Romans 10:9 is one example of a number of passages that present an abbreviated summary of what is necessary for salvation. For example,Jesus preached that one must "repent and believe" (Mk 1:15). However, when the rich young man came to Jesus and asked him what he must do to be saved, Jesus answered: "keep the commandments" (Mt 19:17). Jesus said nothing about faith. Peter also omits faith when he responds to the question "Bretheren what shall we do" (Acts 2:39)? However, in answering the Philippian jailer, Paul says: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31), St. Paul doesn't mention repentance or baptism.
If one assumes the position that Romans 10:9 provides the complete blueprint of what is required for salvation, then very important truths are rejected as unnecessary. This reduces Christianity to 1) confessing "confession that Jesus Christ is Lord" and "believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead." However what about repentance? is baptism superfluous? Are the commandments irrelevant? May one reject the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, the creation, the Fall and the consequences of original sin, the inerrancy of the Bible, inspiration, Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross, the existence of heaven and hell, and the Second Coming?
The passage specifically stipulates the obligation to confess with his lips. Does this mean the mute cannot be saved?
See the entire article at http://www.scboromeo.org
4 comments:
I only have a minute....
Read Matthew 19:17 in context and let's discuss if Jesus indeed says nothing about faith. Here it is:
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Sue, the author only meant that Jesus said nothing about faith in Matthew 19:17 and in deed Jesus does not say, "If you would enter life,keep the commandments AND have faith." It's just not in that particular verse.
Jesus does not say, "If you would enter life,keep the commandments AND have faith."
I agree, Jesus does not say that!
In my haste yesterday I thought the guy was making an argument against justification by faith. Now that I reread the post I realize it is just a bunch of sarcasm and not worth addressing.
I don't think Mr. Seghers was being sarcastic at all. In fact I think he had some valid points.
But let me be clear Sue Bee, the fact that I have NEVER EVER read a solid Protestant response to the arguments against sola fide is one of the reasons I would never consider leaving the Catholic church for Protestantism.
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