Friday, April 10, 2009

Question #8 for Frank

We have seen that Orthodox Lutheranism and five-point Calvinism have two contrary definitions of Christ’s atonement. From this, they also derive two contrary definitions of the Gospel, only one of which is true and saving (Galatians 1:6-9). There is agreement that the Gospel is received by repentance and faith, but the definitions of repentance are quite different. In regards to justification, Orthodox Lutheranism sees repentance as the result of the preaching of God’s Law, by which one is made to feel the terrors of conscience concerning his sins. This, in and of itself, does not save anyone, but leads one to faith in the Gospel, which indeed does save.

While repentance and faith have a necessary relationship, they also have distinctions that clearly can be defined apart from one another. How do you define faith, and why do the Scriptures contrast it with works (Romans 3:27-28)?

Pastor Wood
rivergums@sbcglobal.net
Taking the Mask off Calvinism

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