The favorite doctrine of the Evangelicals—“once saved always saved”—makes plenty of folks presume their salvation as well. How many people are “saved” at an altar call by praying the Sinner’s Prayer but never actually live out a life of fidelity to the Gospel? Later they might go to the altar call again and again, proclaiming that they are “rededicating” their lives to Christ. That is, if they are convicted. Cultural Christianity is definitely not the boon of just Catholics.
Yes baptism saves you, but it primarily puts you in a covenant relationship with God. Part of this relationship is cooperating with grace. Just becuase someone who is baptized is not currently living the way they should doesn’t mean the graces needed for conversion and stirring up the gift of their baptism aren’t available. God can very well remind them of their relationship and tug at their hearts to make a good confession.
This was a good read. You broke this down so well.
Random & only somewhat related, but I find it fascinating that Margaret Sanger called abortion a "horror" (Woman and the New Race, Chap. 2) and "a disgrace to civilization" (ibid., Chap. 10). This isn't a defense of her or her character, but it is interesting that Planned Parenthood today is very focused on abortion.
Thanks for reading. That’s interesting. Williams mentions that in his work as well. My wife was telling me she was apparently raised in a Catholic home, but her father walked away from the faith after his wife died.
I love Dr. Craig. Excellent article. I agree we must guard ourselves from “pragmatic” theology. Protestants I feel, often are afraid of mystery.
Thank you for reading, Javier. Glad you enjoyed it. Love watching Craig debates in seminary.
Interesting article, well written
Thank you, sir! It’s probably my new pipe!
The favorite doctrine of the Evangelicals—“once saved always saved”—makes plenty of folks presume their salvation as well. How many people are “saved” at an altar call by praying the Sinner’s Prayer but never actually live out a life of fidelity to the Gospel? Later they might go to the altar call again and again, proclaiming that they are “rededicating” their lives to Christ. That is, if they are convicted. Cultural Christianity is definitely not the boon of just Catholics.
Yes baptism saves you, but it primarily puts you in a covenant relationship with God. Part of this relationship is cooperating with grace. Just becuase someone who is baptized is not currently living the way they should doesn’t mean the graces needed for conversion and stirring up the gift of their baptism aren’t available. God can very well remind them of their relationship and tug at their hearts to make a good confession.
Amen. Thanks for reading.
This was a good read. You broke this down so well.
Random & only somewhat related, but I find it fascinating that Margaret Sanger called abortion a "horror" (Woman and the New Race, Chap. 2) and "a disgrace to civilization" (ibid., Chap. 10). This isn't a defense of her or her character, but it is interesting that Planned Parenthood today is very focused on abortion.
Thanks for reading. That’s interesting. Williams mentions that in his work as well. My wife was telling me she was apparently raised in a Catholic home, but her father walked away from the faith after his wife died.