Is this sound doctrine?

[2Timothy2]

Salvation is an event. It is a one time thing, and lasts for all eternity. We are "created in Christ Jesus unto good works", it is these good works, i.e. sanctification, that shows us we are saved. They do not merit anything for salvation. If a person professes faith, but then either never shows it in his life, or turns from it and goes on to the end that way, he was never saved. The New Birth, salvation, changes us, and we have God the Holy Spirit in us. This change and the indwelling Holy Spirit will cause us to obey God, to love Him and our brothers. But, just saying some words or a "prayer" means nothing, unless the faith is real. If the faith is real, it will show in our lives. So, the process is sanctification, just as LL said.

Our salvation is a done deal, if our faith is genuine. And if it is genuine, we will grow more like Christ. Our salvation will be culminated when Jesus returns to take us all to be with Him, but once we profess genuine faith, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, so, done deal.

 

[Athanasian Creed]

(snip)

(Eph 5:26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

(snip)

Being born of the water is simply being cleansed by the word of Christ. This happens simulatneously with being born of the Spirit. At least that's the way I understand it. I wouldn't be dogmatic about it.

I agree with you and would add another Scripture as backup -

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

The water refers to this "washing of regeneration" by the Spirit of God, Who, by doing so in our lives, renews us, makes us "new creations" - dead to self and rising in newness of life unto Christ !


Ray

 

[JustinWindsor]

'Sword-in-Hand' has the correct orthodox interpretation in post #4 of this thread.

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Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Scripture Alone

 

[Athanasian Creed]

'Sword-in-Hand' has the correct orthodox interpretation in post #4 of this thread.

Says who ????

What Scriptures did he use to prove his POV ??? IMO, God's Word says otherwise !!!



Ray

 

[JustinWindsor]

In John 3:5 Nicodemus submits to Jesus that we can't re-enter the womb and be born again. Jesus directly answers by explaining what He meant by being 'born again'. You have to be born physically, naturally, (water/flesh) and you must be born again of the Spirit to be saved. He repeats the concept to make sure Nicodemus does not misunderstand. This time, in verse 6, He uses the 'flesh' as the natural birth.

Jesus was explaining being born again. Born once of the flesh (water), then born again of the Spirit. That is the whole point of His discussion and answer to Nicodemus. So Nicodemus, and we, would understand the term 'born again' as well as the necessity of being 'born again'. There is nothing ambiguous in these verses. (John 3:4-8, NASB 1995, follows)

Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?"
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

May God Bless