We are not saved by teachings/doctrines, by facts, by truth, by a message called "the gospel," or tenets of faith. We are saved by Jesus Christ. He is the Good News, the Gospel. What we call the gospel is a message about the Good News. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,"
Jesus said, but he also assures us that "I am the Truth!" The word is the message of salvation,
but Jesus is the Word. Truth makes us free, but Jesus told us, "If the Son shall make you free,
then you shall be free indeed." We are saved by a Person, not a message. I believe the message,
but not in the message.
We have become a doctrine oriented people more than a Christ related people. We find people who are already converted to Christ and then convert them to a different set of teachings as though the teachings saved.
While it is true that we cannot find Christ without teachings, these teachings, truths, and facts are of importance only as they lead us to establish our relationship in Christ and to sustain that relationship. Complete knowledge and understanding of all teachings are not necessary for that saving relationship, else none would be saved.
Our righteousness is not in our being right in all things, but in being in Him who is right and
gives us the gift of righteousness. Yes, Brother Legalist, both grace and righteousness are gifts
(Rom. 5:15-17)!
-Cecil Hook, '' Free to Speak''
Jesus said, but he also assures us that "I am the Truth!" The word is the message of salvation,
but Jesus is the Word. Truth makes us free, but Jesus told us, "If the Son shall make you free,
then you shall be free indeed." We are saved by a Person, not a message. I believe the message,
but not in the message.
We have become a doctrine oriented people more than a Christ related people. We find people who are already converted to Christ and then convert them to a different set of teachings as though the teachings saved.
While it is true that we cannot find Christ without teachings, these teachings, truths, and facts are of importance only as they lead us to establish our relationship in Christ and to sustain that relationship. Complete knowledge and understanding of all teachings are not necessary for that saving relationship, else none would be saved.
Our righteousness is not in our being right in all things, but in being in Him who is right and
gives us the gift of righteousness. Yes, Brother Legalist, both grace and righteousness are gifts
(Rom. 5:15-17)!
-Cecil Hook, '' Free to Speak''
posted from Bloggeroid
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