The following statement is from the website of a large church in my area. First, let me say, I am glad this church has a gospel presentation on their website. I've been on many church and Christian ministry websites that lacked even the simplest Gospel message. I find that strange. However, I also find something strange about this closing paragraph of this church's Gospel message.
"It's really that simple! If you truly believe in the power of Christ's death to forgive your sin, and turn away from your sinful past, you'll be forgiven and restored and enjoy an eternal life with Jesus that begins today!"
Did you figure it out? I'm sure this church proclaims to believe salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. At least I think they do. There is no statement of faith on their website, but I'm familiar enough with it to say that they would believe salvation is by faith through Christ. That's why this paragraph puzzles me. There's an "and"....
I quote: "If you truly believe in the power of Christ's death to forgive your sin, AND turn away from your sinful past, you'll be forgiven..."
Wait!!! No where in the Bible does it say we must turn away from our sinful past to be forgiven. You can look it up. It's not there. The Bible says we must believe. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:31
The Bible says we are saved by grace. "For by grace are ye saved..." Eph 2:8
The Bible says we must have faith. "For by grace are ye saved, through faith..." Eph 2:8
The Bible says we must call upon the name of the Lord. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
The Bible says we must repent. "... repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15
But the Bible never says we must believe AND turn away from our sinful past to be saved. It's just believe. Salvation is not something I do, it's something Christ does. Salvation is my belief that Christ will forgive me when I put my faith and trust in Him. Salvation is to stop trusting in my own good works and trust only in the work of Christ on the cross. Salvation is not me trying to do better, or me trying to stop living in sin. John 3:16 is perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible, but it sums up salvation well.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
I think they could mean "repent" when they say "turn away from your sinful past" But then why not just say repent? And does repent mean to turn away from my sinful past? Some people think this.
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