The Greatest Message!

[IlliniPastor]

Those of us who are Baptists or Evangelicals have what I believe to be the most biblically centered message in the entire world. We preach (I hope) that salvation/justification is by faith alone. Paul tells us in Romans 10:9-10 that salvation is by faith. No works can put us in a right relationship with God. My heart goes out to those who are in Churches that preach salvation by baptism or some other work. This has driven me lately to discuss the issue of salvation with those inside and outside of the Church with more passion. I want to discuss it with those in the Church to see if they can explain what salvation is. I want to discuss it with those outside of the Church because it can transform their lives for eternity. May we stand firm on the Message of salvation by grace through faith all of our days.

[EDWARDJL]

I appreciate the sincerity of your message.  There is not doubt that by God's grace and mercy we a drawn to him an believe.  We are saved by "Grace alone".  The bible says that we are saved by faith.  It never says, by "faith alone".  Martin Luther added this to his doctrine and his bible during the reformation.

The only time faith and alone are ever used together is in James, CH 2, where James says that you are "not justified by faith alone".

[ex cathedra]

I appreciate the sincerity of your message.  There is not doubt that by God's grace and mercy we a drawn to him an believe.  We are saved by "Grace alone".  The bible says that we are saved by faith.  It never says, by "faith alone".  Martin Luther added this to his doctrine and his bible during the reformation.

The only time faith and alone are ever used together is in James, CH 2, where James says that you are "not justified by faith alone".

check out the lutheran forum from time to time Luthers own defence of his use of the  word alone may just be there in the near future.
i dont think i can find a tame version of it.----------So be prepared its not pope or priest  friendly .