fullness, maturity and wholeness will be met, mankind will have been transformed to be immortal and incorruptible. Thus, we say, GOD will have established the believer in perfection.
(2.) Because mankind remains in flesh, there are multiple divine operations that must be carried out within the life of a Christian believer. Included are atonement, baptism (death of the inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), forgiveness, judgment, repentance, resurrection, revelation, and sanctification. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, believers now receive a fresh endowment of that same Spirit that was breathed into Adam, and upon those apostles that were gathered after the crucifixion. Inseparable (where one appears, all may be found) aspects from the makeup of GOD are imparted such as faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While faith is made up only of faith, holiness only of holiness, these features are eternal, immutable aspects of divinity. The exchange, interaction, movement and shifts among these features establish the active presence we call GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) The question, What’s more important for breathing, lungs or oxygen, does not acknowledge that the two are bound in a peculiar life process. Similarly, the question on salvation does not take into account that a divine point of view must be taken along with that from the flesh. Thus, in 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13, King James Version, the Apostle Paul proclaims that, among the three (faith, hope and charity), charity (we say, love) is the greatest. Time and space, the usual frameworks used to determine position and value for human experience, are not always useful when focus is upon ones spirit content, and the process of spiritual growth. Prophecy and other language in the holy writings that speak regarding things inseparable from salvation are often “on condition;” may juxtapose and display unusual pairings; may omit direct reference to things present yet unseen; and may provide no clear temporal sequence.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment