The difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is not one of salvation. Salvation is given by grace to everyone. Christians are simply those charged by God with a special mission. The meaning of being a Christian is not working at your own little salvation, but changing human history. –Jacques Ellul (French philosopher and theologian)
“salvation is given by grace to everyone.”
I can’t think of any Christian religion with that theology.
actually, it’s one of the oldest Christian beliefs, dating back toward the beginning of the Christian faith.
Well Paul said it is by grace that you are saved through faith, but you’re saying that the early Christians believed everyone is saved even if they don’t have faith?
So Catholics, Baptists, Calvinists, Arminians-all with a salvation theology with hell as an option-they’re all wrong?
this isn’t my quote, Jordan. But yeah, All of those denominations could be wrong. Why not? They don’t own the copyright on God.
Well if we can’t establish anything as truth, why do we witness to people? An athiest or Buddist’s belief is just as good as mine since we don’t own the copyright to God.
What’s so special about Jesus? Why is his philosophy better than the philosophy of Buddha or Confusious? Or is it?
I think Jesus is special because he backed up his big claims by rising from the dead. And he thought highly of scripture so I will too. That’s the progression I make to take theology from scripture. I think we need to be able to establish some things as truth.
Hey Jordan. If you would like to continue this conversation, send me an email! MatthewPaulTurner@gmail.com
More Ellul!!!!
I really like Ellul’s explanation of salvation as having two fulfillments (I think maybe it’s in Politics of God…): eternal salvation is secure, but only some people (those charged with the mission, as you said so nicely) taste it during their earthly life, and that earthly salvation can be lost.
God’s grace is given to everyone, even to those who choose not to accept it. At the same time, we in the church are instruments of God’s salvation by keeping the world safe for everyone, believers and unbelievers alike!
kind of makes the “good news” good, huh, Stephen? Thanks for the comment.
I think my “good news” is good too. accepting grace is not hard.
I’m gonna go read John Macarthur now.
that was a joke.
I do like him though.
of course, it is. we’re americans. BUT what if you were Indian or Chinese. Still good? As good?
I’m sure John MaCarthur is a nice guy, but his theology makes my heart hurt.