Conflict #07: The Way saves all vs God saves the “worthy” … (09/16/18)
The topic of Salvation (most notably what is required to attain the same) has been debated by theologians and scholars for centuries past, and there are so many divergent biblical passages related to this theme that it will probably be argued by theologians and scholars for centuries to come. That having been said, one point that is beyond debate is the one that illuminates the fact that the views of Paul and the teachings of Jesus pertaining to Salvation do not at all harmonize – with Paul‘s theology being built upon attaining Salvation via a mental &/or verbal faith in Christ (see Romans 10:9-10 et al) that activates the “free gift” of God’s grace (Romans 6:23), and Jesus‘ ministry being built upon the belief that Salvation was a blissful state of being only accessible to those who humbled themselves enough to actively Care for others (Matthew 18:3-4 & John 13:15-17) – especially the downtrodden in their communities (Matthew 25:35-40) &/or the enemies in their lives (Matthew 5:44-48).
*Where Paul says that Salvation “depends not upon man’s will or exertion, but solely upon God’s mercy” and that God “has mercy upon whomever He wills, and hardens the heart of whomever He chooses” (see Romans 9:16-18 – see also Romans 8:28-30 & 2 Corinthians 1:10), Jesus counters quite clearly in saying “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7) and “if you understand [my teachings on humility and kindness], blessed are you who do them” (John 13:17) …
*Where Paul claims that Salvation comes from worshiping Jesus Christ as the only Son of God (see Romans 3:21-26, Romans 5:17-21, Romans 10:9-10, & 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 et al), Jesus himself vehemently & repeatedly denies this same postulation (see Matthew 4:1-10, Matthew 7:21, Matthew 19:17, Mark 10:18, John 5:41, John 7:16, John 8:50-54, & John 12:44 et al) …
*Where Paul states that Salvation is fully precluded for all “wrongdoers” (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10), Jesus makes it quite clear that any & every kind of sinner is fully redeemed in each & every moment he or she chooses to selflessly Care for others (see Matthew 13:18-23, Matthew 24:12-14, Matthew 25:35-40, Luke 7:47, Luke 9:23, Luke 10:25-28, Luke 10:29-37, John 13:15-17, & John 15:12 et al) …
*Where Paul proclaims that Salvation is a one-time event that must be waited for (see Romans 8:23 et al), Jesus makes it clear that Salvation is to be repeatedly renewed throughout one’s lifetime (see Matthew 7:21, Matthew 13:18-23, Matthew 24:12-131, Luke 9:23, Luke 17:20-21, John 3:8, & John 13:15-17 et al) …
*Where Paul boasts that Salvation is only for the privileged few (see Romans 9:27 & 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 et al), Jesus announces that Salvation is for one and all – for every single person who chooses to recognize the selfless Spirit within by acting accordingly (see Matthew 5:7, Matthew 19:29-30, Mark 9:35, Luke 14:10-11, Luke 14:21-242, John 1:12-133, John 3:21, John 5:25-29, John 8:12, John 13:15-17, & John 15:7-12 et al).
“The night is far gone,
and the day is at hand.”
~ Paul (Romans 13:12)
“See that you are not led astray. For others will come in my
name saying: ‘The time is at hand.’ Do not follow them.”
~ Jesus Christ (Luke 21:8)
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1Here, the King James Version of Matthew 24:13 proves to be by far the most accurate (or at the very least the one most in alignment with the rest of Jesus’ ministry) in that it translates the Greek word sosethetai (Strong’s #4982) in its present tense form (“shall be saved”) instead of its future tense form (“will be saved”).
2Some theologians &/or Christian believers might argue that this passage shows Jesus condemning “those who were invited” to his metaphorical banquet, and yet what this passage actually denotes is the fact that those who were originally invited themselves turned down the offer to sit and partake thereof; that this is the reason they will not be able to “taste [his] supper” – that everyone, even the most undesirable of undesirables; nay, especially the most undesirable of undesirables, will have a place at the table if he or she chooses to sup there.
3This passage in John 1 (indeed all of the Gospel of John) can be best understood when coupled with the truths shared in John 11:25 (“Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live”) and John 14:12 (“The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do”).
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